The OWLS Department offers 8-16 week courses with individualized programs for working professionals.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Overview
The interdisciplinary studies program offers a unique opportunity to gain skills highly valued in organizations and workplaces, such as self-leadership and training, and development. Additionally, students work closely with their advisor to select courses to align with their individualized career objectives and area of specialization. Students come from varied backgrounds and professions to increase their opportunity of workforce success and progression.
Course Work
Course schedules are created to accommodate the needs of working professionals. This allows for online instruction through Zoom and/or weekly assignments due per the instructor with no meeting dates.
Students gain skills to apply to their workplace, as well as specialized skills in their area of focus. They have an exit module that emphasizes analysis and real-life problem-solving.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S.I.S. | Hours 39 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Location Round Rock/San Marcos/Online |
Degree M.A.I.S. | Hours 39 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Location Round Rock/San Marcos/Online |
For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.
Program Details
With opportunities to work with, publish, and present academic research and studies with faculty, students strengthen their resumes, network, and access to resources. This allows a showcase of knowledge on the subject to help advance one in their career.
Program Mission
The Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS) prepares current and future generations of learners for career/professional success in diverse workplaces.
We accomplish this mission through an accelerated, applied, interdisciplinary undergraduate degree-completion program and graduate programs, including working with learners who seek a non-traditional approach in completing a degree that results in retraining/reskilling, understanding knowledge, and advancing careers. In addition, we value discovery and understanding and accomplish this mission through research-based instruction and state-of-the-art student services.
Career Options
Upon graduation, students will be prepared for leadership in the following areas:
- training and development
- human resources
- performance coaching
- public management
- organizational leadership
- career and technical education
- organizational development
- public safety
- community leadership
- public service
- community development
Program Faculty
The program faculty includes individuals with a variety of backgrounds to help teach our adult students applicable real-world skills. We have established scholars in leadership, adult learning, organization development, and online learning. We also have faculty that have experience in the public sector, technology, entrepreneurship, and non-profit work. Several have won prestigious awards for their teaching, research, and service.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
| DEADLINES | U.S. CITIZEN | INTERNATIONAL |
|---|---|---|
DEADLINES Fall - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN February 1 | INTERNATIONAL February 1 |
DEADLINES Fall - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN August 1 | INTERNATIONAL June 1 |
DEADLINES Spring - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN September 1 | INTERNATIONAL September 1 |
DEADLINES Spring - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN November 1 | INTERNATIONAL October 1 |
DEADLINES Summer I - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN January 1 | INTERNATIONAL January 1 |
DEADLINES Summer I - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN May 1 | INTERNATIONAL March 15 |
DEADLINES Summer II - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN January 1 | INTERNATIONAL No Admission |
DEADLINES Summer II - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN June 1 | INTERNATIONAL No Admission |
Priority Deadline: Ensures full consideration for admission and eligibility for certain funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships, and guarantees that your application will be considered in the initial review.
Standard Deadline: Represents the last day a complete application can be submitted, but does not guarantee admission consideration. After the priority deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis until the program is full, at which point, applications will close.
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below, unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of
- 4 listening (or 19 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026)
- 4 reading (or 19 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026)
- 4 speaking (or 19 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026)
- 4 writing (or 18 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026)
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
Documents
- statement of purpose outlining future direction
- TXST graduates from the bachelor of applied arts and sciences (BAAS) program with a 3.0 or higher GPA may have the statement of purpose requirement waived
Review important information about documents.
- statement of purpose outlining future direction