Multidisciplinary Studies Program Overview

Introduction

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 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.

Program Structure/Administration 

There are two ways to develop a MDST curriculum proposal: 

Faculty from the same or different colleges or academic departments may propose curricular programs for inclusion in the Multidisciplinary Studies major. The faculty-initiated programs must conform to the curriculum structure and requirements, and they must be approved by the Multidisciplinary Studies Curriculum Committee.

 OR

A qualified student (new admit or continuing student with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA) may initiate the request following the steps outlined below. Students must work closely with the faculty advisors to define a course of study that conforms to program requirements and to assure that all University requirements are met. No student may self-select a program of study; the established advisement process must be followed. 

Curriculum Overview 

The proposed curriculum comprises specific credit hours (credits) of coursework in the major. The proposed curriculum is divided into three constituent parts, with the remaining credits used to meet the General Education requirements and elective credits.

Bachelor of Arts in MDST:

Core Program 1

 18 credits 9 credits of advanced coursework required (300/400 level)
Core Program 2 18 credits 6 credits of advanced coursework required (300/400 level)
Capstone Course 3 credits advanced research seminar, internship, or practicum
Related Electives 9-12 credits chosen in consultation with advisor(s), disciplines not used in Core 1 or Core 2

Bachelor of Science in MDST:

Core Program 1

 24-30 credits several credits of advanced coursework (including labs) required (300/400 level)
Core Program 2 21-24 credits several credits of advanced coursework (including labs) required (300/400 level)
Capstone Course 3 credits advanced research seminar, internship, or practicum
Related Electives 18 credits these courses also fulfill 6 credits of Science & Math, 3 credits of Math Foundations, and 9 credits of Social Sciences requirements

Note: With the approval of the student’s advisors, a program of study may be modified to include (#1) 18 credits from an existing department or minor program and (#2) 9 credits each from two related departments or programs. No student may graduate in the major without successfully completing a minimum of 36 credits in the two Core Programs and a Capstone Course.