2016-17 Academic Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2016-17 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

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.

BSIS Limitations: Students may not receive minors in the BSIS program. After a BSIS degree is awarded, a student may not return to school and receive a second bachelor's degree in an area of emphasis used in BSIS. A student may not receive a BSIS degree if he/she already has a bachelor's degree.

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:

College of Arts & Sciences
224 Allen Hall, Mail Stop 9706
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2646

BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Degree Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Humanities
See General Education courses6
Mathematics
See General Education courses6
Fine Arts
See General Education courses3
Natural Sciences
See General Education courses. Two labs required.6-8
Math/Science Elective
See General Education courses. Lab not required.3
Social Sciences
See General Education courses6
Major Core
General StudiesConsult advisor12
IDS 4111Professional Seminar1
Emphasis AreaConsult advisor36
Free Electives29
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
Writing Requirement
Consult advisor 3
Computer Literacy
Consult advisor 2-3