Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Individual Interdisciplinary Program at Ohio University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Ohio University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 36 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Ohio University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 36 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Individual Interdisciplinary Program programme at Ohio University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in interdisciplinary studies value. Common career destinations include:
- Leadership / Management Role: Apply advanced knowledge in leadership positions across industries.
- Research & Academia: Pursue doctoral studies or an independent research career.
- Consulting: Provide specialist expert advice to organisations in the field.
- Policy & Government: Shape public policy and sectoral regulation.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch innovative ventures leveraging deep specialist expertise.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Ph.D. Courses & Curriculum (PH6942)
Ph.D. students must complete at least 90-semester credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, including at least four (4) courses (12 credit hours) in each emphasis area. At least 2 of these courses (6 credits) must provide depth of knowledge in the field and at least two of these courses (6 credit hours) must provide breadth of knowledge. In addition, the student must complete a final project (dissertation, performance, etc.) acceptable to the Guidance Committee . The graduate chairs in the respective emphasis areas/disciplines will determine which courses provide depth of knowledge and which provide breadth of knowledge. Culminating Experience: The procedural rules for degree completion from the primary academic support unit will apply to the IIP student. In most cases, this includes some form of comprehensive exam as well as the completion and defense of a dissertation. View the Ph.D. Degree Requirements & Curriculum in the Official Academic Catalog
Admission Requirements
Eligibility
Applicants for the M.A. or M.S. degree must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and have achieved at least a 3.0 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) or its equivalent.
Application Materials
- A project proposal (3-5 pages for the Master, 5-8 pages for the Ph.D.) that includes: An explanation of why none of the related existing degrees meet the student’s educational and professional objectives. Tentative fields of study/areas of emphasis, including proposed courses statement of goals Prospective guidance committee members
- An explanation of why none of the related existing degrees meet the student’s educational and professional objectives.
- Tentative fields of study/areas of emphasis, including proposed courses
- statement of goals
- Prospective guidance committee members
- Academic Program Endorsement Letters A letter of support must be provided by each of the participating academic units. It should be written by the Program Director, Department Chair, or Associate Dean of the college to which the academic program corresponds. The letter should affirm the proposed courses related to the academic program and indicate departmental support for the IIP student. Specifically, the letter should: Affirm the academic relevance of the proposed coursework and its alignment with the program’s standards. Indicate the program’s willingness to support the student’s academic engagement by making reasonable efforts to provide access to: College/Departmental support staff College/Department Orientation materials College/Department Library resources, laboratories, and relevant software Seminars, colloquia, and other academic enrichment opportunities
- A letter of support must be provided by each of the participating academic units. It should be written by the Program Director, Department Chair, or Associate Dean of the college to which the academic program corresponds. The letter should affirm the proposed courses related to the academic program and indicate departmental support for the IIP student.
- Specifically, the letter should: Affirm the academic relevance of the proposed coursework and its alignment with the program’s standards. Indicate the program’s willingness to support the student’s academic engagement by making reasonable efforts to provide access to: College/Departmental support staff College/Department Orientation materials College/Department Library resources, laboratories, and relevant software Seminars, colloquia, and other academic enrichment opportunities
- Affirm the academic relevance of the proposed coursework and its alignment with the program’s standards.
- Indicate the program’s willingness to support the student’s academic engagement by making reasonable efforts to provide access to: College/Departmental support staff College/Department Orientation materials College/Department Library resources, laboratories, and relevant software Seminars, colloquia, and other academic enrichment opportunities
- College/Departmental support staff
- College/Department Orientation materials
- College/Department Library resources, laboratories, and relevant software
- Seminars, colloquia, and other academic enrichment opportunities
- Prospective Guidance Committee Member Letters A letter of support from each prospective Guidance Committee Member. These letters commit the faculty members to be the initial advisors of record for the applicant.
- A letter of support from each prospective Guidance Committee Member. These letters commit the faculty members to be the initial advisors of record for the applicant.
- General Letters of Recommendation At least three (3) letters of recommendation on academic preparation.
- At least three (3) letters of recommendation on academic preparation.
- Non-native speakers of English must also submit official English Proficiency scores.
- Transcripts of all previous academic work Additionally, prospective students should consult the website of the departments, schools, or programs that will serve as their emphasis areas and provide any additional materials (e.g., writing sample, additional letters of recommendation) required by those departments, schools, or programs.
- Additionally, prospective students should consult the website of the departments, schools, or programs that will serve as their emphasis areas and provide any additional materials (e.g., writing sample, additional letters of recommendation) required by those departments, schools, or programs.
Each application is considered soon after it is complete.
If you are a full-time OHIO administrator or faculty member please see the Graduate Catalog for policies regarding Conflict of Interest.
Students admitted to an Individual Interdisciplinary Programs degree cannot concurrently pursue any additional graduate or undergraduate degree.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 17,436/year (international)
Financial Support & Tuition
The Individual Interdisciplinary Program is not currently offering assistantships or university funding at this time . If an applicant intends to seek possible financial support from one or more of his/her cooperating academic disciplines, we strongly encourage that materials be submitted by the cooperating discipline's funding priority deadlines. Consult the discipline's website for information.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Support & Tuition
The Individual Interdisciplinary Program is not currently offering assistantships or university funding at this time . If an applicant intends to seek possible financial support from one or more of his/her cooperating academic disciplines, we strongly encourage that materials be submitted by the cooperating discipline's funding priority deadlines. Consult the discipline's website for information.
About Ohio University
Ohio University
Athens, United States
Ohio University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 36 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)