Multidisciplinary Studies

Mission Statement

The Multidisciplinary Studies Program is committed to innovative, integrative, and student-centered education. Grounded in the values of flexibility, critical inquiry, and academic rigor, the program empowers students to chart unique academic pathways that align with their personal, professional, and intellectual goals. Through cross-disciplinary learning and experiential opportunities, the program fosters creative problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability for an ever-evolving global workforce.

General Information

Housed within University College, the Multidisciplinary Studies Program serves students whose academic and career interests span multiple disciplines. The program offers both Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, each enabling students to combine two graduate certificates from departments across UT San Antonio, and is offered in both face-to-face and 100% online formats.

Multidisciplinary Studies is ideal for students seeking a flexible, interdisciplinary education that prepares them for careers in business, public service, health, technology, education, data science, and beyond. Students benefit from academic advising, capstone experiences, and access to faculty and programming across UT San Antonio's colleges.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Multidisciplinary Studies program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge in two distinct disciplines.

  • Synthesize concepts across multiple fields to examine complex questions and problems.

  • Apply communication, research, and analytical skills in academic and professional contexts.

  • Complete an integrative capstone project that demonstrates interdisciplinary mastery.

  • Utilize digital and technological tools relevant to their chosen fields.

Degrees Offered

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Multidisciplinary Studies

    • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Multidisciplinary Studies – 100% Online

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Multidisciplinary Studies

    • ​Master of Science (M.S.) in Multidisciplinary Studies – 100% Online

M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) is a professional degree that can enhance career path development and help students develop specific marketable skills needed to advance their careers. One additional benefit to the multidisciplinary nature of the M.A. in MDST is that it can help eliminate the barriers encountered with traditional M.A. programs that restrict students to one area of expertise. This stackable certificate program prepares students with fundamental and advanced knowledge and skills for the workforce.   

MDST students will design a degree plan that builds on personal interests, academic strengths, and career opportunities. The degree plan pairs graduate certificates in two academic disciplines that enrich students' marketable skills. At least one of the graduate certificates must be outside the science field to qualify for the M.A. degree. Otherwise, please see the information below on the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies program. Click here to view the full list of Graduate Certificate Programs.

The M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies is also offered in a 100% online format.

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to the University-wide graduate admission requirements, admission decisions will be based on a combination of the following: 

  • A current résumé.  
  • Review the application requirements for both graduate certificates you intend to choose as part of your application to the Master's in Multidisciplinary Studies, and provide any additional materials required by those certificate programs (i.e. letters of intent, reference letters, etc.) as supplemental materials in your application. Not all graduate certificates require additional materials.

Submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. A student who does not qualify for unconditional admission may be admitted on a conditional basis as determined by the Admissions Committee. 

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies are not required to submit separate applications for their graduate certificates. Students will choose the two graduate certificates they wish to pursue as part of the application to this Master’s program.

Degree Requirements

To earn the M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies degree, students must complete 30 semester credit hours. Students should complete two certificate programs as prescribed. No more than 3 semester credit hours of independent study should be included. Depending on the total hours required for the chosen certificates, additional coursework may be needed to reach 30 hours overall for the degree. Please consult the Graduate Advisor of Record to confirm if additional hours are needed.​To satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement, candidates for the M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies will be required to complete a course designated from one of the concentrations selected (certificate areas) or MDS 6833 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better.


M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) is a professional degree that prepares students with a diverse academic background—including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health, and social science—to combine their knowledge into one career, including consulting, systems engineering, information systems management, and data analyst. This professional degree program is designed to prepare graduate students across multiple disciplines with fundamental science, health, and engineering knowledge and skills for the workforce. 

MDST students will design a degree plan that builds on personal interests, academic strengths, and career opportunities. The degree plan pairs graduate certificates in two academic disciplines that enrich students’ marketable skills. Both graduate certificates must be in the science field to qualify for the M.S. degree. Otherwise, please see the information above on the Master of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies program. Click here to view the full list of Graduate Certificate Programs.

The M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies is also offered in a 100% online format.

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to the University-wide graduate admission requirements, admission decisions will be based on a combination of the following: 

  • A current résumé.  

  • Review the application requirements for both graduate certificates you intend to choose as part of your application to the Master's in Multidisciplinary Studies, and provide any additional materials required by those certificate programs (i.e. letters of intent, reference letters, etc.) as supplemental materials in your application. Not all graduate certificates require additional materials.

Submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. A student who does not qualify for unconditional admission may be admitted on a conditional basis as determined by the Admissions Committee.

Applicants to the Master’s in Multidisciplinary Studies are not required to submit separate applications for their graduate certificates. Students will choose the two graduate certificates they wish to pursue as part of the application to this Master’s program.

Degree Requirements

To earn the M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies degree, students must complete 30 semester credit hours. Students should complete two certificate programs as prescribed. No more than 3 semester credit hours of independent study should be included. Depending on the total hours required for the chosen certificates, additional coursework may be needed to reach 30 hours overall for the degree. Please consult the Graduate Advisor of Record to confirm if additional hours are needed.To satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement, candidates for the M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies will be required to complete a course designated from one of the concentrations selected (certificate areas) or MDS 6833 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better.

Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS) Courses

MDS 5013. Advanced Writing Strategies for Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This advanced writing course is designed for graduate students majoring in multidisciplinary studies. Through presentations, readings, discussion, and writing, graduate students will develop writing and editing skills necessary for their success in the Multidisciplinary Studies Graduate program. This course focuses on effective academic writing strategies and techniques, such as argumentation, organization, research, audience, genre, style, and more. (Same as MDS 4013. Credit cannot be earned for both MDS 4013 and MDS 5013.). Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.

MDS 6833. Capstone for Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and the Graduate Advisor of Record. This is a project-based course in which students collaborate on projects spanning various specialization areas. It serves as a pivotal opportunity for students to integrate their academic knowledge into practical, real-world applications and cultivate the essential skills needed to collaborate effectively across disciplines. Through engaging in hands-on projects, students deepen their understanding of course content and develop invaluable teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in diverse professional settings. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.

MDS 6941. Internship. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Consent of Graduate Advisor of Record. Supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study, within selected organizations and agencies. May be repeated for credit but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fee: LRMS $12.50.

MDS 6943. Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of Graduate Advisor of Record. Supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study, within selected organizations and agencies. May be repeated for credit but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.

MDS 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and the Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Course Fee: LRMS $12.50.

MDS 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and the Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.

MDS 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Approval of the Graduate Advisor of Record and the student's Comprehensive Examination Committee. Independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Course Fee: LRMS $12.50.

MDS 6971. Special Topics. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Topics courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but no more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Course Fee: LRMS $12.50.

MDS 6973. Special Topics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Topics courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but no more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.