Interdisciplinary Studies, BA or BS

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The interdisciplinary Studies major allows students to draw coursework from two or more academic programs to support individual learning goals.

The selected program of emphasis plays a central role by providing primary advising and courses to meet upper-division writing and capstone requirements.
One or two supporting program(s) provide additional courses and faculty support.

Potential areas of study may be selected from the following programs: anthropology, art, biology, business, chemistry, communication, computer science, criminal justice, economics, education, emerging media & digital arts, English, environmental studies, gender, sexuality, and women’s studies, geography, geology, health and physical education, history, international studies, mathematics, music, native American studies, outdoor adventure leadership, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, Shakespeare studies, sociology, and world languages/literatures.

The Director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies (CS 213, 541-552-6505), provides general guidance and administrative assistance. Participating faculty in the student’s selected areas of interest provide direct mentoring and academic advising.

Structure of the major

The major consists of 75 approved credits, at least 48 of which must be upper division credits. Courses are selected from two or three participating programs, specified in the list above, in consultation with faculty advisors. All course selections must also be approved by the Chair of each program.

Distribution requirements for the 75 credits required in the major are as follows:

At least 30 credits (including 24 upper division credits) must come from the program of emphasis.
An additional 24 upper division credits are to be drawn from one or two supporting area(s), with at least 12 upper division credits coming from each program.
The remaining courses to meet the major’s required total of 75 credits come from the program of emphasis and from the supporting area(s) in any approved combination.

Minimum GPA requirement is that used by the program of emphasis.

Advance Planning and Student Responsibility

The Interdisciplinary Studies major offers an innovative, flexible learning opportunity for students with initiative and organizational skills. A successful outcome requires both careful advance planning and active faculty support. Students undertaking this major must take responsibility for maintaining communication flow among participating faculty and programs, carefully adhere to all procedures and deadlines, and ensure that required documents are filed in Enrollment Services.

How to Develop an Interdisciplinary Studies Major

Consult with the Director of Division of Undergraduate Studies for guidance on developing the major, and for a checklist on requirements. Remember that an academic plan approved by all participating faculty and program Chairs, together with an explanatory letter, must be on file in Enrollment Services before completion of 121 credits.

Requirements for the Major

In addition to all general University degree requirements, students must meet the following requirements for the Interdisciplinary Studies major:

1.

Before having completed 121 credits, work with a faculty advisor to plan the major, in accordance with the guidelines specified below.

2.

Select a program of emphasis. The program of emphasis is responsible for providing academic advising and ensuring that all requirements are completed. Meet with a faculty advisor from this program to obtain preliminary approval for the structure of the proposed degree and the courses that it will include.

3.

Write a letter that explains the rationale for requesting an independent interdisciplinary major and specifies the courses that it will include. The letter should describe how the topical areas and courses selected for the interdisciplinary major suport the learning objectives and post-graduation goals. Address the letter to the head of the selected department or program of emphasis, providing copies to the head(s) of all supporting departments/programs. Upon written approval of the department or program, the student may proceed with the degree.

4.

Complete 75 approved credits (at least 48 of which must be upper division) from two or three programs chosen from the following areas: Anthropology, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Communication, Computer science, Criminal justice, Economics, Education, Emerging media & digital arts, English, Environmental Studies; Gender, sexuality, and women’s studies; Geography, Geology, Health and physical education, History, International studies, Mathematics, Music, Native American studies, Outdoor adventure leadership, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Psychology, Shakespeare studies, Sociology and World languages and literatures.

At least 30 of these credits must come from the department or program of emphasis, including 24 credits of upper division coursework. At least 24 additional upper division credits must come from the selected supporting department(s) or program(s), with at least 12 upper division credits drawn from each area. Remaining courses to meet the required total of 75 credits may be drawn from any of the specified departments or programs. Course selections must be approved by the department chair or program coordinator in each area.

5.

Complete the upper-division writing requirement for the department or program of emphasis.

6.

Complete the capstone experience for the department or program of emphasis, or develop an alternative approved by the head of the department or program of emphasis.

7.

Maintain the minimum GPA in the department or program of emphasis, as well as in selected supporting areas.

8.

Meet all general University degree requirements, including those regarding overall and upper-division credit minimums, University Studies distributions, and B.A./B.S. specifications.