Developing a MDST Program of Study

OVERVIEW

The bachelor degree in Multidisciplinary Studies is an innovative major and cultivates multidisciplinary perspectives within the University’s established school and departmental structure. With careful guidance and academic advisement students will be able to tailor their major to particular areas of strength and interest. The Multidisciplinary Curriculum Committee certifies that any proposed program of study meets established criteria. 

Every student in the major will work closely with the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor and be assigned two academic advisors with expertise in the proposed program of study. Each course of study will culminate with a faculty-directed capstone experience. Content integration, academic rigor, and learning across disciplines are key attributes of the major. Curricular flexibility will be augmented by careful faculty advisement to ensure timely graduation. Rigor is embedded in defined levels of course work leading to the integrative capstone experience.  More information can be found by clicking the "Program Overview" link below.

program overview

The mdst proposal process

Please take a moment to follow the link below and review the proposal process (from concept to approval). 

Understanding each step is essential in managing expectations and working with the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor to facilitate your proposal development. Keep in mind, this process is dependent on student/faculty initiative. The advisor will support your efforts, but cannot write the proposal for you.

MDST Proposal Process 

types of proposals

There are two ways to generate a MDST proposal: faculty initiated and student initiated.  Every proposal requires approval by the MDST Curriculum Committee. Documents should be prepared in Word format.  Items include:

Faculty initiated proposals:

  1. Title Page
  2. Faculty presenters
  3. Name of proposed concentration within MDST major (i.e. Disability Studies)
  4. Rationale and need; target audiences (if applicable)
  5. Curriculum plan outline including sense of appropriate capstone experience(s); include course numbers and descriptions on separate page
  6. Signed Signature page

 Student initiated proposals:

  1. Title Page
  2. Student presenter
  3. Name of faculty advisors
  4. Rationale for proposed concentration within MDST major, including student goals statement
  5. Curriculum plan outline including sense of appropriate capstone experience(s); include separate page of course numbers and descriptions.
  6. Signed Signature page
  7. Current MarAUDIT or transcript
  8. Identify Core One and Core Two subject areas
  9. Indicate courses completed to date

Follow the link below to see an example of a high-quality student proposal (used with permission). 

    Example MDST Proposal