Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS)
Create a master’s degree tailored to your goals and passions. With this flexible program, you’ll expand your professional strengths while learning from exceptional faculty in a supportive environment.
- Online and on-campus study options
- Begin in the fall or spring terms
Features
Online or On-Campus | 30 Credits | Part or Full-time
- Customize your graduate path by selecting 2–3 concentration areas tailored to your personal, academic and career goals.
- Gain critical professional skills in research, analysis, interpretation and communication and learn to build evidence-based arguments.
- Benefit from dedicated mentorship with faculty support from day one through the completion of your final project.
- Gather knowledge and expertise from faculty across disciplines, while completing your thesis or non-thesis with a faculty advisor in one of your focus areas.
I was so enthusiastic to join the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program due to its flexibility in choosing areas of interest. I believe the knowledge gained will add more value in my career.
You’ll have a dedicated Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.

Linda Emery
Program Coordinator
Online & Distance Education
interdisciplinaryma@uni.edu
319-273-2504
Request Information
Courses are offered online through Blackboard and Zoom—dynamic platforms that create an engaging learning experience. The flexible plan of study allows you to set a pace that fits your career and personal commitments, and with rolling admission, you can begin in any academic term. For those who prefer a traditional classroom environment, in-person study on the UNI campus is also available.
- Integrate the knowledge of two or more academic disciplines into interdisciplinary scholarship.
- Analyze and interpret data from scholarly literature of the discipline.
- Elaborate evidence-based arguments through the understanding of the fields of inquiry.
- Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex problems with creativity and insight.
- Apply interdisciplinary research methods to analyze issues, generate solutions, and communicate findings effectively.
- Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership abilities in professional or community settings.
- Integrate the knowledge of two or more academic disciplines into interdisciplinary scholarship.
- Analyze and interpret data from scholarly literature of the discipline.
- Elaborate evidence-based arguments through the understanding of the fields of inquiry.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Courses are offered online through Blackboard and Zoom—dynamic platforms that create an engaging learning experience. The flexible plan of study allows you to set a pace that fits your career and personal commitments, and with rolling admission, you can begin in any academic term. For those who prefer a traditional classroom environment, in-person study on the UNI campus is also available.
- Integrate the knowledge of two or more academic disciplines into interdisciplinary scholarship.
- Analyze and interpret data from scholarly literature of the discipline.
- Elaborate evidence-based arguments through the understanding of the fields of inquiry.
- Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex problems with creativity and insight.
- Apply interdisciplinary research methods to analyze issues, generate solutions, and communicate findings effectively.
- Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership abilities in professional or community settings.
- Integrate the knowledge of two or more academic disciplines into interdisciplinary scholarship.
- Analyze and interpret data from scholarly literature of the discipline.
- Elaborate evidence-based arguments through the understanding of the fields of inquiry.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Admission Requirements
- To be admitted, all students must submit:
- Undergraduate and/or graduate official and final transcripts
- Applicant statement: a 500-word narrative indicating the personal and professional objectives sought to be accomplished
- 2.75 minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Graduate Studies
- Two professional or academic references
- One-page resume or CV
Additionally, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (GPAs less than 2.75 may be considered for provisional admission).
Admission Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply now
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above.
Contact Us
Our staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey. Contact us at 319-273-2504 or interdisciplinaryma@uni.edu for assistance.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.