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Duluth Campus

Interdisciplinary Studies B.A.

College of Liberal Arts - Adm
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 51 to 62
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The program is for students whose educational objectives can best be met by integrating courses across departments. This major is unique because it is individually designed; students work with 2-3 faculty advisors to create a framework that involves courses from several fields of study. It may encompass the natural sciences, social sciences, cultural studies, fine arts, technical and professional fields, or a combination of these. This major offers two tracks: an Individualized Plan that allows students to choose the emphasis of their major, and a Medical Arts and Sciences Plan that prepares students for health-related careers. Both plans require students to choose the specific focus of their program and craft a curriculum to fit that focus. Unlike many UMD majors, Interdisciplinary Studies is available only by formal application and approval by the student's faculty advisors and the Interdisciplinary Studies Program Director. Students cannot apply for a change of major until their program has been approved. Proposals must incorporate at least three different areas of study, including at least 12 credits from within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Students are welcome to include courses from other UMD colleges. Visit the IS site for further information: z.umn.edu/umdis
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
A GPA above 2.0 is preferred for the following:
  • 2.50 already admitted to the degree-granting college
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1. A second field of study (e.g. minor, major, degree) is not required for this major. 2. Global experience is a UMD goal for all students and international study is encouraged. Talk with an academic or faculty advisor to explore academic options for fulfilling your degree requirements through study abroad. 3. A cumulative U of MN GPA of at least 2.50 is required with the application. 4. Within the proposal, at least three areas of study are included and 12 credits must be from the collegiate unit offering this program. 5. In consultation with 2-3 faculty advisors, students develop an application including: - A statement of their educational objectives. - A chosen track (Individual Plan or Medical Arts and Sciences Plan). - Identified two methods courses (minimum 6 credits). - A list of proposed courses that will form the student's curriculum (minimum 36 credits). In most cases, students must submit their proposal before completing 70 credits. Exceptions include returning students, transfer students admitted with 70 or more credits, and active military or veteran students, who may declare the major before completing 90 credits. These students are only eligible for the Individualized Plan track.
Learning in Community (1 cr)
The Learning in Community requirement will be waived for transfer students with at least 30 credits taken post-high school, and for UMD students who started in a UMD program where this was not required. First-year students who have completed 30 PSEO credits may request a waiver to the student’s primary college.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
or EHS 1000 - Into the World [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
or PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
WRIT 31xx - Adv Writing (3 cr)
Core (4 cr)
IS 2001 - Sustainability Across Disciplines [SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
Methods Courses (6-8 cr)
All students are required to complete two research methods courses appropriate to their final project before they register for senior project. These courses are chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisors and the program director.
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
· Methods course (3-4 cr)
Senior Project (1-10 cr)
The senior project usually results in an academic paper of 15-30 pages. The project may be an internship, portfolio, exhibit, tour, or field study. The project includes a bibliography of library resources showing general knowledge of the topic and a written paper, report, journal, or analysis of how the program has affected one's personal and intellectual development. A copy of the project must be filed with the program director.
IS 3093 - Senior Project (1.0-10.0 cr)
Proposed Electives (36 cr)
Students must complete a minimum of 36 upper-division credits (3xxx or above) across three or more areas of study; 12 credits must be from the CAHSS collegiate unit.
(IS proposed course)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Individualized Plan
This track allows students to choose the emphasis of their major. This track may encompass the natural sciences, social sciences, cultural studies, fine arts, technical and professional fields, or a combination of these. The program admission application should be carefully crafted with advice from faculty advisors. Students should contact the program director for help identifying potential advisors. Students must declare this track of the major before completing 70 credits. Exceptions include returning students, transfer students admitted with 70 or more credits, and active military or veteran students, who may declare this track of the major before completing 90 credits. Visit the IS site for further information: z.umn.edu/umdis
Medical Arts and Science Plan
This track is for students who plan to enter medical school or a health-related field after graduation but want to pursue coursework with a heavier liberal arts emphasis than the traditional 'pre-med' trajectory. Within the track, students can design a curriculum to suit their individual interests; examples might include holistic health, food politics, or midwifery. The Interdisciplinary Studies website provides a list of potential courses for students to consider as they work with faculty advisors to design a program of study. Students must declare this track of the major before completing 70 credits. Visit the IS site for further information: z.umn.edu/umdis
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

View sample plan(s):
· Individualized Plan
· Study Abroad (one term)
· Medical Arts and Science Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Interdisciplinary Studies B.A.
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
EHS 1000 - Into the World (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the transition into college learning and student life at UMD and the College of Education and Human Service Professions. Introduces the promise and peril of global challenges in the 21st century and relates these challenges to local communities. pre-req: 1st semester CEHSP student
ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. This course explores the global cultural context of sustainability while facilitating the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Examine the topic of environmental sustainability through the context of global culture and affairs. Explore different cultural approaches to solving environmental issues, compare and contrast these approaches with those taken in the US. Investigate the concept of outsourcing with respect to the peoples and ecosystems that are impacted by the practice. pre-req: less than 30 credits earned
LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD while simultaneously fulfilling other core requirements. Examines the topic of Cultural Diversity in the U.S. through the context of language and dialect in American English. Explores the impact language has on the broad spectrum of American culture, and conversely, the ways in which various American cultures and their diverse heritages have influenced the many ways language is spoken in the United States. Investigates concepts of linguistic competency, perceptions and biases toward language, power structures manifested in language, and influences of class, race, ethnicity, and heritage on spoken language. pre-req: less than 30 credits
PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitate the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD; applications of positive psychology across cultures and positive behavior change; the examination of diverse perspectives in positive psychology; the promotion of student well-being, community and inclusivity, and time- and stress-management techniques. pre-req: less than 30 credits
IS 2001 - Sustainability Across Disciplines (SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
An introduction to academic disciplines and interdisciplinary inquiry, with an emphasis on integrative, sustainable thinking. Includes case studies of real-world sustainable problem-solving, visits from disciplinary experts, and student-led design of interdisciplinary projects that focus on sustainability. pre-req: WRIT 1120
IS 3093 - Senior Project
Credits: 1.0 -10.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
An agreement that specifies nature of the project, amount of work, and number of credits must be approved by two advisers and filed with director of interdisciplinary studies. prereq: instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for IS 3099