Interdisciplinary Studies

OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: None.

GPA requirements to graduate: 2.0

Contact Information:Tim Cole, Assoc. Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 5774 Stevens Hall, Room 130, Orono, ME 04469-5774, (207) 581-3844, tmcole@maine.edu

The Bachelor of Arts program in Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to design an individualized major under the supervision of a Program Committee composed of at least three faculty members, two of whom must come from departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This program of study must meet individualized educational goals that cannot be achieved within any departmentally based major program. Students pursuing a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies work closely with their committees in planning and completing an integrated, coherent, interdisciplinary sequence of courses, including at least 36 credits from three departments (at least two of which must be in CLAS); with 24 credits from departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. At least 27 of these credits must be in upper-level courses (with prerequisites), and no more than 18 credits may be taken from any one department. The program committee may also establish additional major requirements, such as a language requirement, and all programs must include a capstone experience.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) serves highly motivated students with specific academic goals that can be achieved more effectively by combining disciplines than by pursuing a major through the conventional departmental structure. The student designs his or her own curriculum with the guidance of a faculty committee from the disciplines representing the student’s areas of interest. At least two-thirds of the credits and the committee members must be from CLAS. After the student’s committee has approved the proposal, it is reviewed by the College Interdisciplinary Studies Committee which may approve, reject or return the proposal for revisions. The student may declare Interdisciplinary Studies as a major only after the proposal has been approved at the College level.

Sample interdisciplinary programs include Religious Studies, Film Studies, Black Studies, Franco-American Studies, and Native American Studies. Students are responsible for recruiting and convening their own faculty committees and working with them to develop an approved curriculum. Normally at least three or four semesters at the University of Maine are needed to plan and complete these individualized programs of study, and it is recommended that students begin the process at the end of the sophomore year. This program is not suitable for advanced transfer students.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. No more than 75 earned credit hours (including those transferred) by the student before the major is declared. Program proposals submitted after 75 credit hours have been earned will be considered only in extraordinary circumstances
2. Minimum grade point average of 2.75
3. Strong commitment to clear educational goals. Ability to work independently and to engage faculty members

The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.