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College of Interdisciplinary & Continuing Studies


Doctoral

Ph.D in Organizational Policy, Governance, and Administration

Program Overiew: The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Organizational Policy, Governance, and Administration is designed for individuals across various sectors, including nonprofit, business, education, healthcare, and project management. It also attracts students with arts and sciences, business, communication, or project management backgrounds. Graduates will be well-equipped for advanced career opportunities in education, non-profit work, public policy, government, business, project management, and both education and healthcare administration.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Organizational Policy, Governance, and Administration can pursue a variety of advanced career paths, including:

  • University Faculty: Teaching and conducting research in higher education institutions.
  • Policy Analyst: Evaluating and developing policies for government or non-profit organizations.
  • Non-Profit Executive Director: Leading non-profit organizations and managing programs and funding.
  • Healthcare Administrator: Overseeing operations in healthcare facilities or organizations.
  • Project Manager: Leading complex projects across various sectors, ensuring they meet goals and deadlines.
  • Government Official: Working in local, state, or federal government roles, influencing public policy and governance.
  • Consultant: Advising organizations on best practices in policy, governance, and administration.
  • Education Administrator: Managing educational programs and institutions, including K-12 schools and colleges.
  • Program Director: Overseeing specific programs within non-profits, educational institutions, or government agencies.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager: Developing and managing initiatives that promote ethical practices in business.

These roles leverage the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills gained from the program, preparing graduates to make impactful contributions in their chosen fields.

Ph.D in Interdisciplinary Sciences

The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Sciences is aimed at individuals working across various fields, including healthcare, data analysis, IT support, laboratory work, and business. It is also well-suited for students with degrees in engineering, life and physical sciences, health, computer science, mathematics, education, or political science. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned for advanced career opportunities in education, marketing, business, government, non-profit management, human resources, and the natural sciences.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Sciences can pursue a wide range of advanced career opportunities, including:

  • Research Scientist: Conducting experiments and research in academic, government, or private sector laboratories.
  • Data Analyst: Analyzing complex data sets to inform business decisions or policy development.
  • Healthcare Administrator: Managing healthcare facilities or programs, ensuring efficient operations and compliance.
  • IT Project Manager: Leading technology projects, coordinating teams, and managing resources.
  • University Professor: Teaching and mentoring students while conducting research in their area of expertise.
  • Consultant: Advising organizations on scientific research, data analysis, or operational improvements.
  • Policy Analyst: Evaluating and developing policies related to science, technology, or healthcare.
  • Marketing Analyst: Using data and research to develop marketing strategies and understand consumer behavior.
  • Non-Profit Program Director: Overseeing programs within non-profits, especially those focused on science or health.
  • Human Resources Manager: Implementing policies and programs that enhance organizational effectiveness, especially in science-related fields.

These roles capitalize on the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge gained through the program, allowing graduates to make significant contributions in diverse sectors.

Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health and Human Sciences

Program Overview: The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health and Human Sciences is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles across various sectors, including healthcare, public health, education, and human services. This program is tailored for students from diverse backgrounds such as social sciences, biology, psychology, public health, and healthcare administration, equipping them with a well-rounded perspective on the complexities of human health and wellness.

Career Pathways for Graduates: Graduates of this program are well-suited for a variety of impactful roles, including:

  • University Faculty: Teaching, conducting research, and mentoring future professionals in health and human sciences.
  • Public Health Director: Designing and implementing public health programs, and advocating for community wellness.
  • Healthcare Policy Analyst: Evaluating and influencing policies to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility.
  • Non-Profit Program Director: Leading health-focused non-profit organizations, managing initiatives and outreach.
  • Healthcare Administrator: Overseeing operations in healthcare organizations, including hospitals and clinics.
  • Human Services Director: Managing community-based services that support public well-being.
  • Research Scientist: Conducting impactful research to advance health sciences and evidence-based practices.
  • Health Consultant: Advising organizations on strategies for public health improvement, community engagement, and patient care.
  • Policy Advisor in Health and Human Services: Working with government agencies to craft policies that improve health outcomes.
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Journalism and Mass Communication

Program Overview: This Ph.D. program focuses on the integration of diverse disciplines within journalism, media studies, and communication, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges in media and society. Students with backgrounds in journalism, communication, sociology, and digital media gain skills in media ethics, digital content creation, and critical analysis.

Career Pathways for Graduates: Graduates are equipped to pursue diverse roles, including:

  • University Faculty: Teaching, researching, and mentoring future media and communication professionals.
  • Media Policy Analyst: Evaluating and shaping media policies for government or non-profit organizations.
  • Communications Director: Leading communication strategies for organizations in the public and private sectors.
  • Media Consultant: Advising organizations on digital strategy, brand management, and audience engagement.
  • Journalism Educator: Teaching journalism and media ethics in educational settings.
  • Public Relations Specialist: Managing public relations and media communication for various sectors.
  • Digital Content Strategist: Developing strategies for digital storytelling and content dissemination.
  • Social Media Manager: Leading digital campaigns, enhancing brand visibility, and engaging audiences.
  • Research Scientist in Media Studies: Researching media trends, effects, and audience behavior.
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering, Information, and Computational Sciences

Program Overview: This Ph.D. program equips students with the skills needed to solve challenges at the intersection of engineering, information science, and computational sciences. The program is ideal for those with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, mathematics, and data science who seek to contribute to advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and systems engineering.

Career Pathways for Graduates: Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Data Scientist/Engineer: Leveraging computational skills to solve complex data-driven challenges.
  • University Faculty: Teaching and researching interdisciplinary subjects in computational sciences and engineering.
  • Systems Engineer: Designing, testing, and implementing advanced systems across sectors, including technology and healthcare.
  • AI and Machine Learning Specialist: Developing innovative AI applications for various industries.
  • Software Development Manager: Leading teams in building software solutions for engineering or data science applications.
  • Product Development Scientist: Working in high-tech industries to bring new engineering products to market.
  • Information Systems Analyst: Analyzing and improving information systems within organizations.
  • Computational Scientist: Applying computational methods to scientific problems in physics, biology, or engineering.