Founded in 2006 in response to the growing demand for high quality pathways to degree completion, multidisciplinary studies (MdS) embodies the University of Minnesota's commitment to individualized undergraduate education by providing returning adult learners with access to cross-college, individualized degree options. Drawing upon the curricular offerings of most of the University's colleges and departments, students design a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree incorporating coursework from three of five multidisciplinary areas. Multidisciplinary studies degree areas include applied, technical, and professional; arts and humanities; communications; history and social science; and science and health science. MdS students begin their journey to degree completion in a credit-based degree planning seminar in which they discern a degree plan which reflects their professional and personal goals. MdS is intended to serve returning adult learners with a minimum of a two-year gap in their pursuit of higher education and who value the challenge and rewards of individualized education. Interested students are encouraged to attend an information session held multiple times per month. Academic advisors provide a detailed introduction to the program and help students begin the planning process. A growing number of courses are available online and students may have the option of completing the MdS degree completely online. For further information on Multidisciplinary Studies, visit https://ccaps.umn.edu/multidisciplinary-studies-bachelors-degree.

Students with 30-49 transferable credits, a GPA of 2.5, and strong interest in the major may be admitted to premajor status. Admission is based on GPA, grade trends, performance in relevant coursework, and demonstrated ability to meet expectations of individualized undergraduate education. Students must have attended an information session and an advising appointment. Preferred program match factors include * A 2-year break in pursuit of a degree (need not be continuous) * A heavy, though not necessarily exclusive, reliance on evening and online/distance learning (ODL) course work At a timely point after admission, students must enroll in MDS 3001W: Intro to Multidisciplinary Studies, a 3-credit course, to develop a written proposal with a rationale for the degree plan. When the instructor has determined that the proposal is complete, it is submitted to a review committee for approval. At that point, the student achieves major status.

In applicable departmental areas, successful completion of the following courses will count toward the 50 credits: CHEM 2302, CSCI 2021, DHA 2463, FW 2001, PSY 2801. All major courses must be completed with a letter grade of C- or better. At least half of the upper division credits required for the major must be taken at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. (25crs) At least half of the upper division credits required for the major must be taken at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. (25crs)