PROGRAM LISTING REQUEST INFORMATION APPLYING TO MARQUETTE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS APPLICATION DEADLINES

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. - Non-Degree Admission Process

As noted above, formal admission to the INPR Program requires that a student’s dissertation committee chair and membership be identified and secured, that the coursework and research be refined, that a formal written proposal be developed and submitted to the UBGS, and that the student and the committee chair defend the proposal before the UBGS. This process can take up to nine months to complete.

In order to allow students to begin taking coursework prior to completion of the formal admission process, students may apply for admission in a non-degree status. Admission in a non-degree status requires the following:

1. Submit a completed application form and application fee.
2. Secure written support from a Marquette faculty member, with whom the applicant has discussed his/her INPR ideas, that the proposal is viable.  It is not required that the faculty member that submits this support ultimately become the chair or even a member of the committee, but it is expected that in most cases the faculty will be on the student’s dissertation committee. Furthermore the student should select non-degree coursework in consultation with the dissertation chair (if identified) or the faculty member providing written verification.
3. Submit official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.
4. Submit proof of an earned master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
5. If the applicant has a cumulative GPA of less than 3.50 in his/her master’s degree (or equivalent post-baccalaureate work), the results of a current (within five years) standardized test (GRE, GMAT, MAT, LSAT, MCAT, as appropriate) must be submitted.
6. (For international students only) Submit a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency (waived if the student’s undergraduate or graduate education was conducted in an English speaking college or university).
7. Applicants in non-degree status must submit the formal proposal to the UBGS prior to completing nine credits, and must receive UBGS approval for admission in degree status before completion of twelve credits.

Non Degree Coursework

Once the Graduate School has approved the student’s admission in a non-degree status, he/she may begin taking coursework. Students who have taken doctoral courses under non-degree status at Marquette may request that a maximum of twelve credits be accepted by the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program. These courses may contribute toward completion of the INPR program as long as the courses are appropriate, they are acceptable to the student’s dissertation committee (once composed), and the student earns a grade of B or better in each course.  There is no obligation by the Dissertation Committee to accept courses taken in a non-degree status. Credits beyond the limit of 12 taken in a non-degree status may apply may be taken to provide foundation or prerequisite background.   

Students who have begun doctoral studies, whether at Marquette or another university, may apply for transfer into the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program by submitting documents required of all applicants.  In such cases, the student may request that a maximum of 12 credits be transferred from previous course work into the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Marquette.  The University Board of Graduate Studies will approve or disapprove of any transfer credit.  Transfer credits must be for appropriate course work, as agreed upon by the advisory committee, and the applicant must have earned a grade of B or above in each course to be transferred.