Interdisciplinary PhD

Program Overview

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The Interdisciplinary PhD (INPR) program at Marquette University allows students to customize their academic journey and research across traditional disciplinary boundaries. The program fosters innovative programming, promotes interdisciplinary collaborations, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in interdisciplinary fields. Students design their own curriculum in collaboration with faculty mentors from different disciplines, and the program prepares them for professional opportunities within the interdisciplinary scholarly/practitioner community.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview: The Interdisciplinary PhD (INPR) program at Marquette University offers students a unique opportunity to customize their academic journey and research across traditional disciplinary boundaries. The program aims to:

• Foster innovative and creative academic programming.

• Promote interdisciplinary research collaborations.

• Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in interdisciplinary fields.

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Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the ability to identify and address complex interdisciplinary problems.
• Develop students' skills in critically evaluating and employing methods from multiple disciplines.
• Guide students in conducting independent, original research that contributes to knowledge in their chosen field.
• Prepare students for professional opportunities within the interdisciplinary scholarly/practitioner community.

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Program Description:

The INPR program is a highly individualized and flexible program that allows students to design their own curriculum in collaboration with faculty mentors from different disciplines. The program consists of three core components:

• Coursework: Students complete 12 credits of coursework to build a foundation in their chosen field and develop the necessary research skills.
• Dissertation Research: Students conduct original research under the guidance of a dissertation director.
• Dissertation Defense: Students publicly present and defend their dissertation research before a faculty committee.

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Key Features:

• Interdisciplinary nature: The program encourages students to explore and integrate knowledge from different disciplines.
• Customization: Students can tailor their program to their specific research interests and career goals.
• Flexibility: Students have the option to complete coursework online or on campus.
• Faculty mentorship: Students receive individualized guidance and support from faculty mentors throughout their program.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The INPR program curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen field while also developing their interdisciplinary research skills. The coursework focuses on:

• Interdisciplinary problem-solving: Students learn to identify and address complex problems that require perspectives from multiple disciplines.
• Research methods: Students develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Disciplinary knowledge: Students gain a deep understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of their chosen field.

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Program Structure:

The INPR program is typically completed in 4-6 years, depending on the student's research progress. The program consists of the following stages:

• Pre-application: Students explore the program requirements and meet with the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School.
• Application: Students submit a formal application package, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
• Proposal & Plan: Students develop a degree proposal and plan in collaboration with their faculty advisors.
This plan outlines the student's coursework, research project, and dissertation requirements.
• Coursework: Students complete the required coursework and any additional courses approved by their faculty advisors.
• Qualifying Exam: Students take a written and/or oral exam to demonstrate their mastery of the chosen field.
• Dissertation Research: Students conduct original research under the guidance of their dissertation director.
• Dissertation Defense: Students present and defend their dissertation research before a faculty committee.

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Individual Modules:

The specific modules offered in the INPR program vary depending on the student's chosen field and research interests. However, some common modules include:

• Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving
• Research Methods in the Social Sciences
• Research Methods in the Humanities
• Research Methods in the Natural Sciences
• Advanced Data Analysis

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Students' progress in the INPR program is assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Coursework: Students' performance in coursework is evaluated through exams, papers, and presentations.
• Qualifying Exam: The qualifying exam assesses students' mastery of the chosen field and their ability to conduct original research.
• Dissertation Research: The dissertation research is evaluated by the student's dissertation director and a faculty committee.
However, some common criteria include:
• Depth of knowledge: Students' understanding of the chosen field and related interdisciplinary areas.
• Research skills: Students' ability to conduct original research, analyze data, and write effectively.
• Communication skills: Students' ability to communicate their research findings effectively in written and oral formats.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The INPR program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures on key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Students engage in discussions with faculty and peers on specific topics.
• Workshops: Students develop their research skills under the guidance of faculty mentors.
• Individualized指導: Students receive one-on-one guidance from their faculty advisors.

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Faculty:

The INPR program is taught by a diverse faculty with expertise in a wide range of disciplines. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality educational experience and supporting their research endeavors.

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Unique Approaches:

The INPR program offers several unique teaching approaches, including:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Students have the opportunity to work with faculty from different disciplines on research projects.
• Customized learning: Students can tailor their coursework to their specific research interests.
• Individualized mentoring: Students receive personalized guidance and support from their faculty advisors throughout their program.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

The INPR program prepares students for a variety of careers in academia, government, industry, and non-profit organizations. Some potential career paths include:

• Research scientist
• Professor
• Policy analyst
• Consultant
• Educator

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the INPR program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields. Some examples of career opportunities include:

• Research positions in government agencies or private companies
• Faculty positions at colleges and universities
• Policy analyst positions in government or non-profit organizations
• Consultant positions in industry or consulting firms
• Education positions in K-12 schools or higher education institutions

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Career Outcomes:

The Marquette University Graduate School provides career services to help students with their job search, including:

• Individual career counseling
• Resume and cover letter writing workshops
• Job fairs and networking events
• The INPR program is a relatively new program, with the first cohort of students admitted in 2023.
• The program is designed to be flexible and accommodate students with a variety of backgrounds and research interests.