Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies minor (ISM) allows students allows students to combine insights, methodologies, and courses from multiple academic disciplines, spanning traditional academic boundaries. The ISM provides students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond the confines of a single major, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to connect ideas and concepts from diverse areas of study. Students are required to complete a total of 18 hours: 6 lower-division hours of Liberal Arts courses, 9 hours of upper-division coursework in disciplines approved by the faculty sponsor and the program coordinator - different from their major, and an approved capstone, independent study, or seminar representing three hours of coursework.
Admission
Students must submit an application to the Interdisciplinary Studies Minor director or coordinator. An essay must be submitted with the student's application. This paper will showcase the student's ability to articulate a coherent vision for their intended interdisciplinary studies. A faculty sponsor must co-sign the student application to declare an Interdisciplinary Studies Minor. Adjunct, non-tenure track, tenure-track, or tenured faculty are eligible to sponsor a student Interdisciplinary Studies Minor application, being responsible for the revision of the student essay and for providing council on the student proposal for their minor plan stated in their application. Based on an assessment of the student's degree plan and application, the coordinator/director of the minor will determine if the ISM is the best fit for the student's goals and interests, and will not postpone or hinder their graduation.
Degree Plan
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Electives 1 (Any Liberal Arts fields, lower-division) | ||
| Lower-division elective | 3 | |
| Lower-division elective | 3 | |
| Electives 2 (Approved upper-division hours in disciplines that are different from their major) | ||
| Upper-division elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division elective | 3 | |
| Required | ||
| Approved capstone, independent study, or seminar | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |