Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) is a program that works with graduate faculty and departments to offer a program that intersects fields of knowledge in order to create a degree that is innovative and adaptable.
The master’s degree program in interdisciplinary studies is designed to 1) accommodate students with needs that are not met by existing programs, 2) recognize that current employment opportunities as well as future ones may not be structured around existing departments or degree programs, 3) provide flexibility and innovation, 4) recognize the needs of people who have been out of school for longer periods of time and have special occupational or vocational situations and 5) assist students who want to change their field of study from that of their baccalaureate degree.
Is the MIS right for you?
The Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies is a program for motivated students who have clear academic interests and post-graduation goals.
MIS students work very closely with a faculty advisor and the Graduate College to design, implement, and troubleshoot a degree program that fulfills their goals. Students delve into interdisciplinary learning to create an academic path that is unique to them to solve unique problems and to fit the needs of their academic and career trajectory. Students in the MIS engage in their learning plan and contribute to it. MIS students finish their degree with a capstone project, product, internship, or thesis that furthers their goals.
How does it work?
The MIS provides flexibility within existing coursework and faculty scholarship at NMU. Students in the MIS choose two to three departments of academic study. These must be from areas that have a graduate program or who offer graduate coursework. The specific requirements can be viewed in the NMU Graduate Catalog.
Application and Acceptance Process:
- Prospective students apply to the MIS though the NMU Application.
- After an acceptable application is submitted, the MIS College of Graduate Studies MIS Coordinator will contact them paths of study and possible advisors.
- The MIS applicant will then contact potential faculty advisors who fit their academic interests.
- When a faculty member has agreed to advise the student, the student and advisor will contact the MIS Coordinator and the student admission will be processed.
- The MIS student and advisor will meet with the MIS Coordinator to determine a tentative plan of study that meets the needs of the student, faculty, and requirements of the degree.
Previous MIS Thesis and Capstone Topics
Departments: Forensic Anthropology, Biology
Examining the Effects of Two Freshwater Environments on Decomposition and the Associated Microbial Communities
Departments: Education, Clinical Laboratory Science
Clinical Science Curriculum Development
Departments: Forensic Anthropology, Biology
An Assessment of Subadult Skeletal Growth and Development Based on a Michigan Medical Examiner Sample
Departments: Chemistry, Biology
Financial Feasibility of Contemporary Indoor Farming Techniques
Departments: Forensic Anthropology, Native American Studies
Tribal Relations and NAGPRA: Consciousness, Connectedness, and Cause
Departments: Public Administration, Business
A view from the C-suite: A review of how public relations professionals achieve excellence and lessons for the next generation
Departments: Forensic Anthropology, Biology & Chemistry
Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds Associated with Human Decomposition Byproducts in the Soil
NMU MIS Departments
Anthropology
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Clinical Sciences
Computer Science
Communications
Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences
Education
English
Health and Human Performance
Mathematics
Native American Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Theater
Departments on this list have worked with MIS students in the past. If you are interested in working with a department that is not on this list, please contact the College of Graduate Studies and inquire whether it is possible.