Academic Catalog

Multidisciplinary Studies B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies provides a rigorous academic program with a strong foundation in the arts and sciences. The program provides preparation for graduate or professional degrees beyond the college’s other, specialized and primarily professional/career focused, bachelor’s degree programs.

This degree program is comprised of three related minor areas of study and culminates with a senior project that combines these three disciplines. The program does not limit students or courses of study to a particular major or division, but emphasizes multidisciplinary/cross-disciplinary studies. The program’s flexibility, appropriate breadth and depth in the chosen areas of study, and focus on developing an understanding of the nature of cross-disciplinary investigation constitute its most salient features.

Each student selects three minor areas for study and then must demonstrate how these areas contribute to their educational or career goals.  Multidisciplinary studies students complete a senior project during their final semester as a means to incorporate all three disciplines.

Minors currently available include:

  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Communication
  • Fine Arts (Art, Music, or Theatre)
  • History
  • Literature
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts degree in multidisciplinary studies provides:

  • a pathway for students who plan to earn a master's or professional degree in areas of health science (medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.), human services (counseling, psychology, social work), theology/divinity, law, or attend graduate school in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, or social sciences.
  • an opportunity for students to study three disciplines and to investigate the interrelationships among them.
  • a rigorous Bachelor of Arts degree for students who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree but do not have a clear career path.

Requirements for Admission

  1. Students must apply for formal admission to the Multidisciplinary Studies degree program.
  2. New students should begin their college studies in the Associate of Arts degree program.
  3. Students must have completed at least 30 credit hours in the MDS General Education curriculum with at least one course in each general education strand with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average before they apply.
  4. A formal application for admission must be submitted to the Multidisciplinary Studies program office. The application includes a Letter of Intent that identifies the student’s three proposed minors and explains how the student will combine these disciplines to achieve their educational or career goals.

Milestone Course

These courses are the keys to graduation. Courses should be taken in the recommended semesters to stay on time for completion.

Electives

Course sequencing for the MDS requires careful advising each semester based on the requirements of the minors selected. Electives must be chosen carefully to ensure program completion.

Students should average 15 credit hours per semester, or 30 per year, to graduate on time

Total Degree Credits: 121