Interdisciplinary Studies

An MA/MS in interdisciplinary studies is an innovative and individualized program for students whose interests and academic goals are not satisfactorily attained through one of the master's degrees programs offered at San Francisco State. These individualized degrees provide an opportunity for students and faculty to design courses of study that are highly responsive to emerging fields of knowledge and practice.

A MA/MS in Interdisciplinary Studies needs to be initiated by the student in collaboration with faculty. Students will need to develop a 30–36 unit plan of study that draws on courses from at least three disciplines from two Colleges with the intent to integrate the concepts and perspectives of those disciplines into a focused central theme leading to new ways of looking at a subject, issues or problem relevant to a student's unique interests.

The courses to be applied toward the degree must be carefully selected for their interrelatedness and general applicability to the objectives of the unique program of study being proposed. Determination of degree designation as an MS or MA is the decision of the major advisor and the Dean of Graduate Studies. This degree cannot be used to meet credential or licensing requirements.

The program must:

  • Be compatible with the general mission and objectives of the University.
  • Be based upon regular courses already offered in the University.
  • Include 30- 36 unit plan of study that draws on courses from at least three disciplines from two Colleges.
  • Be supported by members of the faculty with expertise in the areas of study.
For more information or if you have any questions about Interdisciplinary Studies, please contact the Associate Director of Enrollment & Curricular Engagement: Khaled Ezzat at khaled@sfsu.edu

Application Instructions

Identify your primary faculty advisor and two additional tenured or tenure-line faculty members at SF State campus who have the expertise and interest in advising and supporting you in the proposed program of study.

Email Khaled Ezzat, the Interdisciplinary Studies Program Coordinator at khaled@sfsu.edu  to obtain the Proposed Interdisciplinary Studies Program Requirements Form which is required for upload to the documents section of this application.

Complete the Documents, Recommendations, and Questions sections of Cal State Apply.

Admission Criteria

All applicants for an Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program must:

  • Meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study as specified in the University Bulletin.
  • Have earned a 3.25 grade point average in the undergraduate degree or in the last 60 academic semester units taken prior to admission to Graduate Studies.
  • Have demonstrated English competency and proficiency before beginning the program, which can be met by earning a score of 4.5 or better on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) analytical writing section (students with a business background can substitute the GMAT analytical writing score of 4.5). Students can also demonstrate English proficiency by completing a Writing intensive course. This course can be used to meet this requirement upon approval from the Primary Major Advisor and the Division of Graduate Studies.
  • Students may not use courses from fields of study, such as, nursing, physical therapy or counseling which lead to licensure or certification unless a single course is specifically authorized by the department chair.
  • Have identified and met with the primary faculty advisor and two additional tenured or tenure-line faculty members at SF State campus who have the expertise and interest in advising and supporting you in the proposed program of study. The primary faculty advisor must be from a department that offers a graduate degree. Lecturer faculty may not serve on Interdisciplinary Studies committees because lecturer faculty may not be available each semester for advising.