10 Affordable Online Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies 2026

Affordable master’s in interdisciplinary studies programs give you the freedom to design a degree that fits your goals. By combining courses from fields like business, technology, and the social sciences, you can build a unique skill set tailored to leadership, research, or problem-solving. 

These flexible programs are ideal if you have diverse interests and want to prepare for roles beyond traditional career paths. Below, you’ll find the top affordable options available.

What Is an Online Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies?

An online master’s in interdisciplinary studies lets you build your own degree by mixing subjects you care about. You can pick classes from different areas like business, education, health, or social sciences to match your career dreams. 

This degree is great if you have wide interests or want a job that requires many skills. You’ll learn to solve real problems by using ideas from different fields. This makes you ready for new kinds of jobs that need creative thinking.

Why Choose a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies Online?

Choosing a master’s in interdisciplinary studies online gives you great freedom. You can study from anywhere and keep your job while you learn. The online format lets you pick classes that fit your own goals and interests. 

You can mix subjects to create a degree that is just right for your career path. This helps you build special skills that many employers want. It is a smart choice for people who like to learn across different subjects and need a flexible schedule.

How Much Do Interdisciplinary Master’s Degrees Cost?

Interdisciplinary master’s degrees typically cost between $15,000 and $35,000 in total tuition. Most programs charge between $400 and $800 per credit hour, with public universities generally offering lower rates for in-state students. The total cost depends on: 

• program length
• institution type 
• whether you attend full or part time 

Many schools provide financial support through scholarships, grants, assistantships, and federal aid programs. When comparing programs, remember to factor in additional fees for technology, materials, or campus services, though these are often minimal in online formats.

Top Affordable Online Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s Programs

We found the best low-cost interdisciplinary studies programs for you. Our list includes accredited schools known for flexible, customizable degrees that fit your budget and career goals. 

1. Wayne State College

Wayne State College (WSC) offers an affordable online Master of Science (MS) in interdisciplinary studies that lets you build a degree matching your unique career goals. You can combine courses from different departments to create a personalized program that fits your interests. The program helps you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by drawing on knowledge from multiple fields. 

With some of the lowest tuition rates available, this degree provides excellent value while offering the flexibility you need. You'll work with an advisor to design a coherent program that prepares you for advancement in your chosen field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $252 to $504 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Arkansas 

The University of Arkansas (UofA) offers a 30-credit online Master of Arts (MA) in interdisciplinary studies that allows you to combine two or three academic disciplines into a customized degree program. Options include fields such as educational technology, construction management, adult and lifelong learning, and food safety. Your faculty advisor will help you pick the best courses for your goals. 

Students may pursue either a thesis or non-thesis track, with the latter requiring a comprehensive exam. The program also accepts transfer credits and allows integration of courses from online graduate certificates, making it a flexible option for professionals seeking to align advanced study with career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $460 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and federal aid programs are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) offers an online MA or MS in interdisciplinary studies that helps you bring together knowledge from different fields to tackle complex challenges. The 30-credit program draws from at least three academic areas, giving you both flexibility and depth. 

You can choose a predefined concentration or design your own self-styled plan to match your career goals. This approach allows you to tailor your studies while building the research, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers value. Options include:

• advanced data analytics
• applied analytics
• health data analytics
• workforce leadership and development
• self-styled (create your own pathway)

Taken together, these options let you customize the degree to your interests while developing versatile skills that can apply across industries, roles, and career stages.

• Estimated tuition cost: $467 per credit hour (in-state); $531 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. University of Alabama 

The University of Alabama’s (UA) online MA or MS in interdisciplinary studies will give you the freedom to design a degree that blends two or more academic fields. You’ll work closely with an advisory committee to create a personalized plan of study that matches your career goals. Students interested in arts and humanities may choose the MA, while those leaning toward STEM fields can pursue the MS. 

Along the way, you’ll decide between completing a thesis or a non-thesis capstone project that demonstrates your ability to apply research, leadership, and problem-solving skills. By tailoring your studies, UA helps you develop a versatile degree that prepares you for career advancement or new professional opportunities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of South Dakota 

The University of South Dakota's (USD) online MA in interdisciplinary studies lets you create a personalized program drawing from multiple academic departments. You can combine courses from business, health sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address complex professional challenges.

You’ll work with an advisor to develop a coherent course of study that aligns with their individual educational and professional goals. The degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours, and you’ll need to articulate how your chosen program serves your objectives in a statement of purpose

• Estimated tuition cost: $484 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Oklahoma State University 

Oklahoma State University (OSU) offers an online MS in interdisciplinary studies that allows you to design a degree around your own academic and career interests. Working with faculty advisors, you’ll select courses from at least two disciplines to build a plan of study that fits your goals. The program offers two options: a 30-credit thesis track or a 32-credit non-thesis track that may include a culminating project, practicum, or comprehensive exam. 

Courses are taught asynchronously, giving you the flexibility to study on your own schedule. Whether you want to advance in your current career or prepare for new opportunities, OSU’s program emphasizes breadth, adaptability, and applied learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $489 per credit hour (in-state); $530 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Maryland Global Campus 

University of Maryland’s Global Campus (UMGC) online Master of Science in Management (MSM) with interdisciplinary studies combines business leadership with customized focus areas to meet your career objectives. You can integrate management courses with specialized study in cybersecurity, healthcare, technology, or other fields. 

The program develops strategic thinking and leadership skills while allowing you to gain expertise in your chosen concentration. This approach prepares you for management roles that require both business acumen and specialized knowledge. The fully online format gives you maximum flexibility to study while you work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $544 per credit (in-state); $659 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Military benefits, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance are accepted.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. Liberty University 

Liberty University's (LU) online MA in interdisciplinary studies integrates multiple academic disciplines within a Christian worldview framework. You can mix courses from business, education, psychology, and other fields to create a customized degree program. 

The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, research skills, and ethical decision-making from a biblical perspective. The program's eight-week courses and fully online format will give you the ability to advance your career while maintaining other responsibilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Military discounts, corporate partnerships, and payment plans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University's (TTU) online MS in interdisciplinary studies gives students the freedom to design a degree that truly fits their goals. Instead of sticking to one traditional field, you can combine three different areas of study from at least two colleges, creating a program that reflects your personal and professional interests. 

The 36-credit program ends with a capstone project or thesis, where you bring everything together and show how your chosen areas connect. With its flexible structure, this degree helps you build broad skills and fresh perspectives that can open doors in many different career paths.

• Estimated tuition cost: $639 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and assistantships are available. 
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Toledo 

The University of Toledo (UToledo) offers a fully online Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) designed for students who want to shape a graduate degree around their unique interests and career goals. Working with a faculty advisor, you’ll build a personalized plan of study from UToledo’s broad catalog of graduate courses, with required classes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. 

You’ll then complete either a traditional thesis or a creative capstone project that applies what you’ve learned. The program focuses on critical thinking, research, and integrative approaches that prepare you for advancement in fields such as education, human resources, advertising, ministry, and writing, or you can go for further doctoral study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $672 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal aid, scholarships, and military benefits are available.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How We Rank Schools

We want you to feel confident choosing an online master’s program that balances cost and quality. That’s why our rankings focus on the following key factors:

• Accreditation: Accreditation confirms the program meets high academic and professional standards, ensuring your degree holds credibility in public service.
• Affordability: We review tuition rates and fees to highlight programs that deliver strong value without unnecessary financial strain.
• Program reputation: We consider faculty expertise, student outcomes, and institutional recognition to identify programs with proven success.

What To Expect From an Online Interdisciplinary Studies Program

In a Master of Arts or Master of Science in interdisciplinary studies online program, you’ll design your own degree by choosing courses from different subjects. You might mix business, education, and technology classes to match your career goals. 

The program helps you build strong research, writing, and leadership skills. You’ll learn to solve problems by thinking creatively across multiple fields. This flexible approach prepares you for unique jobs that need a mix of knowledge and skills.

Career Paths With an Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s

A master’s in interdisciplinary studies prepares you for diverse careers in: 

• business management
• nonprofit leadership
• higher education administration 
• communications
• social services

This degree's versatility allows you to pursue roles that require multiple skill sets, such as project management, community development, or corporate training. You'll be ready for positions that value creative problem-solving, adaptability, and broad knowledge across different fields. This makes the degree valuable in today's job market where many careers require crossing traditional discipline boundaries.

Featured Program Spotlight: Liberty University Interdisciplinary Studies

Liberty University's interdisciplinary studies program stands out for its flexible online format and faith-based approach to education. The program allows you to mix courses from multiple disciplines while integrating Christian principles throughout your learning experience. 

You'll enjoy one of the most affordable private university tuition rates, with no mandatory residency requirements. The curriculum values critical thinking and ethical decision-making, preparing you for leadership roles across various fields. This program is particularly valuable for students seeking to align their professional development with their spiritual values through customizable degree options.

Comparing Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs

Interdisciplinary graduate programs vary widely in structure, cost, and available concentrations. Some programs offer predefined focus areas while others let you design your own specializations entirely. Costs can differ too, ranging from under $15,000 to over $50,000, depending on whether you choose a public or private institution. 

When selecting a program, consider how well the available concentration areas align with your career goals and whether the program's structure fits your learning style and schedule. Look for programs that offer the right balance of flexibility and guidance to help you achieve your professional objectives.

FAQs About Affordable Online Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies

If you’re seeking this degree, you’ll probably have questions about cost, program flexibility, or career options. These FAQs answer common questions about affordability, customizing your degree, and what jobs you can get with an interdisciplinary studies master’s.

Is an Affordable Online Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies Worth It?

Yes, this degree offers excellent value. The flexibility lets you design a program that matches your exact career goals, while the affordable cost ensures a good return on investment. You'll gain versatile skills that apply to many fields, from business to education to nonprofit work. This degree prepares you for diverse roles that value creative problem-solving and adaptability across different subjects.

Are Low-Cost Interdisciplinary Studies Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, when earned from an accredited university, interdisciplinary studies degrees are respected. Employers value the unique problem-solving and adaptable thinking skills these degrees develop. 

The respect comes from the school's reputation and accreditation status, not the cost of the degree. You’ll be able to demonstrate you can integrate knowledge across multiple fields, which is valuable in today's workplace.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Interdisciplinary Master’s Program Online?

Most online interdisciplinary master's programs take about two years to complete when studying part-time. Full-time students might finish in 12 to 18 months. The flexible online format allows you to pace your studies around work and family commitments. Many programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year to help you begin when you're ready.

What Admission Requirements Do Affordable Online Interdisciplinary Studies Programs Have?

Most programs require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 to 3.0 GPA. You'll typically need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement outlining your educational goals. Some programs may require a writing sample or an interview. Previous work experience is often valued but not always required for admission.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s?

Graduates pursue careers as: 

• nonprofit directors
• communications managers
• higher education administrators
• project coordinators 
• policy analysts

This degree prepares you for roles that require multiple skill sets, such as community outreach coordinator, training specialist, or research analyst. The versatile nature of this degree opens doors across business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors.

Discover More Online Master’s Programs

If you’re interested in more options, you can explore other affordable online master’s programs in education, business, and social sciences on Learn.org. Find the perfect degree to match your interests and advance your career today.