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Interdisciplinary Studies
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Credits:
32
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Degree:
Masters of Education with Concentration
Program Description
Tailor a program of graduate study to your interests and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to develop your professional knowledge or prepare for a career transition, the degree in interdisciplinary studies offers the opportunity to select courses in any or all academic disciplines. This program also includes an independent learning project, in which you’ll research and write about a topic that supports your post-graduate endeavors and personal growth.
What Is Interdisciplinary Studies?
The Interdisciplinary Studies program enables you to customize your own course of study in consultation with a faculty advisor. You will be expected to articulate a rationale for each course selected, and your faculty advisor will meet with you to assess your progress in meeting your program goals as part of a formative evaluation process. While the interdisciplinary studies degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers, please note that this program is not an option for attaining licensure.
Cambridge College Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s Degree Program Highlights
The degree in interdisciplinary studies offers maximum flexibility to chart your own academic course. Likewise, Cambridge College
offers maximum flexibility to pursue your master’s degree in your own way, and at your own pace. Benefits of our program include:
- Strong academic guidance. In addition to regular meetings with your faculty advisor, the interdisciplinary studies degree includes professional seminars in which you’ll have the chance to integrate your learning from classes, workshops, and experience. The seminar also supports work on your independent learning project—from identifying topics, to guiding the research and writing, to completion.
- Personalized skill development. The interdisciplinary studies curriculum is designed to help you develop skills that fit your specific goals and apply your learning in the process. This includes an independent learning project, in which you’ll have the opportunity to research a topic of your choice and communicate your findings in writing.
- Flexible course options. Offering convenient day, evening, weekend, and online class options designed for adult learners, Cambridge College gives you the flexibility to earn your master’s in interdisciplinary studies while balancing time at work and home.
- Exceptional value. Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, giving you greater value for your education. In addition to providing low tuition, we offer a wide range of scholarships and other financial aid opportunities to make earning your master’s degree even more affordable.
- Great location. All Cambridge College classroom locations are close to major highways and public transportation, and/or provide free parking for students throughout the year.
Cambridge College is one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in the United States. That means you’ll work with other adult learners from all over the world, gaining diverse viewpoints and enriching every aspect of your educational experience.
Interdisciplinary Studies Learning Outcomes
In addition to developing competencies in the subject area(s) of your choosing, the degree in interdisciplinary studies will prepare you to:
- Integrate information from interdisciplinary perspectives.
- Demonstrate advanced cultural competence.
- Demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills in social, professional, and cultural contexts.
- Appreciate and enjoy questions, ambiguity, and paradox.
- Interrogate world views and become cognizant of ethical dimensions of human systems, institutions, issues, and dilemmas.
Jobs for Interdisciplinary Studies
Our graduates pursue a wide variety of jobs that involve a significant element of educating. They work in schools and colleges, nonprofit organizations and human services, the criminal justice system, corporations, and religious organizations. Examples of specific interdisciplinary studies jobs include:
- Tutors and teachers
- Personal, academic, and athletic coaches
- Actors
- Family advocates and mediators
- Clergy
- College faculty and administrators
The interdisciplinary studies degree features classes such as:
- Professional Seminar: Education
- Graduate-Level Writing for Social Science Research: Writing Your ILP
- Human Brain, Human Learning
Download the Interdisciplinary Studies master’s degree program sheet.
Interdisciplinary Studies Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your master’s in interdisciplinary studies. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Curriculum
Professional Seminar & Project
9
Credits
EED 800 Independent Learning Project
Professional Seminar I: Education
EED 691 • 2 credit(s)
The Professional Seminar is a signature element of the adult learning model at Cambridge College. It grounds learning in a cohort group of students with a faculty leader. The seminar is a forum for discussion of professional issues in education, such as what it means to be an educator today, and how educators can work in the organizational culture of schools and contribute to social progress. Students integrate their learning from classes, workshops, and experience. Transformed by reflection, readings, and discussion, students become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners. The seminar also supports students’ work on their independent learning projects, from identifying topics, to guiding the research and writing, to completion. The seminar leader approves the finished projects.
Professional Seminar II: Education
EED 692 • 2 credit(s)
The Professional Seminar is a signature element of the adult learning model at Cambridge College. It grounds learning in a cohort group of students with a faculty leader. The seminar is a forum for discussion of professional issues in education, such as what it means to be an educator today, and how educators can work in the organizational culture of schools and contribute to social progress. Students integrate their learning from classes, workshops, and experience. Transformed by reflection, readings, and discussion, students become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners. The seminar also supports students’ work on their independent learning projects, from identifying topics, to guiding the research and writing, to completion. The seminar leader approves the finished projects.
Professional Seminar III: Education
EED 693 • 2 credit(s)
The Professional Seminar is a signature element of the adult learning model at Cambridge College. It grounds learning in a cohort group of students with a faculty leader. The seminar is a forum for discussion of professional issues in education, such as what it means to be an educator today, and how educators can work in the organizational culture of schools and contribute to social progress. Students integrate their learning from classes, workshops, and experience. Transformed by reflection, readings, and discussion, students become reflective practitioners and lifelong learners. The seminar also supports students’ work on their independent learning projects, from identifying topics, to guiding the research and writing, to completion. The seminar leader approves the finished projects.
Theory & Practice of Education
2
Credits
Take two 1-credit courses in Education: EED 590 and EED 591.
Preparing for Success
3
Credits
Graduate Level Writing for Social Science Research: Writing your ILP
EED 604 • 3 credit(s)
The Independent Learning Project (ILP) involves researching a topic and communicating the findings in writing. This course is designed to support the writing of social science research projects. It explores the following: determining the research statement, developing an outline and design, organizing information, and mechanically correct writing. The course covers both the “thesis-type” project and the “project-type” ILP as outlined in the Cambridge College ILP handbook. Enrollment limited to 20.
Foundation Courses
6 or more
Credits
Choose six or more credits (two courses)
The Teacher as Artist
EED 544 • 3 credit(s)
Materials fee. This course provides classroom teachers with the basic concepts and methodology of traditional art experience. This class has been a constant source of inspiration to those with “limited” art experience as well as to those who are practicing art teachers. The course is committed to the philosophy that you need not be an “artist” to take this course because you already are one. Activities include an introduction to drawing and color theory, creative visualization, and a final symbolic self portrait.
3/Strategies for Teaching Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum
EED 610 • 3 credit(s)
Critical thinking is approached through a holistic model that stresses creative and analytic strategies. Participants consider cognitive development issues informing the design of instructional materials and methods which promote higher-order thinking. Practical strategies for immediate classroom application are a priority. An open environment promotes collegial exchange that builds on professional experiences while cultivating new skills that engage students in active learning and independent thinking. (3)
Foundations of Social Justice
EED 617 • 3 credit(s)
What are the norms and values that characterize a socially just society? This course is designed to explore this question. We will examine justice under the follow contexts: theories of justice, principles and scope of social justice, why social justice matters, the machinery of social injustice, targeting injustices, identifying inequities on the basis of social group memberships, advocating for social justice, and teaching social justice. This course heightens awareness of contemporary social issues and helps learners develop action plans that foster action for socially just principles. We examine values, discuss social commitment, and develop critical thinking and social inquiry skills necessary for engaging in social justice action for social change.
Rereading Global Oppression: The Last 500 Years
EED 636 • 3 credit(s)
This course examines, from a systems perspective, the last 500 years of socio-political, psychological, cross-cultural, educational, religious, and economic dimensions of various world atrocities that have led to and continue to sustain current oppression of diverse peoples across the globe. It is designed to prepare learners to be knowledgeable about and to challenge individual, group, and institutional biases and how these contribute to discrimination and oppression. Equally important, this course will examine the adaptive strategies and strengths of oppressed/marginalized groups and will assist students in understanding the complex nature of their own personal values, beliefs, and behaviors that may limit their ability to practice effective methodologies in their schools, communities, and areas of work. Students critically analyze both written and visual texts that include but are not limited to documentaries, film, poems, novels, essays, trade cards, advertisements, etc. This course is both reading and writing intensive; written and oral work challenge learners to move beyond reflecting on personal experience alone to identify and challenge contemporary systems of oppression.
America Through Its Literatures
EED 680 • 3 credit(s)
This intensive survey course explores literary depictions of America (the United States) through literature. The texts may include short stories, poems, plays, books, film, music, advertising, television, political speeches, and comic strips. The class develops pedagogical strategies to introduce students to mythologies, dystopias, deconstruction, hauntologies, plimpsests, panopticism, hybridity, colonial and post colonial debates, and the ways in which authors create parallel universes to comment on the America we now inhabit. Students become aware of other Americas that exist in parallel with our own, realities from which many of our students come.
Visualizing Social Justice
EED 681 • 3 credit(s)
This intensive course explores the different ways that artists of different persuasions have treated the subject of social justice both at present and in the past. The term “visualizing” is meant to include all of the arts (i.e. the “visual arts,” drama, dance, literature and poetry, music, etc.). The class develops pedagogical strategies to introduce students to methodologies and philosophical vehicles and to integrate such methods into their own curriculum.
MultiCultural Diversity Issues in the Workplace and Classroom
EED 705 • 3 credit(s)
This course studies (1) ethnic-cultural history, (2) prejudice, biases and value systems, and (3) the appreciation of diversity in professional skills and personal strengths. Students discuss teaching cultural diversity in various learning environments, and individuals’ power in realizing differences and similarities. Students explore ethnicity, race, gender and class from an historical and contemporary perspectives. The class looks at teaching styles and ways to manage culturally diverse classrooms. The importance of building students’ self-esteem and sensitivity to their varied learning styles are addressed. Students should come prepared with a brief overview of their ethnic/cultural history (e.g., photo albums, letters, journals, and family trees).
Elective Courses
up to 12
Credits
Choose up to 12 credits from the courses listed below, including:
- Any EED or ENG course, or select EDU course(s)
Or, with approval of their seminar leader, appropriate dean, appropriate program chair and the IS program chair, students may take no more than:
- Four 3-credit courses in any program outside the Interdisciplinary Studies Program
- Two 3-credit independent studies courses
- Two 1-credit courses
Literature for Young Adults
ELM 517 • 3 credit(s)
This survey course introduces classic and contemporary literature considered appropriate for young adults, that bridges the gap between children’s and adult books. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate young adult literature into classrooms and libraries. Thematic approaches are explored along with practical activities to promote lifelong reading, writing and appreciation of literature. Critical review sources and selection tools are also examined along with the standards and systems for the creation and maintenance of records.
Children's Literature
ELM 523 • 3 credit(s)
The course enhances and extends students’ knowledge of literature for children through in-depth involvement with books. The course focuses on selection, evaluation, and methods of sharing and discussing various types of literature, using print and other media. Students read widely from a broad range of literature and develop methods of incorporating literature into classroom and library experiences. Critical review sources and selection tools are also examined along with the standards and systems for the creation and maintenance of records.
Human Brain, Human Learning
EED 647 • 3 credit(s)
This introductory course in brain-compatible teaching and learning will entail a review of some of the latest research findings from the neurosciences, cognitive psychology, information science, psychobiology and neurolinguistic programming. The goal of this course is to provide educators and trainers with the opportunity to learn about the role of the brain / mind in the learning process so that they will be able to read and understand current brain / mind research and apply some of the findings to their teaching practice. Some time will also be spent on accelerated learning techniques. The course would be appropriate for educators of all grade levels and subject areas as well as for corporate trainers and other trainers of adult learners.
Motivation and Teaching: Theories and Practices
EED 564 • 3 credit(s)
The strategies teachers use in many classrooms to reinforce learning are based on the theory, “If you learn this, then I will give you that.” Much of what is taught is reinforced by extrinsic rewards such as praise, kisses and hugs, or gold stars. However, many teachers feel frustrated because they want children to love learning and to see learning as a reward in and of itself. This course will examine current research and theoretical models which can help educators understand how to develop a child’s intrinsic desire to learn by satisfying certain needs we all have within us.
From Writing to Reading
EDU 612 • 3 credit(s)
This introductory course gives an overview of basic perspectives on writing instruction in 8-12 classrooms, emphasizing the use of writing as a bridge to reading. The focus is on technical features of language, movement between the particular and the global, making of sentences, and text structure.
Active Assessment for Active Reading
EDU 622 • 3 credit(s)
This course offers an overview of formative and summative reading assessments for middle and high school students. Educators are provided with practical information on developing, interpreting, and scoring alternatives to traditional tests to inform reading instruction. This course combines practical discussion with theoretical information on the rationale for active assessments. It enables educators to explore questions and gain ideas that they can immediately use in their classrooms.
Advanced Technologies in Education
EIT 711 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the impact of a worldwide information-intensive society on education policy and planning. Students study practical and theoretical issues pertaining to educational technologies. The course surveys practical applications for managing organizational information systems and databases. From a theoretical perspective, it focuses on using new technologies to serve various pedagogical philosophies and the impact of new technologies on instructional design, teaching, and school reform.
Using Educational Technology to Improve Teaching and Learning in Physical and Virtual Environments
EIT 712 • 3 credit(s)
Through discussion and use of the latest hardware and software, participants explore computer-based multimedia and communications technologies that enhance physical and virtual classroom instruction. This course is geared for PreK-12 teachers to experiment with the tools of the classroom with an emphasis on math, science, and language arts. Software and Internet applications are explored, including best practice applications. Focus is on developing technology-based thematic units that integrate theory, practice, and standards.
Program Chair
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0212sandra.bridwell@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0849james.horn@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
(617) 873-0279Peter.Ash@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0770William.Hoyt@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0347Patricia.Johnson@cambridgecollege.edu
617-873-0292John.Papadonis@cambridgecollege.edu
617-873-0181doris.vangorder@cambridgecollege.edu
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits:
32
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Cost per credit hour:
$639
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
Take the Next Step Toward Your Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
Student
Success
Karen Manning
Ready to Apply?
We can help you with any aspect of the application process. Call us at 1-800-829-4723. Start your journey now!
Have Questions?
An admissions counselor will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
- Email Admissions
- Request Information
- Call 1-800-829-4723
