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Interdisciplinary Studies, BA – Liberal Studies

A student who wishes to pursue a degree that crosses disciplinary lines and for which there may not be a formal major at the College may choose to major in Interdisciplinary Studies. The Interdisciplinary Studies major must consist of no fewer than 33 and no more than 48 credits within the student’s areas of concentration. These credits shall be distributed in at least two but not more than three areas of study. If two concentration areas are chosen, there shall be no fewer than 12 credits in any one area of study. If three concentration areas are chosen, there should be no fewer than 9 credits in any one area of study. There shall be at least 12 total credits across all concentrations at the upper level (2000-level and above), including 3 upper-level credits (2000-level and above) in each concentration area and at least one 3000- or 4000-level course in at least one concentration area. At least 3 credits in each concentration area must be taken at Mount Saint Mary College. Students pursuing three concentrations will require 9 credits in each area. There shall be at least 12 total credits across all concentrations at the upper level (2000-level and above), including 3 upper-level credits (2000-level and above) in each concentration area and at least one 3000- or 4000-level course in at least one concentration area. At least 3 credits in each concentration area must be taken at Mount Saint Mary College. Areas of study include any group of courses listed in the Undergraduate Catalog and for which there are at least nine (9) credits with the same prefix (excluding Education and Nursing).

Once a student decides to pursue an Interdisciplinary Studies major, he/she must complete the “Declaration of Concentrations for Interdisciplinary Studies Major”. The student should retain one copy of the major plan; one will be retained by the advisor; and one will be forwarded to the VPAA's Office. The VPAA shall assist the student with their plan of study. This plan may include as many as nine (9) credits through Prior Learning Assessment toward the major. Upon approval, the VPAA will sign the form and send to the Registrar's Office to update the student's major.

Aside from completing requirements for the Interdisciplinary Studies major, students shall earn 39-42 credits of general education course requirements. Students shall choose additional free electives from other academic areas, so that the total number of credits earned will be at least 120. No more than 20 credits at the 1000 level may be used towards degree completion. Only three (3) credits of 1000 level Philosophy can be used towards degree completion. Passing of the Computer Literacy test fulfills the Computer Literacy requirement; it does not count as credits towards degree completion.

Any student seeking adolescence or childhood education certificate must have two courses (6 credits) in math and two courses (6 credits) in science prior to completing their program.

Examples of an Interdisciplinary Studies major could focus on the following:

  • Technology and Digital Media, which could include concentrations in Communication Arts and Computer Information technology.
  • General Sciences, which include concentrations in Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science or Physics.
  • Integrated Marketing Communications, which could include concentrations in Business, Communication Arts and Computer Information Technology.
  • Social Sciences, which could include concentrations in Psychology, Sociology and History.