The Nonthesis Track in the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies program allows students the flexibility to develop an individually tailored plan of study using courses traditionally associated with a Master of Science (Engineering, Life and Physical Sciences, etc.) This track can combine a variety of concentrations and culminates in a capstone experience. The precision program is designed to help students prepare for applied, non-research oriented careers.
The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is an excellent program for a number of endeavors appropriate for the twenty-first century. By combining the knowledge from two disciplines, supported by cross-disciplinary electives, students 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
9 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete the following:
- IDS6308 - Ways of Knowing (3)
- IDS6351 - Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: A research methods course in one of the chosen concentrations.
Elective Courses
24 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Students take a minimum of 24 credit hours of electives, including two concentrations of 9 credit hours each of restricted electives and 6 credit hours of unrestricted electives. The additional electives can be from either concentration or additional areas that support the capstone project or intended use of the degree. Students who choose one of the pre-approved concentrations such as Diversity and Inclusion or Project Management can choose courses from those course listings on our website. Those students do not need to list 2 concentrations. Course and concentration selections are done in consultation with and with approval from the program director or academic coordinator. Coursework must be selected so that at least 50 percent of credit hours in the program is taken at the 6000 level.
Restricted Elective Courses- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: Three courses in the first concentration.
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: Three courses in the second concentration.
Unrestricted Electives- Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Two additional elective courses.
Capstone
0 Total Credits
- Students choose to complete a project, an internship, or a written comprehensive examination as their capstone experience. The capstone project should reflect a combination of the two concentrations in the degree by finding an applied policy area, special topic, or issue that crosses both areas. Some examples of project types include: writing a grant proposal for an agency, program evaluation, and recommendations, or a "best practices" literature review in a particular area. Students must choose three advisers for the project—one from each concentration area and one from a complementary discipline. The project will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The written examination will entail the selection of an exam committee of three faculty that will formulate questions to address both concentration areas. The student will have 48 hours to choose 2 of the 3 questions and complete the take-home exam. The exam should be completed in the student’s final semester of enrollment. The exam will be graded on a pass/fail basis. If the student does not pass both questions with a 70% or higher, the student will have two additional chances to retake the exam with new questions. The exam can be taken only once per semester. If the student must retake the exam, the student must enroll in IDS 6999 Graduation Requirement to remain active in the program.
Independent Learning
0 Total Credits
- The program is designed to provide numerous independent learning opportunities. The required methods course introduces students to research methodology that they will apply to independent research/capstone work. IDS 6308 acquaints students with interdisciplinarity through the use of student-driven analyses, discussions, and presentations. IDS 6351 engages students in verbal and written discussions, analyses and critiques of work they create and from the published literature. Additionally, the completion of the capstone experience will require independent learning that will be evaluated by the faculty in the specified disciplines.
Grand Total Credits: 33
Application Requirements
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.
