Interdisciplinary Studies Doctorate (Ph.D.)
Interdisciplinary Studies (Ph.D.)
Application deadlines
Applications must be completed to meet the following deadlines – Feb 15th for Fall term; October 15th for Spring or Summer terms. The information appearing below is a summary of the required application components. In order to submit a successful application, you must comply with the full application requirements listed here
or copy and paste https://wmich.edu/arts-sciences/interdisciplinary-doctorate.
Before Beginning Your Application
If you believe this program may be a good fit, you are encouraged to begin a conversation with the Director of the ISLD program, or their designee, indicating your interest via email. Their contact information may be found near the end of the page here
or copy and paste https://wmich.edu/arts-sciences/interdisciplinary-doctorate.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required; please submit within the online application system.
Graduate test
The General GRE is not required for this program.
Note: International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.
Recommendations
Three recommendations are required. Each should address your academic qualifications for this doctoral degree program. Please send email requests for such recommendations from within the online system.
Written statement
Statement of Purpose (Required): (1500 words maximum): Describe your proposed plan for coursework, goals for independent research, and rationale for applying to the ISLD program. Be sure to include each of the following elements in the order below:
a. Discuss your plans for independent research, explain why you need an interdisciplinary studies program to accomplish your stated study/research aims, and justify why the ISLD program is the most appropriate fit for you rather than any other WMU doctoral program.
b. List the official names of at least two departments/programs that would house your degree and explain how the approaches and methods in each of these departments/programs would contribute to your proposed plan of study and research. For a list of all of WMU’s Graduate Programs
or copy and paste https://wmich.edu/academics/graduate.
c. Identify the names and department/program homes of each of the four or more faculty members who have agreed to serve on your dissertation committee and explore the connections between their specific areas of expertise and your proposed study/research plan. These names should match those listed in the “Pre-Admissions ISLD Faculty Support Form” that you will submit as a Supplementary Form as a mandatory part of this application. (See “Other Program Materials,” below).
d. Outline your proposed coursework plan, identify at least two specific graduate courses you would take in each of the departments/programs housing your degree, and explain how each course would strengthen your ability to meet your study/research aims. Additionally, mention any graduate credits you would like to have considered for transfer credit. For a complete list of graduate courses offered at WMU, consult the most updated Graduate Catalog
or copy and paste: https://wmich.edu/registrar/catalogs.
e. Explore how your background education and professional experience have prepared you to embark upon the specific doctoral program of study you have outlined here.
f. Address your potential career placement after program completion and explain how the ISLD degree would enhance your career and professional trajectory.
g. If you have been dismissed from another doctoral program at WMU prior to applying to the Interdisciplinary Studies Doctorate, please describe the personal and academic improvements you have made since that dismissal which would facilitate a successful outcome in the ISLD program.
Previous written work
It is highly recommended, but not required, for you to upload a writing sample (“previous written work”) demonstrating your ability to produce scholarly work connected to your prospective area of independent research. Faculty members who are asked to be part of your dissertation committee may request such a writing sample or other documentation of the applicant’s skills and readiness for doctoral study. If you do not wish to submit previous written work, you can instead upload a document that contains the following language: “I am opting out of the submission of previous work.”
Each applicant will have to upload something in this section, whether it is the written work sample, or the “opting out” statement.
Other program materials
The “Pre-Admission Faculty Support Form for Prospective ISLD Students” must be completed and uploaded as a “Supplemental Form” in your application. The form is available here under Forms and Resources
or copy and paste https://wmich.edu/arts-sciences/interdisciplinary-doctorate.
This form must provide documentation of written consent (signatures) from at least four faculty members indicating their willingness to serve on your ISLD committee should you be admitted to the program, and must also include the signature of the ISLD Director or designee. No applications will be reviewed before this documentation is received.
Transcript requirement
An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution(s) where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.
Additional information
If you have any questions, please review the College of Arts and Sciences website below for program and contact information.
https://wmich.edu/arts-sciences/interdisciplinary-doctorate
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