Interdisciplinary Studies

“As an underclassman, I tried several different degree programs…from Computer Science to Russian. Interdisciplinary Studies allowed me to take classes that I was interested in and make me a ‘jack of all trades.’” -Alumnus 2001

For advising in Interdisciplinary Studies you must call 573-884-9700 and schedule an appointment with Deanna Cotter. Her office is located on the mezzanine level of the Student Success Center. If you have questions about your Capstone, please email her at CotterD@missouri.edu. You do not need to meet with her in person for Capstone questions unless she asks.

The Interdisciplinary Studies BA degree is designed to help the student create a program that best meets their academic goals. Students who have interests that span disciplines may find this an appropriate program, as will students who have very specific career plans not easily accommodated in any single department. This program assumes the student is serious about pursuing a college degree, even though the student may be unsure of his or her career goals. The advisor will propose challenging courses designed to provide a balance between foundational conversations and an understanding of the most current work going on in each field. Coursework outside the College of A&S may be included in this program. Students develop their programs in consultation with the Interdisciplinary Studies advisor, Deanna Cotter. Deanna sees students by appointment only, and her office is located on the mezzanine level of the Student Success Center (across from Ellis Library on Lowry Mall.) Please call 573-884-9700 for an appointment.

Degree Requirements

See Degree requirements (pdf) and Arts & Science Foundation Requirements.
Also note the following:

Graduation Planning

The College of Arts and Science requires all students to officially file a graduation plan with the Dean's Office before a diploma can be awarded. The graduation plan is to be completed and filed when the student has completed 55 credit hours. Students who intend to file a grad plan should make their best attempt to complete the plan before seeing the Interdisciplinary Studies advisor. The advisor will need to review the completed plan, approve it and sign it before it can be filed with the A&S Dean's Office. Please follow these guidelines for completing and filing a graduation plan in Interdisciplinary Studies. You will be reminded to start the process when you schedule an advising appointment. Bring all of the documents listed in the guidelines to your advisor.

Capstone

Interdisciplinary Studies students must complete a 3- credit hour capstone project. Students may complete the capstone experience in Interdisciplinary Studies in three different ways. You will find a list of these options listed on page two here < http://specialdegrees.missouri.edu/forms/projectapp.pdf >(pdf). Students who choose a course for their capstone must email Deanna Cotter ( cotterd@missouri.edu < mailto:cotterd@missouri.edu > ) for approval prior to the semester they plan to take the course. Students who wish to complete either an internship or special readings for the capstone will need to submit the Project Application form to 210 Switzler Hall to receive a permission number.

It is important that students who major in this program maintain regular access to their emails since this is the primary way we communicate with students in our program.

Contact US

Contact us for more information about Interdisciplinary Studies. If you are exploring Interdisciplinary Studies but not yet ready to commit to filing a graduation plan, then just complete the Components Worksheet (pdf) with as much information as you have available and bring it with you to your advising meeting. If you intend to complete a graduation plan at your initial advising session, please follow the guidelines above under "Graduation Planning". You also will find these documents under FORMS. Please familiarize yourself with the degree requirements and have a strong notion of how you wish to configure your degree plan before you meet for advising.