The Thesis Track in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program allows students the flexibility to develop an individually tailored plan of study using courses traditionally associated with MA degrees. This precision track can combine a variety of concentrations and culminates in a research thesis, which provides excellent preparation for a future doctoral degree or a research-oriented career.
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is an excellent program for a number of endeavors in the twenty-first century. By combining the knowledge from two disciplines, supported by cross-disciplinary electives, students are able to precisely define their own area of expertise. This unique option is ideal for students who have varied interests that can be connected by a common theme or goal.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
6 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete the following:
- IDS6308 - Ways of Knowing (3)
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: A research methods course in one of the chosen concentrations
Elective Courses
21 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Students take a minimum of 18 credit hours in restricted electives, including two concentrations of 9 credit hours of courses each. Course and concentration selections are done in consultation with and with approval of the program director or academic coordinator, as well as with the student's faculty adviser and thesis committee.
Restricted Elective Courses- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: Electives in the first concentration.
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: Electives in the second concentration.
Unrestricted Elective Course- Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: in a discipline that complements the concentrations and further focuses the program of study.
Thesis
6 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
- IDS6971 - Thesis Research (3)
- Students should select a faculty adviser and form a thesis committee of two additional members no later than their third semester in the program. Before officially beginning work on the thesis, the student must submit a thesis proposal to the committee for approval. This proposal must cover the thesis topic and plan of approach. By the end of their degree, students will complete 6 credit hours of thesis and successfully defend their thesis. The thesis consists of a common theme with an introduction and literature review, details of the study, and results and conclusions. The thesis must be prepared and submitted in writing as well as presented and defended orally.
Independent Learning
0 Total Credits
- The thesis serves as the independent learning experience. In addition, the required methods course introduces students to research methodology that they will apply to their independent research work, and IDS 6308 acquaints them with interdisciplinarity through the use of student-driven analyses, discussions, and presentations.
Grand Total Credits: 33
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
- Personal statement addressing the following three items: (a.) Description of the two intended concentrations, (b.) What problems or issues are addressed by combining these concentrations, and (c.) What contribution(s) can the interdisciplinary combination make to society, a field of study, etc.
- Résumé.
- Three letters of recommendation (prefer academic references).
- Proposed program of study identifying the two concentrations and potential courses the student would take if admitted.
- Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Applicants should note the minimal requirements for admission to the program, although meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant's career/academic goals, and the applicant's potential for completing the degree.
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
