Student Learning Outcomes for the M.A. and M.S. Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies

Knowledge

Students will:

  • Demonstrate through the culmuinating experience an understanding of the relationship between the various disciplines incorporated into their Study Plan;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology and research design, or creative activities appropriate to the interdisciplinary nature of their work;
  • Identify and apply relevant theoretical framework of the disciplines incorporated into their Study Plan;
  • Have fundamental knowledge of their disciplines and specific knowledge of their particular area of study;
  • Demonstrate mastery of their subject matter on their Study Plan; and
  • Understand the careers, professions, and/or future academic opportunities available to them upon completion of their studies.

Skills

Students who undertake a research-based thesis will be able to:

  • develop a testable hypothesis or explore research questions;
  • locate, retrieve and utilize appropriate information;
  • read, understand, and critically review the primary literature;
  • utilize appropriate methodology to conduct a research-based study;
  • analyze results using qualitative or quantitative techniques;
  • compare their results to previous studies;
  • explain the contribution of their study to the broader field of existing knowledge;
  • communicate the importance of their work in an oral presentation; and
  • communicate the importance of their work in written format.

Students who undertake a project will be able to:

  • develop a plan for the project or develop a plan for a scholarly or creative work;
  • locate, retrieve and utilize appropriate information;
  • read, understand, and critically review the primary literature or previous creative works;
  • utilize appropriate methodologies to conduct an applied study, implement a project, or utilize appropriate skills to produce a creative work;
  • analyze results using qualitative or quatitative techniques when appropriate;
  • compare their results to previous studies when appropriate;
  • explain the contribution of their work to the broader field of existing knowledge or to previously created works; and
  • communicate the originality of, as well as the independent thinking and rationale for their work, in written format.