Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS

The Interdisciplinary Studies program can prepare you to: 

Put your knowledge and insight to work in your community through civic activities.

Do professional or volunteer work in social service agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and outreach services.

Enhance your position with your current employer.

Continue to advanced graduate study in doctoral and professional programs.

Steps to Apply

• Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

  Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

  

• Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

  Step 2  Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

  

• Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

  Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose  Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS and complete the remainder of the form.

  

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Take me to the application portal

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 31-49 credit hours depending on specialization

TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
$646 per credit hour	$805.50 per credit hour	$1,487 per credit hour
- Additional fees may be required. - Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. - The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What accreditations apply to this program? ​

  The Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program is a member of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs, and its Archival Studies curriculum is aligned with Society of American Archivists best practices. 

  East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).
  
  

• Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

  Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS students come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, primarily in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Any disciplinary background is acceptable, however. Part of what is considered when students apply is whether they have the building blocks in place to study in their chosen areas. For example, those who want to pursue the Gender and Diversity Studies concentration should have some background in that area of study even if it's not a formal major or minor. 

• Does this program require the GRE? ​

  No. The Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program has never required a standardized entry examination.

• Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? ​

  Online Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS courses are taught in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, and sometimes in a hybrid mode (both synch- and asynchronously in the same semester; for example, a course might meet for 40% of the time synchronously across the semester, and the rest of the course is taught asynchronously). Disciplinary elective courses will vary by department. 

• Are there any on-campus requirements? ​

  The Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program typically holds on-campus welcome sessions at the beginning of each semester that students may choose to attend. Other events during the academic year are also optional. Advising sessions are held via Zoom or phone. 

• Does this program require a thesis or project? ​

  Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program complete either a traditional thesis or a culminating project.

• Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations? ​

  Yes! The Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program offers maximum flexibility and may be completed 100% online, or in a hybrid format if students choose to take some courses online and some on-ground. MALS core classes are taught either asynchronously or synchronously once a week during the evenings, or in hybrid format with some synchronous class meetings and the rest asynchronous content. There are also many online elective courses available, so the Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program is ideal for those with familial or professional obligations. 

• What is the time to completion?

  Students attending full-time may complete the program in four semesters, or two years. Students have six years to complete the program from their date of first enrollment.  

  Completion timelines for part-time students vary depending on their preferences and number of courses taken each academic term. Students must complete the program within the six-year matriculation limit (starting from their date of first enrollment). 

• Are scholarships available?

  The Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program offers two graduate assistantship positions, which cover tuition and most fees plus a stipend of $3,700 per semester in exchange for 20 hours per week of work in a campus office. The program also offers one Tuition Scholarship, which covers tuition and most fees in exchange for eight hours of work per week in a campus office. To be eligible to apply, a student must be enrolled full-time. In some cases, online students may qualify to apply for these positions. 
  
  

  Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.