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What is the difference between the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) in Interdisciplinary Studies?

The primary difference between the two designations lies in the specific academic disciplines you choose to combine for your custom degree.

Master of Arts (MA): This program is typically ideal for students whose planned program focuses heavily on the humanities, arts, communications, or social sciences.

Master of Science (MS): This program is generally designed for students whose coursework is rooted in the natural sciences, health professions, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Importantly, the structural requirements and flexibility of the program remain the same regardless of the path you take. Both the MA and the MS have a thesis and a non-thesis option. This ensures that no matter what academic disciplines you bring together, you have the opportunity to culminate your degree with either rigorous academic research or practical, project-based experience.

Related FAQs

No, the program does not require an internship, clinical, or site visit to graduate. However, if you choose the non-thesis option, you must complete a capstone requirement. You can choose to fulfill this capstone through a practical project or an internship. If you opt for an internship, you will propose it to the program and select the placement yourself

Because this program is highly customizable, students choose their own courses based on their goals. However, there are a few foundational rules:

  • Your chosen courses must include at least two different disciplines, and you cannot take more than five courses in a single subject area.
  • All students are required to take a research methods course and the cornerstone class, IDS 6308: Ways of Knowing.
  • If you are on the non-thesis subplan, you must also complete a critical thinking and writing course.
  • All other coursework depends entirely on the custom concentrations you choose.