Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS - MAIS)

Interdisciplinary Studies

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

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.

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.