B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies

The B.A. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, which is housed in the College of Liberal Arts, offers undergraduate students an opportunity to develop a knowledge base in two areas of emphasis with a strong core of communication and computer courses. By exposing students to the methodologies and perspectives of more than one discipline, this degree can provide students with the skills to adapt to the needs of a changing world.

General objectives:

• abundant computer work in applications for enhanced computer skills;
• problem-solving skills through the application of logic and reason, leading to more efficient decision-making skills;
• extensive written and oral communication skills through experience in public speaking, writing, research, and listening;
• a sense of cultural heritage through the study of a second language and through multicultural and international courses;
• a general education grounded in the liberal arts and science literacy.

Specific objectives:

• exposure to two different disciplines;
• the opportunity to discover the connections between two disparate disciplines;
• the tools for converting these connected fields into a foundation for employment or graduate/professional studies.

Application Requirements:

To apply for a major in Multidisciplinary Studies you must:

• Complete an application available in the College of Liberal Arts office;
• Have completed at least 26 hours of college coursework which includes English 101 and Math 121 or higher (NOTE: no developmental course credits can be counted);
• Have earned a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 in the 26 hours of completed coursework;
• Attach an unofficial transcript to the completed application; submit both to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Old Main 107.

General Information:

The B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies requires a minimum of 128 credit hours that include a core of general education courses (68 hours, as detailed below), at least two Areas of Emphasis (21 hours each), and a senior capstone course (3 hours). At least 48 of the 128 hours must be at the 300/400 level.

General Education Core:

• English 101 (required for admission to the program) and 102 (or 302); or English 201H (6 hours)
• Communication Studies 103 or 104H or 305, and 322 (6 hours)
• Foreign Language (12 hours)
• Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Religious Studies (at least two fields) (9 hours)
• Arts Appreciation: select ART 112, THE 112 or MUS 142 (3 hours)
• Social Sciences (at least three fields): Any course in Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology; Geography—any course except GEO 101; Sociology/Anthropology—any course except SOC 108 (12 hours)
• Natural Science: any ISC course plus 4 additional hours (8 hours)
• Math: MTH 121 or higher (required for admission to the program) (3 hours)
• Computer Science (9 hours):
  1. Select 3 hours: ART 219, CHM 223 or 305, CSD 101, CT 103 B.
  2. Select 6 hours (may substitute with advisor's approval): ANT 451, ART 453, ATE 425, CD 315, CD 315, CMM 456, CT 250, EG 106, GEO 430, GLY 430, ITL 468, JMC 102, MIS 207, MIS 290, MIS 310, MIS 340, MIS 430, PHY 410, PHY 411, PHY 412, PSY 427

Areas of Emphasis

(All courses must meet the necessary pre- and co-requisites. No course may be used to satisfy the requirements in more than one area of emphasis.)

  American Studies
  Appalachian Studies
  Art History
  Business Studies
  Chemistry (should be combined with the Business area of emphasis)
  Child and Family Studies
  Classics
  Communications Disorders
  Environmental Studies
  Fashion and Textile Studies
  Food and Nutrition Studies
  Global Studies
  Latin
  Pedagogical Studies
  Philosophy
  Psychology
  Religious Studies
  Safety Technology
  Western Culture Studies
  Women's Studies
  Create Your Own Major (available for Honors students only with permission of the relevant Department Chairs; minimum and overall and MU GPA of 3.0).