Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies program at Rice University, offered through the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, provides intellectually rich graduate-level pathways for students who seek challenge, creativity, and connection at a world-class university. Three options are available: the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) degree, the post-Masters Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS), and the Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing graduate certificates.

These programs are designed for students from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds - working professionals, recent graduates, retirees, educators, and lifelong learners - who are eager to explore meaningful questions across disciplines. Whether pursuing a degree, diploma, or credential, students are united by a desire to engage with ideas that matter and to broaden their perspectives in ways not always possible in a career-focused undergraduate curriculum.

Each pathway supports students in examining enduring and timely questions across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts.  Through interdisciplinary learning, students explore the complexities of human experience—from literature, history, and philosophy to science, politics, and society - while connecting with a community of learners who share their commitment to discovery and growth.

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS)

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) program attracts a dynamic and diverse community of students committed to exploring complex issues through multiple lenses. Students come from fields such as healthcare, law, education, public service, the arts, business, and beyond -bringing a wide range of life experience and perspective into the classroom.

Designed for curious learners who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek a graduate education grounded in creativity, collaboration, and practical application, the MIS program emphasizes synthesis across disciplines and the development of essential skills in communication, research, and leadership. Rather than a thesis, students complete a capstone project and a reflective essay that demonstrate their growth across the program’s six core learning outcomes.

The MIS degree can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students typically finish in two years; part-time students can complete the degree in four years.

Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS)

Rice University’s Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS) offers advanced interdisciplinary study for students who wish to further develop their intellectual interests beyond a master’s degree. Unique to Rice, the DLS is designed primarily for graduates of the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) program - or comparable interdisciplinary graduate programs - who seek to deepen their research, writing, and critical inquiry across the humanities, sciences, and arts.

Building on the foundational skills of the MIS, the DLS allows students to take a focused and personalized dive into complex topics that intersect  disciplines. The program supports those who wish to enhance their academic and professional work, prepare for doctoral study, contribute to public scholarship, or pursue meaningful civic and creative projects.

The DLS welcomes well-prepared applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Non-MIS (Master of Interdisciplinary Studies) students may be admitted on a case-by-case basis, based on prior graduate study and alignment with the program’s interdisciplinary approach. 

Certificate in Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing 

The Glasscock School of Continuing Studies offers a Certificate in Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing through coordinated coursework from the Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Certified K12 teachers can provide students with first-hand exposure to college-level instruction, make a 2- or 4- year degree more affordable for their students, increase their own earning potential, and fill their district’s need for credentialed, dual credit teachers.

Texas high school students are able to participate in dual credit coursework, helping them earn college credit, or even an associate’s degree, before they step foot on a post-secondary campus. High school dual credit courses are designed to challenge students with rigorous, college-level curriculum, and provide them with a jumpstart on their futures—all public colleges and universities in Texas are required by the state legislature to accept dual credit. Teachers that possess the appropriate credentials to teach dual credit courses in their content areas are in high demand and have the potential to maximize their earning power while providing college access and increasing college affordability for their students.

This Graduate Certificate opportunity is designed for the practicing secondary teacher in English or in History. Classes are offered every semester – fall, spring, and summer – and all courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.

There are two paths available for certified teachers:

1. Created for teachers who hold a master’s degree (in any subject) but lack the required 18 graduate content hours, this (standalone) Graduate Certificate option helps teachers with a master’s degree efficiently meet the requirements to teach high school dual credit courses in English or in History.
2. Teachers who need a master's degree can complete their credentialing requirements to teach dual credit and earn this Graduate Certificate concurrently with the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) degree. The MIS plan of study will allow you to earn the master's degree while specializing in the English or History content you wish to teach. Visit the MIS website for admission and degree requirements. 

Interdisciplinary Studies does not currently offer an academic program at the undergraduate level.

Master's Program

• Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) Degree

Post-Master's Diploma Program

• Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS)

Certificates

• Certificate in Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing: English
• Certificate in Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing: History

Dean

Robert G. Bruce

Director

Rebecca Sharp

Lecturers

Richard Baker
Newell Boyd
Joseph A. Campana Jr.
Alejandro Chaoul
G. Daniel Cohen
Matthias Henze
Christopher M. Johns-Krull
Cassidy Johnson
Danielle D. King
Cin-Ty Lee
Peter V. Loewen
Burke Nixon
Casey Schoenberger
Rebecca Sharp
Scott Solomon
Chase Untermeyer

For Rice University degree-granting programs:
To view the list of official course offerings, please see Rice’s Course Catalog.
To view the most recent semester’s course schedule, please see Rice's Course Schedule.

Description and Code Legend 

Note: Internally, the university uses the following descriptions, codes, and abbreviations for this academic program. The following is a quick reference: 

Course Catalog/Schedule 

• Course offerings/subject codes: Courses from various subjects may apply towards this program

Department (or Program) Description and Code

• School of Continuing Studies: SOCS

Graduate Degree Descriptions and Codes

• Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree: MIS
• Diploma of Liberal Studies: DLS

Graduate Degree Program Description and Code

• Degree Program in Interdisciplinary Studies: INDS

Graduate Certificate Descriptions and Codes

• Certificate in Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing - English: DCE
• Certificate in Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing - History: DCH 

CIP Code and Description¹

• INDS Major/Program: CIP Code/Title: 30.0000 - Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
• DCE Certificate: CIP Code/Title: 13.1305 - English/Language Arts Teacher Education
• DCH Certificate: CIP Code/Title: 13.1328 - History Arts Teacher Education