Missouri State University

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Office of the Registrar 

Interdisciplinary Studies

209 Carrington Hall, Phone: (417) 836-4589, Fax: (417) 836-8432
Web Site: http://www.missouristate.edu/ugp/10995.htm
Administrator: Professor John C. Catau, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education

Program Requirements and Restrictions

Individualized Major (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science)

The individualized major is intended for students with a clear sense of direction, motivation and strong concept of an educational program that will best serve the individual's needs. This major shall be described individually, specifying the area(s) of emphasis. 

Procedures for Seeking Candidacy 

  1. Complete the following General Education Basic Required Courses: IDS 110/UHC 110, CIS/CSC 101 or CSC 111, COM 115, ENG 110, MTH 130 or higher, and PED 100.
  2. Apply through the Academic Assistance Office, University Hall, room 122, for admission to an individualized major.
    1. The student shall submit to the Academic Assistance Office a written statement of intention, aims and background, and transcripts of prior work (minimum 2.00 grade point average required). In some cases, a personal interview or supporting information (such as faculty recommendations) may be required.
    2. A student accepted to pursue an individualized major is assigned, by the Academic Assistance Office, three faculty advisors from departments in which the student will work. No two faculty members shall represent the same department. These faculty members shall comprise the student’s advisory committee. The student shall designate one member as the major advisor.
    3. It shall be the responsibility of this advisory committee to approve the student’s degree program. It is also the responsibility of this committee to evaluate the student’s transcript and determine the number of credit hours previously earned which will be applied toward the hours required for this major. The approved program, including a recommended title, shall be submitted to the Academic Assistance Office for final approval
  3. A minimum of 25 credit hours must be completed after the advisory committee has approved the degree program.
  4. All agreements shall be filed as a part of the student’s degree program. Any alteration of the degree program must be approved by the advisory committee. Changes of schedule shall be handled by the major advisor provided the student’s degree program is not altered.

Majors

Individualized Major (Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Arts
  1. General Education (see "General Education Program" section of catalog)
  2. Major of not less than 45 hours with not less than 15 hours of upper division credit
  3. Senior Project: IDS 499(0)
  4. Specific Requirements for Bachelor of Arts degree (see "Academic Programs and Requirements" section of catalog)
  5. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see "General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements" section of catalog)

Individualized Major (Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science
  1. General Education (see "General Education Program" section of catalog)
  2. Major of not less than 45 hours with not less than 15 hours of upper division credit
  3. Senior Project: IDS 499(0)
  4. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see "General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements" section of catalog)

Interdisciplinary Studies Courses

IDS 101 Interdisciplinary Seminar 1-3, Su

Variable content, variable credit course that is offered only in the summer term and only to the participants of the Pre-College Summer Academy. Topics will be interdisciplinary in nature and will usually be team taught.

IDS 110 Introduction to University Life 1(1-0), F,S

General Education Course (Basic Required Courses) Designed to facilitate a successful university experience, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of higher education. Emphasis is placed on the holistic development of the student. Required of freshmen. Honors students must substitute UHC 110 for this class.

IDS 118 Enhancing Learning Techniques for College and Life 1(1-0), F,S

Designed for any student who wishes to develop stronger study and learning techniques such as note taking, test taking and preparation, time management, text study, memory and concentration. This course may not be used to satisfy general education requirements and will not count toward any major or minor offered by any department. Students may not receive credit for both IDS 118 and RDG 107.

IDS 120 Approaches to Career Life Planning 1(0-2), F,S

Designed to assist students in learning the process and techniques of making appropriate academic and career choices which will enable them to fulfill their life objectives.

IDS 250 Special Topics: International Travel Course 1-6, D

A variable content course with topics involving a foreign travel component. Course offerings represent selected and interdisciplinary subjects. Some courses under this designation may be interdepartmental and team-taught. May be repeated as the topics change.

IDS 275 Resident Assistant Seminar 1(0-2), F,S

Designed to facilitate new Resident Assistants in developing the skills necessary to work with students living in the residence halls.

IDS 280 Student/Life Leadership 1(0-2), S

The course will focus upon the study and practical application of student and student organization leadership skills and the knowledge of campus and community resources. Students will become actively involved in leadership as they participate in individual and group learning experiences.

IDS 310 Peer Leadership 1(1-0), D

Designed for the study and practical application of leadership skills that will benefit Peer Leaders working with IDS 110 instructors and students. Open to Peer Leaders only. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours.

IDS 350 British Life and Culture 3(2-2), F,S

Through a historical and topical format students will study the interdisciplinary aspects of Great Britain. Lectures will be enhanced through British lecturers and field trips illustrative of the lectures. Missouri-London Program only.

IDS 397 International Culture and Study Abroad 3(3-0), F,S,Su

General Education Course (Culture and Society/Humanities Perspective) An interdisciplinary study of other cultures while living and studying in an international venue. Through history, language, literature, sociology and other disciplines the student will acquire a deeper understanding of another culture and of the American culture. May be repeated once with content change. Variable Content Course.

IDS 499 Senior Integrating Experience 0(0-0), D

Prerequisite: permission of Associate Provost for Student Success. This course provides a structure for assessing individualized majors. Students will be advised of the need to include a senior integrating experience in their individualized major program. The student's Faculty Advisory Committee must approve the proposed experience during the individualized major hearing. One or more of the committee members will oversee the experience, and will provide verification of its satisfactory completion to the Associate Provost for Student Success. The student will then receive a passing grade for the course. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.