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California State University, Chico
Graduate Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies MA/MS

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  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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Do you know exactly what you want to study but the ideal degree doesn’t exist? The Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program gives students the rare opportunity to create their own Master of Arts or Master of Science degree by drawing from at least two distinct disciplines to craft a curriculum that meets your academic, career, and personal goals.

More than ever, employers are looking for individuals with a cross-section of knowledge and experience. Give yourself the professional advantage by blending areas of study and furthering your collaboration, integrative learning, and critical thinking skills.   

Students looking on in class

DIY by Design

The curriculum is yours to craft, as you identify the subjects you want to focus on and dive into the course catalog to pick 30 units of classes that will complement one another while enriching your knowledge across a diverse area.

Options Are Endless

Students outside standing next to a tree.

Interdisciplinary Studies graduates pursue a variety of careers or next professional steps based on their combined areas of study. Possibilities range from researchers to policy analysts, social scientists to entrepreneurs, and college instructors to PhD candidates. By creating and naming your degree yourself, you stand out among your counterparts and have truly unique expertise and skills. A sampling of areas recent alumni have targeted:

  • Interactive immersive technologies
  • Forensic and museum visualization
  • Recreation administration and outdoor education
  • Landscape ecology
  • Communications and public administration

Career-Focused Fast Facts

1

degree like yours

Interdisciplinary master’s degrees are as unique as each student who earns them, making them specialized and rare.

25%

salary boost

According to the Economic Policy Institute, graduates of advanced degree programs earn about 25% more than those with just a bachelor's degree.

30+

programs to blend from

From biological sciences to business administration and education to English, craft your own plan from a variety of disciplines.

Three people standing in a circle conversing in a library setting

Research What Matters

As part of your degree requirements, complete a thesis or project that is meaningful to you and the world, researching unique and noteworthy concepts at the intersection of multiple fields.

Why the Interdisciplinary Route

An Interdisciplinary Studies degree prepares you for the next step in your career or educational endeavors thanks to the expert faculty, learning opportunities, and specialized areas of focus.

  • Flexibility of Study

    With an IDST degree, you’ll creatively design a personalized course of study, picking from the classes that match your vision for a degree and your future.

  • Engage with Faculty

    You will build connections with faculty across disciplines and can work directly with those who have a connection or shared interest in your field of study.

  • Choose your Focus

    You’ll complete a culminating thesis or project rooted in the questions you want answered most—engaging in research, writing, theory, and critical thinking along the way.

two students sitting in front of a computer.

Find Your Community

Even though your degree will be one of a kind, you won’t be embarking on the journey alone. Join the Council of Graduate Students to connect with fellow students and discover social engagement, leadership, events, and advocacy opportunities.

Additional Information

Ready to take the next step? Review the IDST checklist and start to map out your program plan so you can meet with your advisor to discuss why IDST is right for you.

All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.

Application Deadlines

Fall: May 1 (April 1 for international applicants)
Spring: November 1 (October 1 for international applicants)

Supplemental Materials

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Writing sample
Apply Now

Susan Roll, program coordinator for general interdisciplinary studies master’s degree

Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Scholarship Opportunities

California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc. 

Doesn’t matter. Occasionally, depending on the program you select, prerequisites may be required. Check with your graduate coordinator, Susan Roll, for more information.

An MA/MS in interdisciplinary studies is a 30-unit program. Our typical student completes the degree in two to three years.

Related Programs

Graduate Studies

Wondering whether a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.

Phone: 530-898-5392
Email: sroll@csuchico.edu