Interdisciplinary Studies, PhD

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The interdisciplinary studies degree option is a response to increasing interest by students and faculty in an interdisciplinary approach to graduate study and scholarship. It is available to students who have unique educational needs that cannot be met within a single degree program. It is limited to those areas in which sufficient faculty and adequate resources exist to support the proposed course of study. The course of study must be one that is not available through an existing doctoral program and must combine at least two different doctoral degree areas.

Admission Requirements

An initial consultation is required with the Graduate College prior to submission of an application. Applicants are expected to have an earned master’s degree.

Documents Required:

Statement of Purpose (including Educational Objectives and Post-Graduation Goals)
Resume

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses

Under the direction of a Faculty Advisory Committee a course of study is developed and submitted for review and approval to the Graduate College

Electives

Determined by Faculty Advisory Committee

Other Requirements

Determined by Faculty Advisory Committee

Culminating Experience (Minimum 16 Credits)

7990

Minimum Total Credits (60 Credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Maximum of 10 credits of 5000-level coursework may be counted toward degree requirements
Preliminary Examination or Project
Minimum of 16 credits of dissertation research (maximum of 30 credits of dissertation research are applicable to degree requirements)
Dissertation Defense and Publication of Manuscript on OhioLINK
All requirements must be completed within eight years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.