Interdisciplinary Studies Program: General Information

Please Note: Admission to this program is currently on pause. No applications will be accepted until further notice. 


The Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) program at the University of Oregon is a flexible and academically rigorous master's degree program.

Students plan a course of study using coursework from two or three different departments, allowing them to explore their interests and work with a faculty committee to pursue and complete their program.

Department 1 12 credits
Department 2 12 credits
Department 3 OR Electives from any department(s) 12 credits
Thesis or Terminal Project 9 credits
Total 45 credits

The success of the program relies heavily upon the individual initiative and self-discipline of each student and the commitment of the student's master's committee.

Admission to the IS program is selective. The program is intended to meet the needs of students who have particular, well-articulated goals which cannot be reached through established departmental master's degree programs.

Although considerable flexibility is allowed in the design of a program, in all cases, the curriculum must consist of existing courses from at least two departments that grant master’s degrees.

Eligible IS Departments

A student's IS course of study must not substantially duplicate an already established departmental master's degree program, nor should the IS program be considered an alternate method of pursuing a program to which a student has already been denied admission.

Applicants are considered for admission to the program on the basis of several criteria:

  • Academic qualifications
  • Statement of purpose
  • Academic merit of proposed course work
  • Availability of faculty advisers within the university

The IS program culminates in an integrative terminal project or master's thesis that incorporates the three program areas selected by the student. The IS course plan must also meet the University of Oregon Division of Graduate Studies' minimum requirements for a master's degree.

Either the master of science (MS) or the master of arts (MA) degree may be earned in the IS program. The master of arts degree requires proficiency in a language other than English equivalent to second year college level.

Please address inquiries about the program to:

Susan Campbell Hall, Ground Floor
541-346-5129
graduatestudies@uoregon.edu

IS Program Admissions


« IS Program: MA, MS | IS Policies and Procedures »