Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A.L.S. (Gender and Diversity Studies Concentration)

General Program Information

Jill LeRoy-Frazier, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
208 Yoakley Hall
Box 70659
(423) 439-4223
e-mail: leroyfra@etsu.edu

Faculty: Julie Fox-Horton; Jill LeRoy-Frazier.

The Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS program is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to design an individualized program of study in the Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, and related fields. Interdisciplinary Studies Gender and Diversity students complete a common core and select graduate elective courses from disciplinary departments in the categories of Women’s and Gender Issues, Diversity and Ethnicity, and Philosophy and Ethics, and Social Justice, then choose either a thesis or a culminating project to complete their programs of study. The Interdisciplinary Studies program emphasizes maximum flexibility; students may attend on-ground, online, or in either mode as needed.

Program Admission Requirements for Interdisciplinary Studies, MALS

A student applying to the Interdisciplinary Studies program needs the following:

1. A baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent.
2. An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (domestic applicants) or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (international applicants).
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. A successful admissions interview.
5. A writing sample of four to five pages in response to the prompt provided at https://www.etsu.edu/gradschool/masters-degrees.php (click on Interdisciplinary Studies - M.A.L.S, then scroll down to Additional Requirements).

Students may be admitted into the Interdisciplinary degree program fall, spring, or summer.

Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A.L.S. Degree Requirements: 34-37 credits

Interdisciplinary Studies Core Requirements: 13-16 credits

• MALS 5000 - Foundations in Liberal Studies (1 credit)
• MALS 5100 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Study in the Liberal Arts (3 credits)
• MALS 5200 - Seminar in Liberal Studies (3 credits)
• MALS 5400 - Seminar in Interdisciplinary Research (3 credits)

•  

• MALS 5950 - Culminating Project (3 credits) (repeatable up to 6 credits)

• or

• MALS 5960 - Thesis (3 credits) (repeatable up to 6 credits)

Gender and Diversity Studies Concentration: 12 credits

• MALS 5300 - Intersectionality and Social Justice (3 credits)
• Women’s and Gender Issues course (3 credits)*
• Diversity and Ethnicity course (3 credits)*
• Philosophy, Ethics, and Social Justice course (3 credits)*

• 
  * Courses must be approved by the Interdisciplinary Studies graduate coordinator.

Advisor Approved Electives: 9 credits

Complete 9 credits of disciplinary department coursework as approved by the Interdisciplinary Studies graduate coordinator concentrated in one of the three area categories:

• Women’s and Gender Issues
• Diversity and Ethnicity
• Philosophy, Ethics, and Social Justice

Note:

Beyond the Interdisciplinary Studies core, the program of study will come from offerings of various departments at East Tennessee State University, with the following limitations:

• Elective courses must come from at least two (2) different academic departments, and except in special circumstances,
• No more than one (1) course may be taken from colleges other than Arts and Sciences and Education.
• Only six (6) credits of coursework may be taken from any one (1) department in Arts and Sciences and Education without the approval of the Interdisciplinary Studies graduate coordinator.

Please note that a student may not take all elective courses from the College of Education. Students must meet all prerequisites for all courses.