Interdisciplinary Studies: B.S.I.S.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies major is to provide a unique academic program that offers highly motivated and intellectually curious students the opportunity to develop an individualized, innovative and integrated program of study. As an alternative to a traditional major, self-directed students are engaged and mentored by faculty to build a program on the basis of an interrelated unifying issue, topic, theme, culture, or personal inquiry.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the requirements for a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies will be able to:

1. Use criteria to evaluate potential sources of information.
2. Distinguish between generating new knowledge and summarizing existing knowledge.
3. Describe the interdisciplinary research process.
4. Recognize and describe interdisciplinary research questions.
5. State in writing their reasons for pursuing an IDS degree, including a clear explanation of why a traditional major is/was not appropriate for their individual academic/professional goals.
6. Explain in writing how the academic courses they have taken coalesce into a unified program that helps them to achieve their individual academic and professional goals.

Program Description

Admission procedures and guidelines for the Interdisciplinary Studies major may be obtained from University College. The completion of 15 semester credit hours is required and the completion of 30 semester credit hours is recommended before filing an application to the major. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required.

All applications for admission will be reviewed by the dean of University College. Consideration is given to previous coursework and suitability of the proposed curriculum. The student must demonstrate that an individualized course of study will be an educationally sound alternative to traditional degree programs currently being offered at Coastal Carolina University.

Students applying to the Interdisciplinary Studies major, under the guidance of consulting faculty, develop a program of study listing the courses proposed to complete an interdisciplinary program. Admission is not complete until the program of study has been approved by the dean of University College. All students must complete their approved program of study to be eligible for graduation. Any subsequent change of MAJOR requirements in the program of study will require the prior written approval of the student’s adviser and the dean of University College.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major may accept up to 60 semester credit hours from technical colleges and up to 30 semester credit hours of nontraditional credit, such as AP, IB and CLEP, provided that transcripts for such nontraditional activities are submitted. Transfer credit granted for technical and nontraditional studies apply as elective credit only. A maximum of 76 credit hours may be transferred for degree credits from any regionally accredited two-year college transfer program. A maximum of 90 credit hours may be transferred for degree credits from any regionally accredited four-year college or university.

The guidelines here apply to Bachelor of Arts degree programs. Bachelor of Science degree programs require a mathematics sequence which includes MATH 160 with a grade of ‘C’ or better and a minimum of 12 credit hours from the College of Science within the Interdisciplinary Studies Major Requirements.

Students must receive a grade of ‘C’ or better in all Major Requirements. Students double majoring, earning a second degree, earning minor(s) or certificates may share up to eight credit hours from the Interdisciplinary Studies Major Requirements per program. The Interdisciplinary Studies major requires its graduates to earn 120 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA. At least 12 credit hours in Major Requirements and 30 total credit hours must be completed at Coastal Carolina University.