Graduate education is evolving, and two Faculty Fellows at Arizona State University's Graduate College — Nancy Cooke and Josephine Marsh — are leading efforts to transform the traditional dissertation model. With their diverse expertise and a shared passion for innovation, Cooke and Marsh are exploring how collaborative, interdisciplinary research can redefine graduate education and better prepare students for the challenges of academia and beyond.

Riley Braase, a DMA graduate in clarinet performance from Arizona State University and his wife, Mikaela Hannon, who is also completing her DMA in music, reflect on their shared journey through graduate school. Balancing the demands of dual doctoral programs, they embraced opportunities for growth, collaboration and creativity. With support from the Graduate College, including travel grants, professional development programs and mentorship, the couple turned challenges into successes, from presenting workshops to premiering new music.

What if graduate students could pursue flexible programs designed to be online with intentional immersion components? This question is at the heart of reimagining graduate education to address global grand challenges. As the fifth topic in our series on this theme, we explore current thoughts on degree program delivery. Previously, we discussed how students could access customized knowledge to acquire new or different skills for their careers. Now, let’s delve into how programs can bridge the gap between flexibility and engagement.