Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies program at Rice University, offered by the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University is designed for post-baccalaureate students who crave intellectual challenge at a world-class university. Three paths 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.

Exploring interdisciplinary studies at a highly integrated level is not always possible in a career-focused undergraduate curriculum. Each option is tailored toward a wide range of students from recent graduates to working adults, retirees, and other non-traditional university students who wish to broaden their knowledge in fields they may not have studied in their earlier education. Courses are taught by distinguished Rice faculty and invited visiting faculty who maintain the high academic standards of Rice University.

All paths are designed for those who love to learn new ideas, explore new worlds, and enjoy meeting others who are part of the same expedition. By examining timeless, timely human questions within the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, students satisfy their curiosity about the world through art, literature, science, politics, human nature, and history.

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS)

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) degree attracts a wide spectrum of students. Medical doctors, attorneys, homemakers, recent college graduates, retirees, teachers, a range of business professionals. Such diversity – in both age and profession – adds a level of broad-mindedness not typically found in the traditional classroom.

The MIS program seeks committed, energetic adult students with bachelor’s degrees from an accredited college or university, who have significant life experiences and who are able to communicate effectively.

All courses will require research papers; some may require tests or oral presentations. A thesis is not part of the degree program. Part-time students can complete the degree in approximately four years and are allowed up to seven years to complete the degree. Full-time students can complete the degree in approximately two years and have up to five years to complete the degree.  

Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS)

Rice's Diploma in Liberal Studies (DLS) program complements and extends the educational goals of the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) program. The DLS is a graduate-level diploma that is currently unique to Rice University.

Exploring liberal arts at a highly integrated level is not always possible in a career-focused undergraduate curriculum. As with MIS degree, the DLS program is tailored toward working adults, retirees, and other non-traditional university students who wish to broaden their knowledge in fields they may not have studied in their earlier education. Courses are taught by distinguished Rice faculty and invited visiting faculty who maintain the high academic standards of Rice University.

Designed primarily for those who have completed the MIS degree, the DLS allows these graduates to maximize and enhance their academic investment. However, the program also welcomes non-MIS students on a case-by-case basis that considers academic background and future goals. Well-prepared applicants who are accepted into the program can deepen their interdisciplinary knowledge while honing research and writing skills, laying the foundation to improve critical publications, community service, doctoral studies, or career work.

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
Deborah Barrett
Newell Boyd
Joseph A. Campana Jr.
Alejandro Chaoul
Matthias Henze
Christopher M. Johns-Krull
Cassidy Johnson
Evelyn Keyes
Cin-Ty Lee
Peter V. Loewen
Burke Nixon
Rebecca Sharp
Scott Solomon

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