Interdisciplinary Studies Requirement

The primary objective of this nontraditional curriculum is to enhance flexibility in academic programming by meeting the personal needs and career aspirations of students interested in pursuing integrated course work drawn from two or more subject areas (disciplines).

Upon completion of their studies, students will be awarded a B.A. or B.S. degree. The designation “Interdisciplinary Studies: (title of concentration area)” will appear on official transcripts.

Admission Requirements

  1. Though exceptions may be made, admission applications should be submitted by students who have completed between one and four semesters of collegiate studies.
  2. Persons admitted to the program will be assigned a faculty adviser or advisers to assist in developing their programs of study.

Program Requirements

  1. All programs require the approval of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program Committee.
  2. One nonconventional area of concentration of 48 semester hours representing at least two subject areas, 24 of these credits representing upper division course work. A concentration area is any grouping of courses having a clear central purpose and aimed at a specific learning outcome not already available among the major fields offered at WLU.
  3. One independent study project of 8 to 12 semester hours in the form of directed research, a performance, an internship, or a combination of several activities undertaken during the junior or senior year.
  4. All general education requirements, but participants may gain course equivalent credit by passing appropriate examinations in partial fulfillment of the 120 semester hours (including 40 semester hours of upper division credit) needed for graduation.
  5. Clusters of courses in related fields to support and enhance the concentration area whenever possible, though no minor is required.
  6. Elective credits, though these may be reduced to accommodate prerequisites or to compensate for deficiencies. Electives may be taken in any area except professional programs with restricted enrollments such as dental hygiene, medical laboratory science, and nursing.