Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A.): Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Degree Awarded: M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies_{Select the degree to view its requirements.}

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) is a flexible, interdisciplinary graduate program in which you design your own research agenda and course of study. In the program, you integrate knowledge, methods, and perspectives from across different disciplines. You develop the expertise to address real-world problems or questions that fall beyond the scope of traditional disciplinary or professional programs.

This program is ideal for those seeking intellectual enrichment or professional enhancement. MAIS graduates are excellent problem solvers, critical and creative thinkers, and effective communicators. They are what many companies call "T-shaped professionals"--individuals with both breadth and depth of knowledge, who can integrate knowledge from a variety of sources, who are creative and innovative, and who can understand problems from different perspectives.

Program Contacts

Dr. Rhonda D. Davis
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies
(859)572-1433
davisr11@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Jacquelyn G. Haas, MA, ATC

Graduating Year: 2021

Education: Master of Arts Integrated Studies

"I had a wonderful experience with the Integrated Studies program at NKU. I was able to blend my interests in health science and health education to continue my learning process, which ultimately improved my teaching practices. The Integrated Studies program offers the ability to self-design and self-direct a unique academic program to meet students’ personal goals."

Career: Performing Arts Athletic Trainer, Educator, Part-Time Faculty NKU School of the Arts

"As a performing arts athletic trainer and educator I enjoy promoting an active and inclusive learning environment to support various learning styles. Students are more engaged when ‘learning and practice’ are integrated in the same space. The Integrated Studies program gave me a new transdisciplinary approach to teaching by using performing arts medicine research and active teaching methods. The goal is for my students to grow into productive artists and develop their own skills in areas of wellness, dance medicine, injury risks, and safe movement patterns."

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Internships: Interdisciplinary Studies students have a wide range of opportunities to create community partnerships for internship experiences. For example, students have completed internships with city offices to focus on public administration and local governance and working alongside the sales and retention team with the Cincinnati Reds.
Career exploration: Our unique foundation course, IST 185 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies, encourages students to explore traditional academic disciplines and emerging fields in the context of current social, political, economic, and environmental problems. This course also guides students through self-exploration of interests in connection with a wider societal context. IST 397 Interdisciplinary Inquiry enables students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of complex problems of interest to discover potential career opportunities and pathways.
Capstone in Integrative Studies is the culminating course for the graduate program in Interdisciplinary Studies. It includes reviewing the disciplinary work you have completed throughout your graduate program, analyzing that work, and updating and organizing it into a portfolio that represents a thoughtful reflection of your educational experience. A student may choose IST 797 Capstone Thesis, a two-semester, six-hour alternative to the traditional Capstone course. Students will work closely with a faculty advisor and thesis committee on a culminating research project that integrates methods and approaches from two or more of the academic disciplines explored through the MAIS program’s coursework.
Creativity and Flexibility: Interdisciplinary Studies offers a creative and flexible approach to discovering your academic and professional passions. If you have more than one interest, interdisciplinary studies allows you to explore and combine academic areas of interest to maximize your college experience and help you find a meaningful career pathway.

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