Nov 21, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.)


Amy Sarch, Associate Provost
Gregory Hall, Room 157, (540) 542-6534, asarch@su.edu

The University Interdisciplinary Studies program provides a framework within which interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary study can be undertaken at Shenandoah University. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows students with unique or non-traditional education goals to undertake an individually designed major.

The Bachelor of Arts in University Interdisciplinary Studies requires a proposed degree plan that describes the student’s academic and professional goals and lists the course of study to be taken to fulfill those goals. This proposal must be reviewed and approved by a faculty committee representing at least two disciplines from any participating undergraduate programs and a representative appointed by the provost.

Course Requirements


The course of study will incorporate the following:

  1. At least 36 credit hours, apportioned between at least two disciplines, that support the student’s academic and professional goals. Study in each discipline must include work in both the theory and the methodology of that field. At least 24 hours must be at the 300 or 400 level. No more than 12 hours of university general education hours may be counted toward this requirement.
  2. Core requirements of each of the academic units included. This shall include:
    1. Foreign language requirement in the College of Arts & Sciences.
    2. Courses specified for either the minor in Business or the minor in Entrepreneurship in the School of Business.
    3. Conservatory students will create an academic plan in the discipline area of Music, Theatre, Dance, Arts Management or Music Production and Recording Technology. The proposal must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate discipline area faculty and the associate dean for student affairs.
    4. This program does not include the School of Nursing or Division of Respiratory Care.
  3. A 3-credit senior research study, creative project or essay that reflects the integration of disciplines and experiences in the student’s self-designed degree plan.
  4. A senior comprehensive examination that integrates the disciplines of specialization. (No credit)

The faculty committee evaluates the senior project and designs and administers the senior comprehensive exam.