Customize Your Master’s Degree to Your Career
Posted: October 27, 2026 | Author: Madelyn Bushman | Read Time: 2 minutes
The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) allows students to create an individualized master’s degree tailored to their unique needs. The MIS is designed for flexibility, allowing students to select courses from their choice of three distinct areas of study that match their personal passions and career objectives. If you are a student pursuing a unique career path, then the MIS degree program might be right for you.
How is the MIS program structured?
SUU’s MIS degree program is structured for working adults by allowing a flexible schedule. It is 100% online and has six start dates each year, allowing students to start at their convenience. The program includes accelerated seven-week-long leadership courses and traditional 14-week-long core courses. One full-term course or two seven-week courses back to back are both considered full-term enrollment, and students may choose either option.
T-birds create their degree by selecting two to three concentrations (subject areas) that can combine in a meaningful way based on the skill sets they wish to acquire. The capstone is a research-based project, addressing issues that combine the student’s concentrations and demonstrate the student’s ability to solve problems.
This flexibility enables students to adapt their master’s degrees to suit their interests, career aspirations, and schedules. It is also an ideal option for people whose unusual careers do not have an existing, defined master’s program.
Concentrations
MIS currently offers 17 different concentrations to choose from:
- Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Ethics
- Arts Administration
- Aviation Management
- Business Administration
- Contemporary Animal Services Leadership
- Education
- English: Creative Writing
- English: Writing & Rhetoric
- Leadership Studies
- General Studies
- Human Values
- Leadership Studies
- Non-Profit Management
- Online Teaching & Course Design
- Public Administration
- School Library
- Social Media & Public Relations
- Sports & Athletic Management
MIS Example - Animal Services Leadership with Best Friends
Southern Utah University and Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization that operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals, have teamed up to enhance the Contemporary Animal Services Leadership (CASL) curriculum for students looking to specialize in animal services at the graduate level.
Students will have the opportunity to learn how to run efficient organizations, be more effective advocates, and manage animal-related nonprofits by taking classes in animal services, business, crisis communication, and more.
This is just one example of how MIS’ customized curriculum will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of relevant issues and develop skills to strengthen their resume.
The MIS program allows students to build their resume with job-specific skills, boost their career marketability to get jobs, and improve the chances of earning a higher salary. But you don’t have to do it alone! SUU’s MIS professors are committed to mentoring students, building community, and providing opportunities to build lasting relationships. There is also tuition assistance available.
If you’re considering an MIS degree, talk to one of our great advisors today!
