Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of (M.I.S.)
Sandkam, Sherry T.
Associate Dean, Graduate School; Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, School of Education; Director, Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Program
ssandkam@vcu.edu
(804) 828-6948
Admission requirements summary
Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of (M.I.S.)
Indicate specialization
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Individual Master of Interdisciplinary Studies programs
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| Degree: M.I.S. |
Semester(s) of entry: Fall Spring Summer |
Deadline dates: May 1 Oct 1 Mar 1 |
Test requirements: GRE |
| Special requirements: See the M.I.S. Web site for essay instructions and curriculum planning form to be submitted with application | |||
Interdisciplinary arts/off-campus program
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| Degree: M.I.S. |
Semester(s) of entry: Fall Spring Summer |
Deadline dates: Jul 1 Dec 1 May 2 |
Test requirements: |
| Special requirements: Minimum of 10 slides demonstrating expertise in at least one discipline, preferably more See Web site for detailed discussion of program | |||
Interdisciplinary mathematics and science leadership/K-8 mathematics specialist track
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| Degree: M.I.S. |
Semester(s) of entry: Fall Spring Summer |
Deadline dates: |
Test requirements: GRE or MAT |
| Special requirements: At least three years of successful K-8 mathematics and/or science teaching experience Three recommendations: at least one from an immediate supervisor or principal and at least one that addresses leadership potential Interview to develop program of study – program director will contact after initial review of application See Web site for detailed discussion of program | |||
The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S.) degree program provides an opportunity for the highly motivated student to pursue a unique course of study that combines graduate course work in a learner-centered approach to graduate education. The student is an active participant in proposing a curriculum that supports an individualized and scholastically rigorous academic goal in a clearly defined, multidisciplinary program. To expand the program’s range of options and interdisciplinary perspectives, the program allows for cooperative ventures with other approved colleges and universities.
M.I.S. programs of study
Opportunities for interdisciplinary study in the M.I.S. degree program currently include the following options. Please read all general M.I.S. information before proceeding to the individual program links provided in the menu to the right.
- Individual programs of study (developed with director of the M.I.S. program)
- Interdisciplinary Arts/Off-campus program with a focus in studio art
- Mathematics and Science Leadership/K-8 Mathematics Specialist track
Application for admission to all M.I.S. programs of study
Applicants to all M.I.S. programs of study must complete the VCU Graduate School Application to Graduate Study (www.vcu.edu/graduate/ps/apply_options.html). Completed applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted to the VCU Graduate School according to the instructions provided on the Graduate School Web site.
Students should refer to the Admissions Requirements Summary charts at the beginning of this section for a summary of current contact information, semesters of entry, application deadlines, testing requirements, and special or supplementary requirements for each M.I.S. program of study.
Admission criteria for all M.I.S. programs of study
General admission requirements to the Graduate School and all M.I.S. programs of study include:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university or its equivalent.
- For admission to graduate study at VCU, the Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In cases where the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, additional factors, including performance in the last 60 hours of course work, may be weighted more heavily in the admissions assessment. For students with earned graduate degrees from accredited institutions, the graduate GPA may be the primary basis for consideration.
- Satisfactory scores from a current (fewer than five years old) standardized test commonly used and deemed appropriate by the relevant discipline.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Applicant’s written statement of intent for pursuing graduate studies.
- Completion of a proposed curriculum plan outlining the applicant’s specific course of study. When finalized, this plan is the official statement of the student’s program requirements for completion of the M.I.S. degree.
General M.I.S. program requirements for all M.I.S. programs of study
The initial curriculum plan proposed at the time of application must be finalized with the program director or track coordinator by the end of the first semester of study. Any subsequent changes in the curriculum plan must be made with the program director or track coordinator’s approval.
In addition to any admission or individual course prerequisites, students enrolled in M.I.S. programs of study must complete a minimum of 39 graduate semester credits, including:
- At least nine, and not more than 15, graduate semester credits in each of at least two disciplines. No more than 15 credits in any one discipline (exclusive of directed research, independent study, special project or thesis requirements) may be applied toward the degree.
- A minimum of three credits in a research methods course relevant to the final research project.
- Three to six graduate credits of approved directed research, independent study, special project or thesis work. Formal approval for the final research project must be obtained from the director or track coordinator before the student begins the final project.
- Up to nine semester hours of graduate course work for transfer from other accredited institutions with the approval of director or track coordinator. (See Mathematics and Science Leadership/K-8 Mathematics Specialist track section for information regarding transfer course work.)
- At least 50 percent of the course work taken at the 600 level or higher.
- Elective course work approved by the program director or track coordinator as part of the official curriculum plan.
- A maximum of six hours taken as a nondegree-seeking student before admission to the program.
Graduation requirements for all M.I.S. programs of study
Candidates for degrees are eligible for graduation upon completion of all academic requirements in effect at the time of the first registration in the program, provided they are continuously enrolled and provided the requirements are met within the time limit specified by the Graduate School. Students failing to satisfy the time requirement and who are readmitted to a program shall satisfy requirements in effect at the time of reacceptance into the program.
All graduate students are subject to the admission and academic standards that govern graduate study at VCU as determined by the University Graduate Council and as articulated in the Graduate Studies at VCU section of this bulletin. A checklist summarizing academic policies and requirements for graduation is provided under the General Academic Regulations heading of the Graduate Studies at VCU section. Additional instructions and guidelines for applying to graduate, is available on the VCU Graduate School Web site www.vcu.edu/graduate/es/graduation.html.
Additional track-specific admission requirements
In addition to the Graduate School’s general requirements for admission and academic standing, and general M.I.S. admission criteria and program requirements, applicants to M.I.S. programs must complete any track-specific requirements as indicated on the following Web sites:
- Individual programs of study (developed with director of the M.I.S. program)
- Interdisciplinary Arts/Off-campus program with a focus in studio art
- Mathematics and Science Leadership/K-8 Mathematics Specialist track