Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Studies at UMKC

At UMKC we understand that each person’s academic, professional and career goals are unique. Our Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program enables students to work across multiple disciplines and develop an academic focus that is just as individual as they are. From the moment you enroll in the IPHD program, you begin to write your own personal story of the future.

Admissions

Applicants must meet both the general and the discipline specific criteria for admission and be recommended for admission by the doctoral faculty review groups in at least 2 disciplines. Upon approval by the graduate dean, students are admitted to the School of Graduate Studies.

The general criteria for admission for Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program study are as follows:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (International applicants)
• Undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.0.
• Three letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant's ability to complete doctoral-level work.
• Recommendation by the doctoral faculty review group in at least two participating disciplines.
• Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.

Ready to Apply?

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Studies at UMKC Success Stories

Joe Seabrooks

Urban Leadership and Policies Studies and Education
Graduated: May 2001

There were several factors that encouraged Joe Seabrooks to earn his doctorate from the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at UMKC. Convenience, location and financial support all played a role in convincing him to attend the University. Ultimately, though, it was the faculty and staff that influenced his decision most.

With the goal of one day becoming a university or college president, Joe was looking for access to leaders in higher education that would share their experiences and knowledge with him. At UMKC, he found faculty that showed a true interest in his research and administration officials that continue to help him along his professional path, even after graduation. Joe served as the director of Minority Student Affairs at UMKC before moving onto a position as assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Arkansas. In August 2007 he was named president of the Blue River campus of the Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City. He believes the education he received in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program has given him a unique and extensive perspective on higher education that is leading him to his goal of becoming a president.

Pearlie Mae Johnson

History and Art History with Anthropology and Black Studies

Pearlie Mae Johnson was attracted to Kansas City because of its cultural heritage. When she first moved here from Dallas, however, she never imagined just how important it would be to her future.

It was that multicultural environment, combined with the Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies program at UMKC that influenced Pearlie in her ambition to teach African, African American and Native American Art History.

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program provides her with the ability to learn various approaches in art, history and sociology that will be needed in her teaching. It also gives her the opportunity to apply that knowledge through experiences such as working as a docent and a co-curator for exhibits at the UMKC Belger Arts Center for Creative Studies.

Paul Rulis

Physics and Computer Networking
Graduated: May 2004

For Paul Rulis, the decision to pursue a doctorate through UMKC’s Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program was an easy one. The program has enabled him to continue researching his primary interest, physics, while incorporating the use of cutting-edge computer technology and techniques.

The multi-discipline approach has not been the only benefit in attending UMKC for Paul. This 1998 Virginia Tech graduate also cites Kansas City’s unique metropolitan advantage for research and professional networking opportunities that cannot be found in most college towns. Earning a Ph.D. in the sciences has been a long-time dream of Paul’s. With the assistance from his faculty and peers in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at UMKC, he is turning that dream into a reality.

Lavon Tonga

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry with Cell Biology & Biophysics
Graduated: Dec 2006

Moving from Hawaii to Kansas City was a big change for Lavon Tonga; one that she knows is for the best.

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at UMKC gives her the opportunity to develop both intellectual learning and hands-on preparation. Being located in the heart of one of the Midwest's major metropolitan cities enables Lavon to make connections and gain invaluable experience that build her professional future.

Best of all, by creating an academic approach that is unique to her career goals, the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program gives Lavon the competitive edge she needs to be successful.