The Graduate School-New Brunswick offers programs of concentration
that complement formal degree programs. While these programs do not
offer degrees, they do permit students to pursue interdisciplinary
specializations without impeding their progress toward their degrees.
There are several options for specialization. Some are done without
formal acknowledgment, such as the program in packaging science and
engineering. Others, however, are extensions of existing degree
programs, such as the museum studies certificate offered in connection
with the M.A. degree in art history. Programs leading to an
interdisciplinary Ph.D. also may be arranged (see the section on
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Programs).
Interdisciplinary
certificate programs and core curricula provide a more formal means for
participating in a cross-disciplinary area and for encouraging
collaborative work. Students who complete their degrees while also
meeting the requirements of a certificate program will receive a
certificate indicating their concentration of study. All certificate
options require students to take courses outside their degree programs
and to write a major paper or thesis on a topic appropriate to the
certificate. Some programs also offer interdisciplinary seminars.
Core curricula are designed differently. In contrast to the informal
structure that prevails in certificate programs, students must apply
formally and receive admission into core curricula. Typically, these
programs provide fellowship or traineeship support for enrolled
students. Basic courses, seminars, and laboratory rotations allow
students to explore problems at the boundaries of degree programs and
to postpone commitment to a given degree program for a time. Students
completing such curricula also must meet the requirements of the degree
program in which they are matriculated.
Details concerning certificate programs and core curricula may be found in the Programs, Faculty, and Courses chapter.
Certificate Programs
Core Curricula
African Studies
Biotechnology
Alcohol Studies
Molecular and Cell Biology
Asian
Studies
Molecular Biophysics
Cognitive Science
Molecular Biosciences
Curatorial Studies
Engineering Geophysics
Geospatial Information Science
Historic Preservation Human Dimensions of Environmental Change
Medieval Studies
Quaternary Studies
Russian, Central and East European Studies
Teaching of Writing
Wireless Communications
Women's and Gender Studies
