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Creating New Knowledge Through Interdisciplinary Collaborations

The University of Arizona's Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research where traditional disciplines interface. The fusion of ideas, techniques, and expertise from the traditional academic fields provides for the evolution of modern and imaginative methods of research, and the creation of new fields of endeavor. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is one of the ways that The University of Arizona is fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.


The 14 Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs are an integral part of the Mission Statement of the University of Arizona, and student enthusiasm for the programs is one of their strongest characteristics. Outstanding research and educational facilities attract the best and brightest students. In 2008, GIDPs produced 10% of all Ph.D. degrees at the University of Arizona. Interdisciplinary excellence among faculty is enhanced through GIDPs. Faculty participating in GIDPs develop strong partnerships with academic and research institutes campus-wide, state-wide and nationally. Currently, nearly 700 faculty from 14 colleges are actively involved in GIDPs at the University of Arizona. This strong network of cooperative relationships signifies the Intellectual Fusion put into practice through The University of Arizona’s Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs. GIDP faculty is also significantly successful in obtaining NIH and NSF grants.

The Future is Already Present; Crossing Scientific Boundaries 

The ever increasing need for highly trained educators and researchers is optimally met by individuals who have been educated in an interdisciplinary environment, and who are able to promote the exchange of ideas among a wide range of paradigms and areas of specialization. GIDPs provide an environment that fosters independent thinking and conceptual creativity. The ultimate goal of GIDPs is to provide a cadre of scientists and educators who, through interdisciplinary training, are able to develop new and imaginative methods of teaching and research, and create new fields of endeavors. GIDP students develop independent technical and intellectual skills and are encouraged to broaden their abilities and experiences. Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs produce competitive investigators who are successful in both academia and in private enterprise. As news-breaking research advances, so does the focus of GIDPs.

The University of Arizona
Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs
1401 E. University Blvd.
Administration 303
P.O. Box 210066
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066
Phone: 520.621.8368 Fax: 520.621.8367
Email: gidp@email.arizona.edu
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