The Interdisciplinary Studies Program at Concord University offers students the opportunity to design a course of study that meets a particular career or professional need not available in a single existing degree program. Scholars recognize that exciting career challenges cut across traditional specialties and demand expertise in more than one subject area.
The BA/BS degree in Interdisciplinary Studies enables students to include as many as four different subject areas. This is not an appropriate degree option for the student who is undecided about a major. However, it is the ideal program choice for the student with a career plan that is multi-disciplinary and includes professional goals that are quite specific. Students will work with a faculty committee drawn from the desired subject areas to insure that the overall plan is coherent and that every class is appropriate. Every IDS student can benefit from the total range of expertise and talent available from the Concord University faculty.
How to Apply
Applications for the BA/BS Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies are available in the Academic Dean’s office.
An applicant must have completed one semester of college before being admitted into the program. Each program of study must fulfill Concord’s Program of General Studies and must include an interdisciplinary program of study that comprises at least two disciplines [four permitted], at least 48 credit hours, and a minimum of 12 credit hours of upper level courses in each discipline. Up to 12 hours of internship, directed research, performance, or exhibition credit are permitted in the program.
Interdisciplinary Degree Program applicants must be aware that entry into the Program with more than 80 applicable semester credits may extend the time necessary to complete the degree as a result of Interdisciplinary Degree program requirements and the residency requirements of Concord University (See Residency Credit ).
To undertake an Interdisciplinary Degree, a student presents a written proposal outlining the goal and plan. The student’s adviser and four other faculty members, selected by the student, must evaluate and approve the proposal. Faculty committee members must hold the rank of Assistant Professor or higher. Each discipline in the concentration area must be represented on the committee. The committee will indicate whether the degree will be a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
The student must have an overall grade point average of 2.0 with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in each selected discipline prior to graduation. Each discipline must include a minimum of 12 hours of upper level courses (300 or higher). Completion of the degree program requires a minimum of 120 semester hours.
After the program of study has been designed, the courses listed on the application, and the appropriate signatures secured, all members of the advisory committee must approve any changes in the program of study.
