College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room C180 Administration Building, 105 Administration Place, Saskatoon SK CANADA S7N 5A2
Telephone (306)966-5751, Fax: (306)966-5756, General E-mail: grad.studies@usask.ca	
GSR 411 
Guidelines for
Individual 
Interdisciplinary Programs	

		
GENERAL REGULATIONS

1.	Candidates for individual interdisciplinary admissions should be excellent students as demonstrated by a weighted average of at least 80% over the last 60 credit units, or equivalent.  Applicants for individual interdisciplinary programs will be required to have the breadth in academic background necessary to undertake the proposed program.  They will also be required to provide evidence of strong motivation for the proposed program, evidence of ability to work independently, and an academically credible rationale for the proposed interdisciplinary program of studies.  It is the responsibility of prospective students to take the necessary initiative to define the proposed area of study and research and to determine the availability of needed resources.

2.	Prospective students who are interested in undertaking an individual interdisciplinary graduate program may plan to transfer from a disciplinary program or may apply directly for admission to an interdisciplinary program.

3.	The proposed program must provide the names of a full Advisory Committee.  The Advisory Committee must include faculty members from at least two departments.

4.	The student must provide Form GSR 103, Application for Interdisciplinary Studies, and a statement outlining the proposed research or scholarly work, methodology to be used or developed, significance of the work to be done, coursework, and names of supervisor(s) and advisory committee members.  It must be shown that the proposed work cannot be done through a regular graduate program.

5.	Written indication must be given by the appropriate authority (e.g., Deans, Department Heads, Library Staff, Industrial Partners, etc.) that space and all necessary resources are available and are expected to remain available to support the proposed program.

6.	Information on funding available to the student must be provided.

7.	Approval of the CGPS Interdisciplinary Committee for the proposed program will be required for all proposals.  Approval of the CGPS Ph.D. Academic Committee will also be required for Ph.D. programs.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Application for an individual Interdisciplinary Graduate Program is made by the prospective student to the CGPS Interdisciplinary Committee.  This application includes the following:

1.	An application for admission to the College signed by the prospective student, along with all other required admission documentation.

2.	Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the student’s scholarly ability as well as their particular ability to undertake the proposed individual interdisciplinary program (See General Regulations #1).

3.	Form GSR 103, Application for Interdisciplinary Studies, and a statement outlining the proposed research or scholarly work, the methodology to be used or developed, information on the significance of the work to be done, coursework, names of supervisor(s) and advisory committee members, and Qualifying and Comprehensive Examination formats, if applicable.

4.	Letters from proposed Co-Supervisors indicating support for the proposed program and willingness to serve in a supervisory capacity.  These letters must show the consent of the proposed supervisors Department Heads or Deans and must provide a clear statement indicating that the financial and physical resources needed for the proposed program, for which the supervisors accept responsibility, are available (e.g. space, laboratory and equipment, computer facilities, library resources, funding – research and publication, travel, stipend, etc.).

5.	Completed applications for all special topic or reading courses required for the program.

6.	A recommendation for a Master’s (GSR 208) or Ph.D. (GSR 207) Program of Studies, showing any special requirements such as internships, performances, exhibitions, papers or seminars.

7.	Membership of the proposed Advisory Committee, with curricula vitae for those Committee Members who are not members of the CGPS Faculty.

8.	A statement describing the procedure to be used to obtain approval for the proposed research program from the appropriate Ethics Review Committee (Office of Research Services – http://www.usask.ca/research/ors.shtml).

Form Version October 2016