About the Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s Program
Program Coordinator: Dr. David L. Doerfert, Professor of Agricultural Education and Communications, Associate Dean of the Graduate School
Sr. Lead Advisor: Ms. Sharon Gonzales
The online Master of Arts (30 semester credit hours) or Master of Science (30 semester credit hours) in Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs are intended for students who wish to continue education at the graduate level but do not seek specialized training concentrated in a traditional major area. These programs are not a substitute for a traditional master’s degree; rather, they are designed for students with broader interests in several fields or for those whose career goals do not match fully with a single identifiable academic unit or department. Emphasis is placed on continued intellectual and cultural development in a constantly changing society in which new career interests may extend over several traditional specializations.
Each program, exclusive of any chosen concentrations, minors, or certificates with required courses, is developed individually according to the student’s interests and background. Among the few restrictions are the requirements that coursework be completed in at least three different subject areas with typically 9-12 hours from any one area, within at least two different colleges. Some programs (departments/colleges) have specific prerequisites for students taking their courses so students are encouraged to discuss their options with those program advisors. For the non-thesis option in either degree program, students may choose the master’s examination, an internship, a project report, or the portfolio as their final comprehensive component of their program.
The standard admission policy for applicants to other degree programs will apply to those seeking admission to the interdisciplinary master’s program. Applicants may submit GRE or GMAT scores and undergraduate records. Students should have a 3.0 GPA on previous graduate work. For further information, contact the coordinator of the program in the Graduate School office.
Students normally select areas of study that meet their own educational and career interests, as described above. However, a number of study themes are identified in the following paragraphs that provide somewhat more specialized focus, while maintaining the interdisciplinary nature of the program as originally approved.
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses:
Applied Linguistics
Courses relating to theoretical, descriptive, historical, and applied study of language structure and use may be selected in a plan leading to the degree in interdisciplinary studies. Studies in second language teaching and learning, evaluation and assessment, and curriculum design, as well as in various languages (American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish) will provide a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. Interested students may contact Dr. Greta Gorsuch (greta.gorsuch@ttu.edu), Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures. See discussion of graduate linguistics in the interdisciplinary programs listed in the opening section of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Environmental Evaluation
Students may gain a holistic view of environmental evaluation by taking courses that focus upon problems and techniques relating to natural resources and their utilization. Work in geography, geology, land and water management, atmospheric sciences, and other disciplines is tailored to each student’s interests. Persons interested in this plan should contact Dr. Jeff Lee (jeff.lee@ttu.edu) in the Department of Geosciences.
Institute for Studies in Pragmatacism
The Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism, a Unit within the provost’s office, was founded in 1971 at Texas Tech University. It is situated in the main Library Building 3d floor, room 305. The Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism offers graduate and undergraduate level courses on methods associated with interdisciplinary studies. The only prerequisite is approval of the instructor. Students in any branch of Texas Tech University or Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are eligible to enroll.
As course participants, students will have direct access to Institute resources such as:
- materials on its long history of interdisciplinary research
- individual consulting and study opportunities
- scholarship opportunities
- international scholarly network.
For details, please visit the website of the Institute www.pragmaticism.net
Contact: Dr. Elize Bisanz, Director, Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism, Box 40002, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-0002, 806.834.3966, elize.bisanz@ttu.edu
International Affairs
This interdisciplinary concentration focuses on problems that are international in scope. Students may focus on problems that are global in nature, such as international business/economics or international security/conflict, or they may focus on problems that are regional in scope. The regions available for emphasis in this program are as follows: Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Post-Soviet Europe. Students will have the Department of Political Science as their home department but will also take courses in and work with faculty from the Department of History, the Department of Economics, or any other department that matches their interests. Interested students should contact Dr. Toby Rider, Department of Political Science.
Peirce Studies
This degree concentration focuses on application of Charles Peirce’s unique theory of interdisciplinary method for which he is a recognized founding figure. Peirce designated a principal aspect of his methodology as Semeiotic, the theory of natural processes structured as dialogues. This program aims to make interdisciplinary methodology accessible to young scholars and researchers as (i) a testable objective hypothesis and working theory; (ii) as a research tool with roots extending at least to the ancient world; and (iii) as a common methodological foundation that can be implemented between diverse disciplines. Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), a true American genius, made major research contributions in both sciences and humanities, especially concerning their interrelationships. Students enrolled in Peirce Studies will normally take 6 to 9 hours of PRAG 5000 and additional hours in several defined areas, depending upon each student’s future educational or occupational goals. For details, contact Dr. Kenneth L. Ketner, director of the Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism, 806.742.3128.
Women’s and Gender Studies
The interdisciplinary concentration of graduate work focuses on institutional structures, interpersonal constructions, and personal experiences of gender and gender identity in society. Selected courses are offered in history, sociology, human development and family studies, communication studies, English, and psychology with related work available in business administration, the humanities, and other areas of the social sciences. An emphasis on women’s studies may be pertinent to careers in education, law, management, and personnel relations, as well as in the administration and delivery of social services to families, women, and children. Interested students should contact Dr. Elizabeth Sharp, Director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, 806.742.4335, womens.studies@ttu.edu.
Other Options
Studies of an interdisciplinary nature offer almost limitless combinations. Students may select from graduate offerings in almost the entire catalog and from the graduate offerings of the School of Law and the Health Sciences Center. Those interested in a customized program should contact the senior lead advisor in the Graduate School or visit www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/Programs/INDS_SelfDesigned.php.
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