Interdisciplinary PhD

Customize your PhD

This interdisciplinary PhD (INPR) program provides students and faculty with opportunities for creative customized academic programming and research that crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines.

Each student's program is reviewed by the Graduate School and is subject to approval by the University Board of Graduate Studies, which acts as the governing department.

Any INPR program must combine course work and expertise from two or more academic departments at Marquette. Faculty may serve on an INPR committee regardless of whether their departments offer doctoral degrees.

INPR degree requirements

  • 12-credits of coursework to inform the development of a Degree Proposal and Plan
  • Remaining coursework following approval of the Degree Proposal and Plan
  • Doctoral Qualifying Exams
  • Dissertation and Defense

Process for application, degree proposal and plan

  • Pre-application
  • Application Requirements
  • Proposal & Plan
  • Program Requirements
  • Set appointment with the Associate Dean of the Graduate School to discuss individual program structure and potential faculty contacts.
  • Meet with faculty with expertise in areas related to proposed area of study and identify a provisional dissertation director 
  • Work with provisional chair (and other faculty, as appropriate) to develop an INPR Statement of Purpose and Concept.
  • A completed application form and fee online.
  • Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Proof of an earned Master's degree.
  • The results of a current (within five years) standardized test (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc., as appropriate) if the applicant has a cumulative GPA less than 3.500 on a 4.000 scale. Applications for admission are reviewed holistically.
  • For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency (waived if the student’s undergraduate or prior graduate academic work was done at an English-speaking college or university).
  • Submit Statement of Purpose and Concept to the Carl Wainscott of the Graduate School for University Board of Graduate Studies (UBGS) on the following dates below.

    Statement of Purpose and Concept Due Dates

    • September 21, 2022 (for review at the October 2022 UBGS meeting)
    • October 19, 2022 (for review at the November 2022 UBGS meeting)
    • November 16, 2022 (for review at the December 2022 UBGS meeting)
    • January 4, 2023 (for review at the January 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • January 18, 2023 (for review at the February 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • February 15, 2023 (for review at the March 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • March 29, 2023 (for review at the April 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • April 19, 2023 (for review at the May 2023 UBGS meeting)

A maximum of twelve, committee-approved ‘B’-or-better credits may be taken prior to submitting the Degree Proposal and Plan. 

The University Board of Graduate Studies (UBGS) reviews applications and is responsible for admission decisions.  The Associate Dean of the Graduate School will notify applicants of the admission decision no later than one week after the UBGS meeting at which the prospective student’s application is reviewed.

A maximum of twelve, committee-approved ‘B’-or-better credits may be taken prior to submitting the Degree Proposal and Plan.

In developing and submitting the degree proposal and plan:

  • Complete no more than 12 credits of course work
  • Confirm chair and committee members
  • Work with chair and committee members to develop degree proposal and plan
  • Submit the INPR degree proposal and plan to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School for UBGS review by the following dates below.

    Degree Proposal and Plan Due Dates

    • September 21, 2022 (for review at the October 2022 UBGS meeting)
    • October 19, 2022 (for review at the November 2022 UBGS meeting)
    • November 16, 2022 (for review at the December 2022 UBGS meeting)
    • January 4, 2023 (for review at the January 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • January 18, 2023 (for review at the February 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • February 15, 2023 (for review at the March 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • March 29, 2023 (for review at the April 2023 UBGS meeting)
    • April 19, 2023 (for review at the May 2023 UBGS meeting)
  • The chair attends UBGS meeting to present student’s Degree Proposal and Plan 

The University Board of Graduate Studies (UBGS) reviews Degree Proposal and Plan submissions and is responsible for approving the student’s advancement in the program.  The Associate Dean of the Graduate School will notify applicants of the advancement decision no later than one week after the UBGS meeting at which the prospective student’s application is reviewed.

Following the approval of the Degree Proposal and Plan, completing the degree involves fulfilling the requirements as specified in the approved Degree Proposal and Plan in adherence with Graduate School Policy, as specified in the Academic Performance section and other portions of the Graduate Bulletin, and observing deadlines detailed in the Graduate Academic Calendar, including the:

Financial Aid

Please note that students in the INPR program rarely receive merit-based aid, and most students will fund their program through loans and/or their own resources. Private scholarships may be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses.