Interdisciplinary Studies
209 University Hall • Box 19419 • 817-272-2338
The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is an individualized degree that allows students to develop themes or topics that fall outside the usual departmental boundaries. Students work closely with the Interdisciplinary Studies advisor to design a rigorous and coherent program that contributes to professional growth, career goals, or future academic endeavors. Application and information packets are available in Room 209, University Hall. The Interdisciplinary Studies application must clearly articulate goals that no previously established discipline on campus can accommodate. The advisor provides information concerning the courses available throughout the University and examines each prospective course to determine its contribution to the component areas and the degree as a whole. The approved degree plan, the transcript, and the diploma carry the designation Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.
The program includes those requirements established for the Bachelor of Science Degree, an area of concentration, and elective courses.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
English
1301 and 1302.
Literature
Three hours of English or foreign language literature at the sophomore level or above
Liberal Arts Elective
Three hours above the freshman level of literature, or social and cultural studies designated as taught in the College of Liberal Arts, or fine arts or philosophy, or technical writing.
History
1311 and 1312.
Mathematics
Six hours (college algebra or higher).
Political Science
2311 and 2312.
Fine Arts and Philosophy
Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, philosophy, or theatre arts.
Social/Cultural Studies
Three hours from anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology, social/political/cultural geography, classical studies, or linguistics.
Natural Science
11 hours from chemistry, biology, geology, or physics. Eight hours must be in a single lab science.
Electives
Sufficient hours to complete the total required for the degree. Students are encouraged to choose elective courses that will enhance and support their area of concentration.
Area of Concentration
The area of concentration consists of courses selected by the stu-dent in consultation with the advisor that focus on the student's unique academicandvocationalgoals.
A minimum of 36 hours is required for the area of concentration; no more than 18 hours, in addition to the general requirements, may be selected from any one discipline.
For the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, at least one of the areas of concentration must be comprised of courses from science (biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics).
Total
128 hours, at least 36 of which must be 3000/4000 level, plus four hours in exercise and sport activities (EXSA), ROTC, or marching band.
Competence in Oral Presentations
Students should have proficiency in oral communication skills including interaction in the classroom settings to meet the needs of coursework and the use of acceptable grammar and pronunciation in formal presentations. Students should consult academic departments to evaluate coursework for inclusion into the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degrees. Using information from academic departments, Interdisciplinary Studies advisors work with students to include courses designed to meet this proficiency.
Competence in Computer Use
Graduating students should be proficient in the use of computers. Proficiency is understood as the ability to use word-processing, database/spreadsheets and software representative of the student's individualized degree goal_graduate work, professional school or profession. Each student should be able to tap the communications, analytical and information-retrieval potential of computers to solve research problems and be able to evaluate the results. Students should consult academic departments to evaluate coursework for inclusion into the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degrees. Using information from academic departments, Interdisciplinary Studies advisors work with students to include courses designed to meet this proficiency.