Mar 29, 2024  
2021/2022 University Catalog 
    
2021/2022 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Interdisciplinary Studies


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Curricula by Department

OFFICE: Student Services East 1410
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5213 / FAX: 619-594-0189
E-MAIL: gra@sdsu.edu
WEBSITE: http://aztecgrad.sdsu.edu/gra

General Information

When the existing advanced degree programs of the university do not adequately meet certain special needs and interests, a student may propose a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. This degree program provides the unusually well-qualified student an opportunity for individualized graduate study composed of coursework in at least two but not more than three departments or schools at SDSU. The College of Graduate Studies administers this program following procedures established by the Graduate Council.

The proposed program must not be substantially available in a current graduate program offered at the university, and it must have adequate focus and coherence in cognate disciplines. Prerequisite courses may be required to support the courses in the student’s program of study.

A graduate supervisory committee and a field of study shall be chosen, subject to the approval of the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The supervisory committee shall consist of not less than three full-time faculty representative of the areas in which the student intends to pursue the degree. The graduate dean or designee shall serve as an ex officio member of the committee.

Admission to Graduate Study

In addition to satisfying the requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, as described in Admission and Registration , the student must (1) possess an academic background appropriate to the proposed program and have achieved an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0; and (2) complete the GRE General Test with a satisfactory score on the verbal and quantitative sections. Since an approved course of study is required for classified admission of this major, applicants may only be admitted to the university in conditionally classified status pending formal approval of a program of study.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the application fee.

All applicants must submit admissions materials separately to SDSU Graduate Admissions and to the College of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

  1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;

    NOTE:
    • Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
    • Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  2. GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
  3. English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).
College of Graduate Studies

An essay explaining the rationale for entering the Interdisciplinary Studies program as the vehicle for the master’s degree must be submitted by the deadline set by the university to:

Associate Dean
College of Graduate Studies
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8020

In the essay, state concisely why you wish to pursue the interdisciplinary studies major including career objectives. Explain why existing campus programs cannot meet your academic objectives.

Programs

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Curricula by Department