The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is a university-wide degree coordinated through the College of Arts & Sciences by the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This multi-discipline academic program is appropriate for students motivated by specific interests not recognized in traditional majors and is not intended to compete with existing programs. All University requirements, including 31 hours of upper division course work and a year’s residence, must be met for graduation.
The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is intended to allow students maximum flexibility to custom-design a curriculum to meet their personal and career goals. Such a program of study must assure depth of study as well as breadth. Therefore, it must insure that students take at least 36 upper-division hours in the areas they have chosen for emphasis and that they select a minimum of 12 hours in each of three areas or 18 hours in two. Emphasis areas must be selected from at least two colleges. Only one grade of "D" will be accepted in each area of emphasis, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in each area of emphasis. General Education requirement (45 hours) must be met in addition to a general studies core of 12 hours. A total of 122 semester hours is required for graduation, along with an MSU and cumulative GPA of 2.0.
To insure coherence in the program, the student must construct and explain in writing the rationale for the interdisciplinary studies program’s direct relationship to the student’s personal and career goals. Each student will be required to meet with advisors in the academic disciplines who will agree to sponsor the student in drawing up the proposed curriculum, formulating the rationale, and presenting the case in writing to the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. This should be done prior to the senior year.
The Interdisciplinary Studies Committee will review applications, and if approved, the student may proceed with the curriculum. The Committee will meet during the fall, spring and summer semesters, and students must make written application by September 1, February 1 or May 1. Application for a degree must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. For further information, contact: