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Master of Science (M.S.)

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Interdisciplinary Studies

Finding the right graduate program can be challenging when your interests and the skills you want to build don’t fit into a single discipline. The interdisciplinary studies master’s degree at BGSU is designed for students like you. 

Combine graduate certificates and coursework from multiple fields to create a customized, skills-focused master’s degree that supports your professional goals and offers a tangible return on investment.

  • Build on a certificate you’ve already earned.
  • Pursue a specialized focus not offered in a traditional program.
  • Gain new skills to advance in your current role or change careers.
  • Finish a graduate degree you’ve already started.

The interdisciplinary studies program allows you to integrate diverse skill sets. Blend technical expertise (in areas like analytics or project management) with crucial human-centered "durable skills" (like communication, leadership, critical thinking and collaboration).

Working professionals who need a highly flexible program – and one that builds the skills employers are looking for – benefit from adaptable learning formats (7-week online courses or in-person courses).

Explore how to build a degree plan

Select the skills you want to develop and add matching courses and certificates to a sample degree plan. This tool is for exploration only and does not create an official degree plan.

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Program highlights

  • Customized degree plan. Build your program with courses from two or more graduate disciplines. Or stack certificate programs with other academic courses.
  • Personalized advising. Receive support from faculty who know your goals.
  • Flexibility. Take courses online or face to face. 
  • Finish what you started. Apply previous graduate work toward completing a degree.
  • Culminating experience. Complete a thesis or applied project tailored to your academic or professional interests.
  • Cross-disciplinary faculty. Learn from experts in multiple fields with access to a wide range of research resources.
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Career opportunities

The interdisciplinary studies master’s degree will help you develop transferable skills and prepare you for a multidisciplinary workforce.

Graduate programs that cross traditional boundaries – like interdisciplinary studies – promise flexibility and creativity but can also make career planning feel less clear-cut.  Two campus resources are especially valuable to students in the interdisciplinary master’s program – our Life Design program and the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections.

Life Design gives you tools to connect your academic experiences with meaningful outcomes, whether that means refining your focus or combining fields in innovative ways. Life Design helps you:

  • Explore your interests and strengths in a structured way.
  • Build a flexible blueprint for your career and life goals, even if you’re still deciding what direction you want to take. 

The Kuhlin Hub provides one-on-one career coaching and industry insights and helps you tap into a powerful alumni and employer network.

Curriculum

The interdisciplinary studies program is highly flexible. Students integrate coursework from at least two eligible graduate certificate programs into the 30-credit master’s program. You'll work closely with an advisor and faculty from each discipline represented in your plan of study. 

Important: Only specific healthcare course clusters and these graduate certificate programs fulfill requirements for the Master of Science in interdisciplinary studies: 

  • Business Analytics
  • Business Intelligence
  • Human Performance Technology
  • Instructional Design
  • Marketing
  • Quality Systems
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Technical Writing
  • Select course clusters in healthcare

Core requirements – 3 credits

  • Applied Capstone Experience (thesis or project designed with your faculty advisory committee)

​Areas of Emphasis – 27 credits 

Choose from available certificate programs or any combination of graduate courses approved by a faculty advisory committee.

Interested in applying?

Schedule a conversation with a member of the Graduate College team to learn more.
419-372-2791
gradcol@bgsu.edu

If you are looking to finish a graduate degree you already started, you will need to work closely with an advisor to see which of your previous courses will count toward the interdisciplinary master’s degree. 

Quality Matters LogoBGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation – and the only one in Ohio – to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.

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BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The interdisciplinary studies programs are part of the Graduate College and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Updated: 09/28/2026 02:36PM