MA Interdisciplinary Studies at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies is an innovative program in which you learn how to use two or more disciplines in an integrative method that leads to new discoveries. Founded on the conviction that solving today's problems often requires an interdisciplinary approach, this flexible program provides study of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives, interdisciplinary research methods, and modes of inquiry and practice.

What you will study

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (MAS 585) Required Core (9 credit hours) MAS 501 Methods for Interdisciplinary Inquiry (3) MAS 502 Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies (3) MAS 505 Theories of Change, Culture and Mind (3) Electives (18 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) MAS 585 Capstone Course (3) Additional Curriculum Information The core courses are designed as a sequence meant to guide students through the program, from learning about interdisciplinarity to practicing interdisciplinary research.

Career pathways

The program's emphasis on a variety of research methods and modes of inquiry increases graduates' value to many organizations. Career examples: archivist, area, ethnic and cultural studies teacher or professor, education administrator, high school teacher, human resources manager, interdisciplinary research specialist, market research analyst or marketing specialist, nonprofit manager.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts statement of purpose two letters of recommendation an academic writing sample (preferred) or professional writing sample proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The statement of purpose should describe the applicant's educational background, scholarly interests, and academic and professional goals.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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