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M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies

Students in Interdisciplinary StudiesLIU Post offers both the Master of Arts and Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The Interdisciplinary Studies program (IDS) is designed for those students whose career or educational goals are not reflected in one of LIU Post’s established graduate programs. An individual course of study, subject to the approval of the IDS Faculty Committee, will be developed by the student with the assistance of appropriate graduate advisors and the program coordinator. Students may incorporate courses from any of the five LIU Post colleges and schools. The student’s plan of study must be approved before full matriculation is granted.

In addition to designing a unique interdisciplinary degree, students can also elect to follow several other interdisciplinary concentrations: American Studies, Environmental Studies, Liberal Arts, Literacy Studies, Museum Studies, Public History/Archives and Records Management, Public History/Non-profit Management and Social Studies among others.

A total of 36 credits is required for the degree, of which 6 credits are in thesis work.

Thesis Research Course Descriptions

IDS 707: Thesis Research

The purpose of this course is to conduct research for the thesis project. Under the guidance of the thesis director, the student gathers relevant data, scholarly sources, and other research materials to begin writing and refining his or her thesis project. At the culmination of the course, students are required to turn in a detailed outline of their thesis project, including an abstract, table of contents, methodology (if applicable), and an extensive annotated bibliography or literature review. The thesis director may also ask for additional requirements. Please note that requirements for creative projects may vary.

IDS 708: Thesis

This course involves the actual preparation and writing of the thesis under supervision. The completed thesis is evaluated by the student’s two- or three-member committee and is subject to an oral examination. Students must have successfully completed IDS 707 before registering for IDS 708.

For students whose culminating experience takes the form of a creative project, a 25-page written report must accompany it that details the process involved in the conceptualization and realization of the project—including its interdisciplinary foundation and its contribution to the student’s overall thinking.