The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed for students who want to pursue interdisciplinary studies without a major in a single department or in one of the structured interdepartmental degree programs (African American Studies, Classics, Contemporary European Studies, Film Studies, Latin American Studies, Women's Studies). Normally, interdisciplinary studies programs in the College of Liberal Arts focus primarily on disciplines within the humanities, social sciences, or fine arts. The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is not intended to be a substitute for approved major and minor programs. The degree program is under the general supervision of the college Interdisciplinary Studies Advisory Committee, and individual programs are administered by special interdisciplinary program committees. A student who wishes to undertake a program of interdisciplinary studies shall apply to the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

Program Requirements

(120 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (53-62 hours)

For a general outline, see "College of Liberal Arts."

2. Interdisciplinary Studies Program Requirements. (64-73 hours)

Each student must complete a program of studies designed by an interdisciplinary program committee appointed by the associate dean and approved by the College Interdisciplinary Studies Advisory Committee. The program shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit in courses numbered 300 or above and in two or more fields. No course submitted in fulfillment of the general education requirements may be included in the program requirements. A maximum of 15 semester hours of independent study courses may be applied to the interdisciplinary studies program requirement.

Note: A student who enrolls in an interdisciplinary degree program after accumulating 75 semester hours of credit may be required by the Interdisciplinary Program Committee to take more than 120 semester hours in order to complete an approved Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Procedure

The following procedures shall be followed in designing a program of interdisciplinary studies.

1. The candidate shall apply to the associate dean for declaration of an interdisciplinary studies program.

2. The candidate must submit to the associate dean a written statement of goals concerning a potential interdisciplinary studies program.

3. The associate dean will help the candidate formulate an Interdisciplinary Program Committee, which shall consist of not less than four faculty members from the student's areas of interdisciplinary interest. The members of the Interdisciplinary Program Committee shall be appointed by the associate dean, who will designate one member as chair and as the student's academic advisor.

4. The Interdisciplinary Program Committee shall meet with the student and prepare a program of studies leading to the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies. This program shall include a written justification for the specific program of studies designed with the student. The committee shall approve any changes in the student’s program.

5. The candidate's academic advisor shall advise the student each semester and shall sign the necessary registration and other advisor's forms. Advisement shall adhere to the student’s approved program of studies. The academic advisor shall consult with the Interdisciplinary Program Committee for approval should deviation from the original program become necessary or advisable. All changes shall be registered with the associate dean.

6. The College Interdisciplinary Studies Advisory Committee shall review and give final approval to individual programs of interdisciplinary studies.

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