July 8-9, 1999

NOTICE OF INTENTApproval of Proposal to Create a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Individual Interdisciplinary Programs (IIPs); The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula to create a new Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Individual Interdisciplinary Programs (IIPs).

EXPLANATION: Many doctoral and research universities in the United States and Canada have established interdisciplinary doctoral programs in recognition of "the need for a cadre of broadly prepared Ph.D.s with multi-disciplinary backgrounds and the technical, professional, and personal skills essential to addressing the varied career demands of the future" (National Science Foundation). The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in IIPs extends the existing Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) Degree at The University of Montana-Missoula to the doctoral level.