1. How will the ID degree be titled?

The Degree will be titled: Doctor of Philosophy, Individual Interdisciplinary


2. How many credits does the Interdisciplinary PhD have to be?

This program has been approved to require 60 credits, with between 18-30 total dissertation credits. For more information on doctoral degree requirments, see this link to the Graduate School policy pages.


3. What are the advantages of pursuing this?

The IIP program allows students to work across disciplinary boundaries to address big challenges that cross over into multiple and diverse disciplines. The student receives broad training in many areas but also depth in the subject matter. Such students have been referred to as T-stem students.


4. Is this a program to provide a structured way to have flexibility in meeting doctorate program requirements, or is it something else?

The IIP is like any other doctoral program; must meet all doctoral requirements (see the policy page on Doctoral Degree Requirements)


5. Does the graduate office oversee the forms required for application / graduation / etc? Or do the individual departments.

The collaborating departments and advisors/committee mentor and advise the IIP student. The workflow of forms and so forth is the same as any other doctoral program.

6. Are the quals/comps to be a part of the proposed curriculum?

Yes. The timeline for these transition points also must appear on a program of study.


7. What exactly do you mean by "Objectives and an outline for dissertation research," as this is really not known until a student is proposing their dissertation (usually around the 3rd year or so).

The IIP requires that a research plan be developed prior to applying, including research concepts/objectives/methods. The MSU faculty who serve as your committee will mentor you as the research develops.