Phd in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

48 Months

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About this course

The Interdisciplinary Studies PhD program at the University of Louisville is designed to allow faculty to propose interdisciplinary programs of study that create specialized areas of training for students. Rather than students proposing individualized plans, the program focuses on faculty-developed specializations that often cross departmental boundaries. These areas must meet requirements regarding credit hours and coursework distribution across disciplines. The program emphasizes original research involving crossing disciplinary lines and requires a dissertation. Faculty participating in the program must have the necessary credentials and consent from their department chairs or deans. Students select a primary mentor from participating faculty to guide their research and coursework, ensuring a comprehensive interdisciplinary educational experience.

Why this course is highly recommended

This PhD program is ideal for students interested in broad, cross-disciplinary research areas that require collaboration across multiple fields. It offers the chance to develop a customized specialization with strong faculty mentorship, encouraging innovative research methods that transcend traditional department lines. The program’s structure emphasizes original research with a significant dissertation component, which is perfect for students eager to work on complex problems that benefit from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Moreover, it provides a flexible yet rigorous framework suitable for those looking to create impactful interdisciplinary expertise.

Specialisation

The program supports areas of specialization proposed by faculty, which must meet criteria in terms of credit hours and coursework distribution across disciplines. It encompasses various interdisciplinary fields, with specific specializations such as Bioinformatics, Translational Bioengineering, and Translational Neuroscience, among others. These specializations are designed to create a broad yet focused academic pathway within the sciences and beyond, fostering original research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

Living cost

Degree requirements

Candidates must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate coursework, ensuring representation from at least two different departments with a minimum of 6 credit hours at the 600-level in each. The curriculum must include coursework in research methodology suitable to interdisciplinary study. The core requirement is a dissertation involving original research crossing disciplinary lines. Faculty mentors must meet graduate faculty standards, and a primary mentor must be designated, with a co-mentor if necessary, to guide the dissertation process.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

PTE

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

105

Career prospects

Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Studies PhD program will be well-suited for careers that require integrating multiple fields of knowledge and research expertise. These include academia, research institutions, healthcare, bioinformatics, engineering, and other sectors that value innovative problem-solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The program prepares students to contribute to complex projects and lead initiatives that benefit from a broad interdisciplinary outlook.

FAQs

Can students propose their own individualized interdisciplinary programs?

No, individual students cannot propose their own programs. The program is developed and proposed by faculty based on collaborative interdisciplinary research areas.

What are the basic admission requirements?

Applicants need at least a 3.25 GPA, proof of a Baccalaureate Degree, official transcripts, and if applicable, English language proficiency scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Three letters of recommendation are also required.