UAB Graduate School offers a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) that combines two graduate certificates together with a capstone. Participants can step up and stand out by personalizing their degree to advance their professional development and career aspirations. Learners select from over 50 graduate certificates from CAS and other UAB Schools. The program offers flexibility to match the learner’s individual needs and interests.
For more information, contact Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee at cbevense@uab.edu.
Why Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies?
Careers today require us to "wear many hats." UAB’s IGS degree enables students to personalize a graduate degree that helps them advance their competencies in more than one specialized area. Today’s professionals face an increasingly complex, diverse, globally connected, and competitive world. Now more than ever, employers expect graduates to demonstrate advanced technical skills, as well as competencies in interdisciplinary collaboration, interpersonal communication, problem solving, as well effective writing and communication. The IGS degree offers students the flexibility to study advanced concepts and skills in areas relevant to their multifunctional careers.
Who will benefit from completing the program?
Professionals, employees and students who:
- want to combine two areas of expertise into one, interdisciplinary degree.
- require course delivery options that meet the demands of their current work and life schedule, including in-person, hybrid and online options.
- seek knowledge and skills associated with their unique career trajectory.
- desire transferable knowledge and skills for career effectiveness or advancement.
- wish to apply a UAB institutional benefit that supports continued learning and professional development.
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Program specifics
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies degree program (IGS) supports students seeking a graduate degree for which there is no established curriculum. Students blend two certificate programs together and complete a capstone project to earn a Master of Science or Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies.
To earn the degree, students must:
- Be admitted to two certificate programs PRIOR to admission to IGS.
- Be admitted to UAB’s Graduate School with degree-seeking status.
- Satisfy all university policies for degree completion, including residency and capstone requirements.
- Complete the IGS Degree Plan. Subsequent modifications require IGS Program Director approval.
- Complete a minimum of 30 distinct graduate credit hours towards the certificates.
- Earn at least 80% of the credits within each certificate program using a standard letter grade.
- All coursework must be part of the selected certificate programs. Substitutions must be approved by the IGS Program Director and may require review by the partnering certificates.
- Complete the Capstone project by enrolling in GRD 690 (3-6 credit hours). Students cannot enroll in GRD 690 until 27 credit hours towards the certificates have been completed.
- Maintain good academic standing per Graduate School Policy.
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Participating Certificates
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Collat School of Business
*Note: Only one Collat School of Business Certificate can be applied towards the IGS degree. Please select second Certificate from another School.
- Heersink School of Medicine
- Interdisciplinary Graduate and Professional Studies
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- Academic Advising (CERT) - Online certificate
- Leadership and Professional Development (CERT) - Online program
- Mentoring and Reflective Professional Practice (CERT) – Online Program
- Research Communication (CERT) - Online Program
- Research Laboratory Management (CERT) – Online Program
- Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (CERT) – Online Program
- School of Education and Human Sciences
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- Clinical Exercise Physiology (CERT)
- Coaching the Intercollegiate Scholar Athlete
- eSports Performance Management and Coaching (CERT)
- Health Coaching (CERT) - Online program
- Health Education (CERT) - Online program
- Health Promotion Across a Lifespan
- Higher Education Administration (CERT)- Online program
- Learning Design and Learning Sciences (CERT)
- Supporting Individuals with Exceptionalities (CERT) - Online program
- Teaching Multilingual Learners (CERT)
- School of Engineering
- School of Health Professions
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- AI in Health Services
- Applications of Mixed Methods Research (CERT)
- Biotechnology and Regulatory Affairs (CERT) - Online program
- Clinical Informatics (CERT)
- Computed Tomography
- Dissemination and Implementation Science in Health Care (CERT)
- Healthcare Leadership (CERT) - Online program
- Healthcare Quality and Safety (CERT) - Online program
- Healthcare Simulation (CERT) - Online program
- Low Vision Rehabilitation (CERT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Multitiered Approach to Trauma (CERT)
- Nutrition for Community Health (CERT) - Online program
- School of Nursing
- School of Public Health
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- Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology (CERT) - Online program
- Climate and Health (CERT)
- Disability Health Studies Certificate
- Global Health Studies (CERT) - Online program
- LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing Graduate (CERT)
- Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership
- Public Health (CERT) - Online program
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Faculty & Instructors
- Faculty and Instructors reside in the academic units delivering the associated certificate courses.
- GRD 690: IGS Capstone is delivered by instructors in the Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate and Professional Studies (IGSPS) in the Graduate School in partnership with disciplinary representatives from the relevant certificates.
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Application Checklist
- Visit www.uab.edu/graduate/admissions for more details regarding the general application process for UAB Graduate Degree Program.
- Admission to the IGS program and affiliated certificates is based upon previous academic work, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement. As you prepare your application to the IGS program, remember to:
- Review the admission requirements and expectations for each certificate you plan to use towards your IGS degree.
- Contact the departments of each certificate to discuss your interest and ensure the program is a good “fit” for you.
- Update your resume and/or CV.
- Prepare a personal statement demonstrating how combining two certificates helps you achieve your professional goals and why these specific certificates are appropriate for you.
- Request two supportive letters of recommendation from trusted mentors, supervisors, teachers, or advisors; share your most recent resume or CV as well as your personal statement to help them speak directly to your goals and the relevance of IGS for you.
- Send official copies of your academic transcripts to the UAB graduate admissions (more details in the application).
- Complete the online application.
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You're Admitted - Next Steps
- If you are new to UAB, visit New Students to UAB.
- Reach out to the IGS Program Director to develop your official Academic Plan for Degree Completion.
- Draft your academic plan of study and enroll in classes.
- Join the IGS Canvas page for updates and information.
- Questions: Email igps@uab.edu.
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Examples of IGS degree plans to meet specific professional careers
A professional at a non-profit community health organization seeking to increase their effectiveness and advance their career might select:
- Nonprofit Management graduate certificate
- Public Health graduate certificate
- GRD 690: IGS Capstone Course – Theory to Practice
A postdoctoral trainee preparing to transition to a new role, might consider:
- Higher Education Administration graduate certificate
- Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate
- GRD 690: IGS Capstone Course – Theory to Practice
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements?
- Complete and submit the UAB Graduate School Application for the MS or MA in IGS. You will identify the two certificates you wish to incorporate into your degree within your single IGS application.
- UAB Graduate School will coordinate getting your application to both certificate departments for their review.
- IGS applicants must be admitted into both graduate certificate programs they choose prior to being admitted to either the MA or MS degree program.
- Refer to the admissions requirements associated with each of the certificates you are incorporating into your degree plan for more details.
- All applicants must submit an official transcript demonstrating they have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- All applicants must submit a personal statement articulating why they seek to complete IGS degree program relative to your academic, professional, or personal goals.
How do I choose between the MA or MS degree?
Your degree should reflect the focus of your coursework. More important than the designation as MA or MS, is the extent to which you have internalized the knowledge and skills relevant for your professional and personal goals. Each certificate is affiliated with an "arts" or "sciences" designation typical of the disciplines associated with the certificate. If both certificates fall within the arts disciplines akin to the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts, select MA. If both certificates fall within the sciences associated with natural sciences, technology, or medicine, select MS. The theory-to-practice project in the IGS Capstone is most like work completed through an MA program. If you are unsure which to select, contact the program director to discuss your plans.If I already earned a certificate, can I use that credential toward earning an MA or MS in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies?
Not all Certificate Programs participate in the IGS degree. However, students may apply previously earned graduate certificate toward an IGS degree if:
- the certificate has affiliated with the IGS program
- you earned a "B' in 80% of the courses affiliated with the certificate
- the credits previously earned towards the certificate were not counted toward another degree, and
- you complete all required courses within the last five (5) years, as dictated by institutional policy related to all UAB Graduate School master’s degrees.
Can I combine two different certificates from one school, college, or department to earn an MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies?
Students may combine two graduate certificates from the same department. Confer with the IGS Program Director and the associated academic areas to discuss the best degree path to meet your professional and/or personal goals.Can I apply for Financial Aid to help pay for my IGS degree?
Yes, IGS is a master’s degree. If you qualify for federal financial aid, or other forms of financial support you may apply these funds towards degree related costs. For more information about federal financial aid and other scholarships visit: Cost & Aid | UAB.Are there graduate assistantships for the IGS program?
No, currently there are no graduate or teaching assistantships specifically designed for students seeking IGS degrees.May I earn more than one IGS degree?
Yes, students may complete more than one IGS master’s degree. Each completed certificate may only be applied to one IGS master’s degree. If you intend to complete multiple IGS degrees, please discuss your intentions with the Program Director.Can UAB employees use the tuition benefit to pay for IGS courses?
Yes, current UAB employees may use the tuition benefits to take courses that will apply to their IGS related courses.