Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A./B.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Kathie Erdman Becker, Coordinator and Advisor
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Wagner Hall 124
605-688-6296

Program Information

The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for those pursuing unique educational goals. Each student develops a goal-driven plan of study approved by the department selecting coursework relevant to those unique goals. Career opportunities for graduates are vast, evolving from the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired through a well-designed plan of study. Interdisciplinary studies graduates have been very successful in the job market and in gaining acceptance to graduate/professional schools. Most graduates pursue careers in broad industries or emerging fields. Intensive advising and career planning are critical elements to ensure the plan of study appropriately prepares students for future goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Interdisciplinary Studies graduates will be able to:

Define interdisciplinary studies using historical references and metaphorical models.
Articulate the contributions of the disciplines to interdisciplinary research and problem solving.
Apply interdisciplinary research methods through case study analysis and independent research.
Express interdisciplinary understanding of a complex problem through the integration of disciplinary insights in an undergraduate research project.
Illustrate how the knowledge, skills and abilities gained through the plan of study contribute to success in the workplace or graduate/professional school.

Academic Requirements

Grade of “C” or higher is required for IDL 262, IDL 362 and IDL 479.

Course Delivery Format

The four required courses (IDL 262, IDL 362, IDL 479, and ACS 489) are delivered entirely online. Students may choose to take general education and remaining plan of study courses in any delivery format and/or at multiple locations in accordance with limits set forth by South Dakota Board of Regents.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary Studies Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication : Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication : Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 6

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements

One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
Capstone course in the major discipline
Upper division coursework Credits: 33

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Major Requirements

ACS 489 - Transition to Careers Credits: 1
IDL 262 - Foundations of Interdisciplinary Studies Credits: 3
IDL 362 - Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Integration Credits: 3
IDL 479 - Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone Credits: 3 (Capstone)
Goal-based Plan of Study (50%+ must be upper division) Credits: 33

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120

Summary of Program Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	43 Credit Hours
Electives**	38 Credit Hours
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	43 Credit Hours
Electives**	40 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.