Interdisciplinary Studies, BA or BS

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Independent interdisciplinary majors provide innovative, flexible learning opportunities but require initiative and careful planning from the student. Most disciplines and topical areas may be used in this interdisciplinary degree structure, though departments and programs have authority to determine which courses may be included.

An independent interdisciplinary degree typically includes coursework from two or more academic departments or programs. Students choose one of these as the department/program of emphasis and then work closely with an advisor from that department/program to select courses and to draft an application letter. This letter specifies the coursework to be included in the degree and explains how degree components will provide the knowledge and skills needed to reach the student’s educational goals. This letter of agreement is to be approved by all participating departments/programs and is kept on file by the Registrar.

The student’s department or program of emphasis is responsible for providing academic advising and ensuring that all requirements are completed.

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 and writing, Environmental Studies, Foreign languages; 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, and Sociology.

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.