M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MSIS program at Missouri State is designed for maximum adaptability, accommodating both full-time and part-time students. It offers an innovative approach to graduate education, allowing students to consult with graduate faculty in their chosen areas to create a well-designed and intensive program of study. A key feature is the requirement to combine curricula from at least two graduate certificate programs, ensuring a true interdisciplinary experience. Students are expected to demonstrate research and writing proficiency appropriate to their individualized career path and program emphasis. An accelerated master's option is also available for qualified undergraduate students at Missouri State, enabling them to begin graduate-level coursework during their undergraduate studies.
Curriculum: The MSIS curriculum is built upon a flexible framework that emphasizes customization. While a minimum of 33 credit hours is required, the core structure includes 3 credit hours in research methods, 3-6 credit hours for a research/capstone experience (thesis, non-thesis project, or internship), and 24-27 credit hours of interdisciplinary coursework drawn from two or more graduate certificates or approved academic areas. This design allows students to deeply explore the intersections of different disciplines. For instance, a student might combine a graduate certificate in Public Health with one in Communication, or a focus in Environmental Science with elements of Business Administration. The specific courses are determined in consultation with an academic advisor and faculty from the chosen areas, ensuring a coherent and rigorous plan of study aligned with the student's unique objectives.
Research Focus: Research is a fundamental component of the MSIS program, even with its interdisciplinary nature. Students are required to complete a research methods course, providing them with the foundational skills to design, conduct, and analyze research. The culminating experience—whether a thesis, non-thesis project, or internship—serves as the student's comprehensive examination and requires a demonstration of research and writing proficiency. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages innovative research that bridges methodologies and perspectives from different fields, addressing complex problems that often defy single-discipline solutions. The specific research focus is entirely dependent on the student's chosen areas of study and the faculty mentors they work with.
Industry Engagement: The MSIS program is inherently geared towards industry engagement through its flexible and career-focused design. By allowing students to combine diverse fields, it prepares them for specialized roles that require a multifaceted skillset, often found in emerging or niche industries. The capstone experience, particularly the internship option, provides invaluable practical experience, allowing students to apply their interdisciplinary knowledge in real-world professional settings. This direct engagement with industries and organizations helps students build professional networks, gain hands-on experience, and understand the practical application of their tailored academic knowledge. The program's adaptability means graduates are well-prepared for roles that demand innovative thinking and the ability to solve complex problems that cross traditional professional boundaries.
Global Perspective: While not explicitly designed as a global studies program, the M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Missouri State University can inherently foster a global perspective depending on the chosen areas of study. Students electing to combine fields such as International Affairs, Global Studies, or specific area studies (e.g., Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies) with other disciplines can develop a profound understanding of global challenges and cross-cultural interactions. Missouri State's broader commitment to its Public Affairs mission, which includes "Cultural Competence" and "Ethical Leadership," encourages students to consider the wider implications of their studies on diverse communities worldwide. The flexibility of the MSIS program allows students to integrate international or global themes into their customized curriculum, preparing them to engage with complex issues in an increasingly interconnected world, whether through research, policy, or business.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) from Missouri State University offers a distinct advantage in the job market, as it allows graduates to custom-tailor their expertise by blending knowledge from two or more fields. This unique ability to bridge disciplines makes them highly adaptable and valuable in roles that require complex problem-solving, innovative thinking, and a holistic perspective—qualities increasingly sought after by employers in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Project Manager (Specialized Fields): An MSIS degree can create highly effective project managers, especially in areas that require understanding multiple facets. For example, combining a focus on business with environmental studies could lead to managing sustainability projects, or IT with communication could lead to managing software implementation projects that require strong user engagement.
Research Analyst (Cross-Disciplinary): Graduates are well-suited for research roles in think tanks, non-profits, or private companies that address complex issues. Their interdisciplinary training allows them to analyze problems from multiple perspectives, drawing on diverse methodologies and data sources to provide comprehensive insights.
Program Coordinator/Manager (Hybrid Roles): Many organizations have programs that span traditional departmental boundaries. An MSIS graduate could manage programs that integrate public health with community development, arts administration with social justice, or technology with education, requiring a versatile skillset.
Content Strategist/Developer (Niche Areas): The ability to synthesize information from various fields makes MSIS graduates excellent content strategists. They can develop compelling content for specialized industries (e.g., healthcare technology, environmental policy, or educational innovation) that requires a deep understanding of multiple domains.
Organizational Development Specialist: This role involves helping organizations improve their effectiveness, often by addressing challenges that cross departmental lines. An MSIS combining business, psychology, and communication could effectively analyze organizational culture, implement change initiatives, and improve employee engagement.
Consultant (Specialized Consulting): Graduates can work as consultants for firms or as independent contractors, advising clients on complex issues that require an interdisciplinary approach. Examples include advising on cybersecurity policy, urban planning, or healthcare reform, where understanding technical, social, and economic factors is crucial.
Data Analyst (Contextual Expertise): While data analysis often requires strong quantitative skills, an MSIS that integrates data science with a specific domain (e.g., public policy, marketing, or environmental science) allows graduates to not only analyze data but also interpret it with deep contextual understanding, leading to more actionable insights.
Training and Development Specialist: In corporate or educational settings, these professionals design and deliver training programs. An MSIS combining education, psychology, and a specific industry (e.g., technology, healthcare) would be well-equipped to create comprehensive and effective training solutions that cater to diverse learning needs.
Policy Analyst (Intersectoral Policy): Many contemporary policy challenges (e.g., climate change, social inequality, technological regulation) require an understanding of their economic, social, scientific, and political dimensions. An MSIS can prepare graduates to analyze and recommend policies that address these interconnected issues.
Entrepreneur/Innovator: The MSIS program's emphasis on creative problem-solving and customized learning makes it an excellent foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs. Graduates are uniquely positioned to identify gaps in the market that require a multi-faceted approach and develop innovative solutions by combining their diverse knowledge areas.
