Dec 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies Major, B.S. (Professional Studies Concentration)


Department Information


Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies
PO Box 70659
Phone: 423-439-4223
Yoakley Hall, second floor
 
Thomas Hilton and Jo Anne Smith, Advisors
213 Yoakley Hall
Phone: 423-439-4223

The Bachelor of Science in 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. The BSIS program emphasizes maximum flexibility; students may attend on-ground, online, or in either mode as needed.

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

Degree Requirements: 120 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

40-43 credits
Major Total Requirements 43 credits
     Major Core     10 credits
   Professional Studies Concentration    30 credits
     Capstone    3 credits
General Electives 34-37 credits
     Non-course requirement: Individualized Learning Plan 
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.

Compass Core Curriculum    

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Professional Studies Concentration: 30 credits


Upper-Division Credits (12 credits)


Choose three upper-division credits in each category below, from a list of approved options maintained by the division:

  • Professional Communication (3 credits)
  • Organizational Environment and Behavior (3 credits)
  • Professional Leadership (3 credits)
  • Technology in the Professions (3 credits)

Focal Area (12 credits)


Choose one of the above categories as a focal area, and select twelve additional credits in that area from a list of approved options maintained by the division.

Senior Capstone: 3 credits


Free Electives: 34-37 credits


Prior Learning/Experiential Learning Portfolio


The prior learning portfolio is an option that allows students in the Bachelor of Applied Science and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary 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.