The Faculty of Graduate Studies allows students with a proven track record the special opportunity of registering in Individual Interdisciplinary Studies (hereafter referred to as IIS). IIS combines substantial aspects of existing discipline-based programs of at least two departments into a unique syllabus which lies outside the traditional disciplinary boundaries. Since an IIS program places additional demands and responsibilities upon the student to assemble a committee and, to formulate a research proposal and program in advance of admission, the eligibility requirements, as outlined below, are more stringent than those for strictly discipline-based graduate programs. While a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work at the 7000 level is required to be completed within IIS, often 18 to 21 credit hours of course work is included in an IIS program. At least 3 credit hours must be completed in each of the departments or units represented in the program.

Each department or unit currently offering a discipline-based graduate level program is eligible to offer an IIS program, as long as the subject area of that department or unit is the major focus of the IIS program and the department offers the level of degree being pursued, i.e., Master’s or Ph.D., although exceptions to this requirement may be considered, upon approval by the Associate Dean and the Dean of Graduate Studies. The department is thus considered the "home" department of the IIS student. Because of the individuality of each program and the need for special guidance, an Advisory Committee is required for all IIS students at the time of admission.

The "home" Department Head (or designate) will ensure that the student and the advisor receive information regarding scholarships and relevant Faculty procedures and the like (i.e., information that would normally be distributed to Department heads and/or Chairs of graduate programs), in addition to ensuring that the student’s program meets the supplemental regulations for IIS.