Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies
Thank you for your interest in the Interdisciplinary Studies Doctorate (ISLD) offered by the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University. This unique, student-driven degree is highly individualized, allowing students with cross-disciplinary interests to take the lead in designing a tailored doctoral program for themselves in consultation with academic advisors who agree to work with the student. From the pre-admission application process until degree completion, ISLD students work under the guidance of at least four faculty advisors who are invited by the student to work with them based on the fit between the faculty members’ areas of expertise and the student’s interests.
The ISLD degree is appropriate only for students whose needs cannot be met by one of WMU’s existing graduate departments/programs. It is not meant as an alternative for students who were unable to gain admission to other programs or who were not successful in another program. Our priority is to support established programs at WMU. If a current program adequately meets the needs of an applicant, the applicant will be encouraged instead to pursue that degree option.
The degree is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and must include required coursework from at least two declared degree-granting departments/programs, with at least one of them housed within CAS. Each of the two declared departments/programs must offer graduate coursework. Certificate programs are not eligible. The resulting transcript and diploma will indicate “Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies.”
This Interdisciplinary Studies Doctorate (ISLD) supports the Western Michigan University mission to offer an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being so that all may learn.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Career and student employment services supports students by empowering them to develop the skills necessary for reaching their career goals. Through career advising, and learning about career pathways, WMU students get ready for the world of work or service after graduating.
Specific services and programs include:
- Access to Bronco alumni to help answer career questions.
- Assistance finding a campus job.
- Career coaching to learn about career pathways.
- Creating a professional “brand” using social media and technology.
- Eight job fairs every year to meet with potential employers.
- Getting an internship.
- Perfecting resumes, curriculum vitae, cover letters and job applications.
- Practice interviewing sessions with professional HR recruiters.
Evaluation training at Western Michigan University is offered at the following levels:
Master's prepares graduates for staff positions in evaluation in diverse settings.
Ph.D. prepares graduates for leadership positions in evaluation in many settings.
Career possibilities
- Assessment specialist
- Data analyst
- Evaluation coordinator
- External evaluator
- Internal evaluator
- Measurement consultant
- Monitoring specialist
- Policy associate
- Program officer
- Project manager
- Quality assurance manager
- Research analyst
- Statistical programmer
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Minimum English proficiency test scores (for most programs):
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 71 iBT undergraduate, 80 iBT graduate (WMU Institutional Code: 1902)
- TOEFL Essential: 7 Undergraduate; 8 Graduate
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6.0 undergraduate, 6.5 graduate
- Pearson Test of English, Academic Module (PTE): 48 undergraduate, 54 graduate or
- Duolingo: 100 undergraduate, 115 graduate.
- International Baccalaureate, grade of 5 in English at the Higher Level.
- General Certificate of Education: A grade of A, B, or C in English from one of the five British-based examining boards undergraduate, a grade of A or B in English from one of the five British-based examining boards graduate.
- Successful completion of ESL level 112.
- Successful completion of either four years of upper secondary school or one year of full-time, tertiary (university-level) education from select countries meets WMU English language proficiency requirements.
- Successful completion of a WMU Pathway II or the final level in the WMU Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS).
- Completion of a WMU degree.
- Cambridge Advanced English Certificate: A grade of A, B, or C undergraduate, a grade of A or B graduate.
- SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing Subscore (EBRW): 500 (for most programs).
- Michigan English Test (MET): 48 undergraduate, 57 graduate (for most programs).
- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): B2 undergraduate, C1 graduate (for most programs).
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 04 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
69928 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 100 USD
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