Interdisciplinary Studies Major, B.S.

Department Information

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 enrolled in the BSIS program may not double-major at ETSU.

Degree Requirements: 120 credits

General Education Requirements   

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

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

Major Core Requirements: 10 credits

• CDST 2200 - Interdisciplinary Learning and Multimedia Presentations (1 credit)
• CDST 2300 - The Interdisciplinary e-Portfolio and Its Applications (1 credit)
• CDST 3100 - Interdisciplinary Design Thinking (3 credits)
• CDST 4110 - Research Invention (2 credits)
• CDST 4950 - Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies (1-3 credits) (Take for 3 credits)

Upper Division Pathway Requirements: 30 credits

Students may fulfill this pathway by completing 30 upper-divison, advisor-approved credits in thematically related areas of study. These courses may also be used toward fulfilling one or more minors. 

Free Electives: 35-36 credits

Senior Capstone: 3 credits

• CDST 4210 - 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

Individualized Learning Plan

Advisors will works with students to develop an individualized learning plan.