NDSU Program Offerings
In our interdisciplinary programs, you can study and do research at the intersection of disciplines, where many of our world’s most pressing problems can be found.
NDSU offers interdisciplinary programs in the following areas of study:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Materials and Nanotechnology
- Natural Resources Management
- STEM Education
- College Teaching Certificate
For more information on these programs, see the program descriptions below.
Cellular and Molecular Biology
The Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB) program provides cross-disciplinary research education and training, leading to a doctoral degree that prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, and industry. The program’s purpose is to provide students with a high-quality education that incorporates both breadth and depth in interdisciplinary training, as well as access to contemporary technology and facilities.
Environmental and Conservation Sciences
The graduate program in Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ECS) can culminate in a master’s or doctoral degree. Our integrative curriculum and our multidisciplinary team approach emphasize the common ground shared by all sciences, and seek to bridge methodological and philosophical boundaries that might hinder interdisciplinary communication and cooperation.
Genomics and Bioinformatics
The Genomics and Bioinformatics (G&B) program spans all colleges performing life science research at NDSU. PhD and MS degrees are offered in two program areas: functional genomics and bioinformatics.
Historically, plants have been the primary focus for most program participants, with topic areas including growth and development, reproduction, and defense against abiotic and biotic stresses. Currently, 21 faculty members are associated with the program.
Materials and Nanotechnology
The Materials and Nanotechnology (MNT) program spans several colleges and centers at NDSU. Both PhD and MS degrees are offered.
Areas of focus include:
- Nanoparticle/polymer synthesis
- Optical and electronic sensing
- Flexible electronics
- Nanocomposites and coatings
- Sustainable materials
- Biomedical engineering
- Targeted drug delivery
Roughly 30 faculty members from a range of departments across campus contribute to the MNT program as advisers, mentors, and professors.
Natural Resources Sciences
The School of Natural Resource Sciences at North Dakota State University prepares students for careers that require an understanding of the social, biological, and physical aspects of managing natural resources. We focus on research that determines how natural resources can be best used for society, while maintaining the integrity of natural systems. Because this program emphasizes problem solving, it prepares students to deal with issues that reach beyond a single discipline or subject area.
STEM Education
The interdisciplinary STEM Education PhD program prepares students to be college faculty whose research on teaching and learning at the collegiate level and who can successfully teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels in their selected STEM discipline.