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Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A.

Deepen Your Understanding of the World
  • 100%

    Online Program

  • 1 of 4

    UNC System Schools Featured in the Fiske Guide to Colleges

  • 107

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

Our alumni work in:

Teach students and contribute to their learning development.

Promote authors and books in a variety of ways, such as scheduling media interviews and setting up book signings. 

Develop, implement and evaluate policy solutions for the problems society faces.

Generate interest in products and services through tasks such as brainstorming ideas for marketing campaigns, creating messages to improve brand awareness, researching and analyzing data, and developing presentations.

program completion feature
program completion feature

Learn TO

Apply critical theories and creative solutions to problem

Make connections between various theories and ideas

Express oneself articulately in writing and orally

Conduct complex research, synthesize it, and argue persuasively in support of a claim based on evidence

Analyze the value and significance of one's own creative work, and situate it within the context of similar creative works

“ When choosing a M.A. program, I wanted an online program that would allow me the freedom to design a palate of courses that align with my future goals, provide financial support to make my education affordable, and have engaged, supportive faculty. UNCW GLS surpassed my expectation. ”
Deepal Patel Class of 2021
IDS Program Overview

Gain a Broader Interdisciplinary Perspective

The IDS program prepares you to meet the many complex challenges facing society, the world and regional communities, most of which do not fall within the strict confines of a single discipline or professional degree program.

You’ll have opportunities to engage in independent studies tailored to your interests, and you’ll deepen your understanding of the social, scientific and humanistic dimensions of today’s world.

Build broad career skills while growing narrowly focused expertise and take a step further in both your personal and professional journey.

Flexibility To Meet Your Needs

The program is 100% online to accommodate working individuals, with flexibility in scheduling to fit your needs.

Students can further customize and enhance their studies with a certificate in Conflict Management and Resolution, Gerontology, or Science and Medical Writing.
students studying in the library

Sample Courses

Table shows sample courses for this program
IDS 504 Construction of Knowledge and Culture
IDS 526 Persuasion in American Life
IDS 532 Conservation and Culture
IDS 542 Creative Non-Fiction: Memoir and Truth-Telling
IDS 568 Black Intellectual Tradition
IDS 584 Interdisciplinary Study of Identity
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Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Distance Education - Online - Asynchronous (instructional materials made available on the Internet and available 24 hours a day every day-not time-dependent slots).

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Fall 2025:
    • May 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations that address the applicant's chance of success in the program

Additional Requirements

  • Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  • Essay: A writing sample in the form of an essay explaining how the MAIDS degree can assist the candidate in meeting his or her personal goals. Essays should be from one to five pages (single-spaced) and uploaded directly into the online application.

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