Interdisciplinary Studies

Descriptions

The interdisciplinary studies program enables students to develop from two academic disciplines an integrated course of study not available through current degree programs. This is an individually designed major that allows students to work closely with faculty while pursuing academic interests that transcend traditional majors. Students consult the program coordinator and two faculty members with interests and expertise in the area of study.

Appropriate themes for interdisciplinary studies majors may include a set of problems, an idea, or a period study. Suggested themes include American studies, aesthetics and artistic expression, and international and global studies.

Courses are offered either in an 8-week online format or a 16-week online format.

Objectives

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate general knowledge in the liberal arts.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of content in two academic disciplines.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication by engaging in inquiry and reflection on a topic of personal interest.

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to advance to the next course without earning a grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite course(s). When a grade below "C" is earned in a major course, the student must repeat that course.

Requirements

The interdisciplinary studies program enables students to develop from two academic disciplines an integrated course of study not available through current degree programs. This is an individually designed major that allows students to work closely with faculty while pursuing academic interests that transcend traditional majors. Students consult the program coordinator and two faculty members with interests and expertise in the area of study.

Appropriate themes for interdisciplinary studies majors may include a set of problems, an idea, or a period study. Suggested themes include American studies, aesthetics and artistic expression, and international and global studies.

Courses are offered either in an 8-week online format or a 16-week online format.

Major Requirements:

36 credits of courses for the major selected from two disciplines, identified as program cores (at least 18 credits of which must be at the 300 and 400 level). A minimum of 12 credits is required in one program core.

INDSC 260Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies

3 credits

INDSC 350Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies

3 credits

INDSC 360Interdisciplinary Research and Writing

3 credits

INDSC 450Senior Project: Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies

3 credits

HSR 224Introduction to Research Methods

3 credits

INDSC 350: Six credits in INDSC 350.

HSR 224: Or another methods course approved by the Associate Dean, Business Programs.

Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies

A minor in interdisciplinary studies is not available.

Other Options

BS/MS Option: The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in interdisciplinary studies who wish to combine their bachelor’s coursework with work toward a master’s degree in one of Stevenson’s graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degree in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into a BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. For more information on this program see the Admissions section of this catalog.