Interdisciplinary Studies (M.S.I.S./M.A.I.S.)

MSIS/MAIS Interdisciplinary Studies

The OWLS Department offers 8-16 week courses with individualized programs for working professionals.
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Program Overview

The interdisciplinary studies program offers a unique opportunity to gain skills highly valued in organizations and workplaces, such as self-leadership and training, and development. Additionally, students work closely with their advisor to select courses to align with their individualized career objectives and area of specialization. Students come from varied backgrounds and professions to increase their opportunity of workforce success and progression.

Course Work

Course schedules are created to accommodate the needs of working professionals. This allows for online instruction through Zoom and/or weekly assignments due per the instructor with no meeting dates.

Students gain skills to apply to their workplace, as well as specialized skills in their area of focus. They have an exit module that emphasizes analysis and real-life problem-solving.

DegreeHoursThesis OptionMinor Option
Degree
M.S.I.S.
Hours
39
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Degree
M.A.I.S.
Hours
39
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor

What Our Alumni Say

“...the OWLS Department simply cater to the adult student and make achieving a master's degree enjoyable and possible. The courses were designed to facilitate adult learning and provided useful tools to apply to any workplace. ”

— Jason Castillo, M.S.I.S. ’12

Program Details

With opportunities to work with, publish, and present academic research and studies with faculty, students strengthen their resumes, network, and access to resources. This allows a showcase of knowledge on the subject to help advance one in their career.

Program Mission

The Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS) prepares current and future generations of learners for career/professional success in diverse workplaces.

We accomplish this mission through an accelerated, applied, interdisciplinary undergraduate degree-completion program and graduate programs, including working with learners who seek a non-traditional approach in completing a degree that results in retraining/reskilling, understanding knowledge, and advancing careers. In addition, we value discovery and understanding and accomplish this mission through research-based instruction and state-of-the-art student services.

Career Options

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for leadership in the following areas:

  • training and development
  • human resources
  • performance coaching
  • public management
  • organizational leadership
  • career and technical education 
  • organizational development
  • public safety
  • community leadership
  • public service
  • community development

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes individuals with a variety of backgrounds to help teach our adult students applicable real-world skills. We have established scholars in leadership, adult learning, organization development, and online learning. We also have faculty that have experience in the public sector, technology, entrepreneurship, and non-profit work. Several have won prestigious awards for their teaching, research, and service.

Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Shailen Singh
s_s980@txstate.edu
512.716.4541
Avery Building (AVRY), Room 464K

Advisor Support
Sierra King
stk1@txstate.edu
512.245.2115
Pedernales (PED), Room 103

Advisor Support
Dr. Jennifer King
jk1369@txstate.edu
512.716.4550
Avery Building, Room 464P

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

DeadlinesU.S. CitizenInternational
Deadlines
Fall - Priority
U.S. Citizen
February 1
International
February 1
Deadlines
Fall - Standard
U.S. Citizen
June 15 (*Flexible)
International
June 1
Deadlines
Spring
U.S. Citizen
October 15 (*Flexible)
International
October 1
Deadlines
Summer I
U.S. Citizen
April 15 (*Flexible)
International
March 15
Deadlines
Summer II
U.S. Citizen
June 1 (*Flexible)
International
No Admission

*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.

 Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.

Expand FAQ List

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee
      OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • minimum 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)

    Effective Fall 2024

    • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

  • GRE

    • GRE not required

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of
      • 19 listening
      • 19 reading
      • 19 speaking
      • 18 writing
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
      • minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

    Review important information about official test scores.

  • Documents

    • statement of purpose outlining future direction

    Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

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