Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Interdisciplinary Studies Major, B.S.


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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


The Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies offers four undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies. Students who apply for admissions to any of the programs in the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies (CDST) are required to:

  1. Identify Cross-Disciplinary Studies interest as your major on the application form. 
  2. Complete an interview. The application process for these degrees includes an admissions interview designed to help students choose the best degree program for their objectives. The department will contact the applicant to schedule an interview online, in person, or by phone. 
  3. Be recommended for admission to the appropriate CDST degree. After the interview the academic advisor makes a recommendation on admission to a CDST degree program or refers them to another department.

The chair accepts or denies admission to the recommended CDST program. Cross-Disciplinary Studies Interest is not a federal financial aid eligible program. Once admitted to the appropriate degree program, these programs are federal financial aid eligible and the student may qualify for federal financial aid for courses in their program of study.

Degree Requirements: 120 credits


General Education 41-42 credits
Major Total Requirement 79 credits
     Major Core    (10 credits)
     Area of Emphasis 1    (12 credits)
     Area of Emphasis 2    (12 credits)
     General Electives    (42 credits)
     Senior Capstone    (3 credits)
TOTAL 120 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: BSIS-BS  

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


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


Area of Emphasis 1: 12 credits *


Area of Emphasis 2: 12 credits *


* The student will complete two areas of emphasis. Each area of emphasis is a minimum of 12 credits of advisor-approved coursework in the same discipline. Of the credits required for each area of emphasis, 9 of those credits must be at the 3000-4000 levels. There may be no duplication of courses between the two concentrations. A minor may be used in lieu of an area of emphasis.

General Electives: 42 credits


Senior Capstone: 3 credits


Prior Learning/Experiential Learning Portfolio


The prior learning portfolio is an option that allows students in the Bachelor of Applied Science, the Bachelor of General Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies programs 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.

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.

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