Interdisciplinary Studies (Graduate)
Master of Arts, Master of Science
About this program
A degree in Interdisciplinary Studies is offered as a Master of Arts and a Master of Science to meet the unique needs and interests of students that cannot be met in a reasonable manner by one of the regularly offered graduate degree programs at San Francisco State University. Students pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies program must develop a 30-36 unit plan of study that draws on courses from multiple disciplines with the intent to integrate the concepts, perspectives, and methodologies of those disciplines into a focused, central theme which may lead to new ways of looking at a subject, issue, or problem. Usually, courses must be selected from three departments bridging at least two colleges within the University. The courses to be applied toward the major must be carefully selected for their interrelatedness and general applicability to the objectives of the unique major being proposed. Only major themes that can be supported with integrity by existing coursework and faculty expertise will be approved. Determination of degree designation as an M.S. or M.A. is the decision of the major advisor and the dean of Graduate Studies. This degree cannot be used to meet credential or licensing requirements. Students may not use courses from fields of study, such as nursing, physical therapy, or counseling which lead to licensure or certification unless a single course is specifically authorized by the department chair.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Eligibility for the Program
All applicants to this program must be eligible for admission to post-baccalaureate study as specified in the graduate admissions section of this Bulletin. The applicant should present evidence of a 3.25 or better grade point average in the baccalaureate degree or in the last 60 semester units taken, and a pattern of undergraduate coursework that will provide the foundation for the advanced degree work in the approved Interdisciplinary Studies major. Students must demonstrate English competency and proficiency before beginning the program which can be met by earning a score of 4.5 or better on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) analytical writing section. Students can also demonstrate English proficiency by completing an approved English writing-intensive course. This course can be used to meet this requirement upon approval from the Primary Major Advisor and the Division of Graduate Studies. Students who have earned a master's or doctoral degree will be exempted from the pre-admission writing requirement; however, writing will be assessed based on the applicant’s required essays.
Final approval to pursue an interdisciplinary study degree is made by the dean of Graduate Studies.
Learn more about the Interdisciplinary Studies (Graduate) program.