www.ohio.edu/graduate/iip.cfm

Admission to the IIP program is suspended until further notice. No applications can be accepted.

A graduate student with demonstrated ability and intellectual maturity may apply for admission into the Individual Interdisciplinary Program (IIP) at the doctoral level. Entry into the program requires unconditional admission to graduate study. Applicants should have at least a 3.3 undergraduate GPA and/or 3.6 graduate GPA to pursue a Ph.D. degree. The IIP requires that the student, with the assistance of his/her advisory committee, develop a program of study that includes a minimum of three emphasis areas, each in a different department/school. At least two of the departments/schools must offer degrees at the Ph.D. level.

At the Ph.D. level, no fixed minimum of course credit is imposed beyond that associated with the residency requirements (three consecutive quarters in full-time equivalent status). However, a practical minimum in terms of hours of course credit is 135 beyond the bachelor’s degree, or 90 beyond the master’s degree. The student will be required to meet the minimum requirements of the assigned college for the doctoral level.

The IIP is administered through the Office of Graduate Studies (44 University Terrace); inquiries should be addressed to the Director of the Individual Interdisciplinary Program at that office. Upon receipt of the inquiry, appropriate application forms will be returned to the applicant. In addition to the standard application materials, each applicant is required to submit the following:

1. A statement (not to exceed two pages) describing the applicant’s goals and rationale for pursuing an IIP degree, including the reasons why the degree goals are not available through an existing advanced degree program at Ohio University. This procedure requires that the applicant be familiar with the possibilities in the current Graduate Catalog.
2. A tentative plan of study (form attached).

After all application documents are received, the Director of the IIP determines whether or not (1) the student’s qualifications are minimally acceptable, (2) the University’s capabilities and the student’s goals are compatible, and (3) the proposed program is unavailable in an existing academic unit.

If these requirements are satisfied, copies of the credentials are forwarded to the Graduate Committee Chairpersons of the departments/schools involved for evaluation and recommendations from qualified faculty. If the recommendations are positive, an advisory committee is appointed from the appropriate disciplines. The advisory committee meets with the Director of the IIP for a final review of the program of study. Once the program is approved by the advisory committee, the Director of the IIP and the Dean of the appropriate college, the student is admitted. The advisory committee with the assistance of the Director of the IIP is responsible for preparing the program requirements, periodically reviewing the student’s progress, directing the final project and assisting in the clearance for graduation.

APPLICATION DEADLINES: Application materials for the fall quarter must be received by March 1. Application materials for other quarters of entry must be received three months prior to the beginning of the quarter of entry requested.