The university level Interdisciplinary Ph.D. enables research students to train as the next-generation of multidisciplinary researchers and be well positioned to address high impact research questions as trailblazers in new and emerging research fields.
This interdisciplinary degree referred to as the Doctor of Philosophy or the Northeastern University Doctor of Philosophy complements existing Ph.D. programs and is structured to offer flexibility in choice of disciplines and research locations and provides real-world experiences. Students can create an individually tailored program of study for which they can draw from the disciplines supporting their research. Students will also have the flexibility to perform their dissertation research at a location most appropriate for their research program and to draw on the most appropriate disciplines for their research.
This university – level Interdisciplinary Ph.D. supports high impact research through opportunities to:
- Engage with partners in industry and nonprofit / government organizations as part of their dissertation research;
- Team with a multidisciplinary group of researchers
- Create a customized and interdisciplinary research program
The proposed Doctor of Philosophy:
- Provides an opportunity for students with their Dissertation Committee to design their own interdisciplinary program to address the needs of their research and career goals.
- Supports research at partners and across the Global University System by having a single Ph.D. degree approved at our regional campus locations, thereby avoiding the need to have each of the University’s Ph.D. programs approved individually by the current and future network locations before student and research demand is demonstrated.
- Encourages scholars at Northeastern’s partner institutions to serve as course instructors and members on Dissertation Committees.
- Allows for joint or dual degrees with other institutions of higher education, provided a university level partnership agreement is in place.
Application Materials
Applying to the Interdisciplinary PhD Program is a multistep process that involves a preliminary application that is reviewed to assess the candidate’s educational background and the interdisciplinary nature of the research area. A complete set of preliminary application materials helps the Graduate Group understand how prepared an applicant is to complete an interdisciplinary PhD at Northeastern by describing the applicant’s education journey, the ways in which the project does not fit into a disciplinary program, and the faculty who could help the applicant understand their research. The pre-application can accessed using the “Apply Now” button, and includes:
- A preliminary application form
- CV/Resume
- unofficial transcripts
- preliminary research statement
Application
Preferred Deadline: January 15.
Preliminary applications will be accepted year-round.
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