Department Chair: Aaron Chandler, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator: Esther Horrocks, Ph.D.
Description
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.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate general knowledge in the liberal arts.
- Demonstrate an understanding of content in two academic disciplines.
- 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. The lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all courses listed in the catalog under "Program Requirements" for the major, including both courses in the major and SEE courses required by the major. 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.
Once accepted into the major, students must meet with the program coordinator each semester to evaluate progress.
Requirements
Students may request admission into the major after completing the first semester of the freshman year. Students may select either the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Arts degree. The Bachelor of Arts degree requires the completion of a foreign language through at least the intermediate level. In addition to completing the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE), students must complete the major requirements noted below.
Major Requirements:
- FYS 100
- 36 credits for the major selected from two disciplines, identified as program cores (at least 18 credits of must be at the 300- and 400-level).
- A minimum of 12 credits is required in one program core.
- 30 credits must be at the upper level.
- INDSC 320
- Six credits in INDSC courses, 300-level or above
- INDSC 450 Senior Project: Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies
- One 200-level WI course and one 300- or 400-level WI course taken in a program core or other writing intensive courses approved by program coordinator
Suggested Course Sequence
2024-25 SCS Interdisciplinary Studies
Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies
A minor in interdisciplinary studies is not available.
Other Options
BA Option: Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. The student must fulfill all SEE requirements, program requirements, and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level
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 Stevenson University Graduate Catalog
Course Descriptions
See Interdisciplinary Studies Course Descriptions