Interdisciplinary Studies Major, B.S.

Department Information

School of Continuing Studies & Academic Outreach
PO Box 70659
916 W. Maple St.
Phone: (423) 439-4223
Web Address: https://www.etsu.edu/academicaffairs/scs/degrees/undergradprograms.php

The Bachelor of Interdiscipinary Studies (BSIS) meets the needs of students whose academic interests are situated between two or more disciplines and gives students the opportunity to integrate personal and professional growth by means of the exploration of multiple subjects, perspectives, and methodologies in a variety of fields. Because the BSIS program can be completed entirely online or through a combination of online and on-campus courses, it is especially suited for students whose work-life situation requires more flexible scheduling. Students pursue a thematic program of study that requires completion of two areas of concentration, which may be an ETSU minor plus 12 credits of upper-division coursework relevant to their programs of study, or two self-designed concentrations developed in consultation with their academic advisor. Students enrolled in the BSIS program may not double-major at ETSU.

Admission Requirements

1. Students apply to ETSU and must meet ETSU general admission requirements.
2. Upon acceptance to ETSU, students complete an admissions interview with an Interdisciplinary Studies advisor. The interview may be completed by telephone or electronic means. The purpose of the interview is to determine whether the Interdisciplinary Studies major is the best option for the student, or the student would be better served by another degree program.
3. Students must complete the Cross-Disciplinary Studies application.
4. The Interdisciplinary Studies advisor recommends admission or denial to the department chair, Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies.
5. The department chair accepts or denies admission.
6. Transfer credit is accepted only from accredited institutions.

Degree Requirements: 120 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: BSIS-BS  

General Education Requirements  

These requirements include earning 41-42 credits in Communication, Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavior Sciences, History, Natural Sciences and Mathematics categories.

Total Requirements for Interdisciplinary Studies Major: 79 credits

Major Program Requirements

Two Concentrations: The student will complete two concentrations. Each concentration is a minimum of 12 credits of related coursework in the same discipline. Of the 12 credits required for each concentration, 9 of those credits must be at the 3000-4000 levels. There may be no duplication of courses between the two concentrations.

Senior Capstone: Satisfactory completion of the Senior Capstone (CDST 4210 ) is required to graduate.

Guided electives: The student will complete up to 52 credits of advisor-approved elective courses.

Upper-division requirement: 34 credits of the student’s entire degree program must be at the 3000/4000 levels.

All other graduation requirements of the university must be met. See listing of these requirements in the Degree and Graduation Requirements  section of the catalog.

The Prior Learning/Experiential Learning Portfolio

The prior learning portfolio is an option available only to students in the Bachelor of General Studies and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies that allows them the opportunity to earn credit for college-level learning that has taken place outside the traditional college classroom. In consultation with the advisor, students prepare a prior learning portfolio, which is submitted to the advisor to appraise form and content. Final approval is made by the appropriate departmental faculty. Credit may be awarded only for prior learning that directly equates with specific ETSU courses.

If a student transfers from the majors listed above to another major, credits earned through the prior-learning portfolio cannot be applied to the new major. No more than 25 percent of the degree may be earned through the prior learning portfolio process. In a 120 credit program, this limit is 30 credits. Credit earned through the prior learning portfolio is ungraded and does not impact the student’s grade point average. Portfolio credit does not count as ETSU residence credit.

No Minor Required

Additional Information

Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. 

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.