The Office of sponsors undergraduate degrees as an Interdisciplinary Studies, BA (formerly Special Major, pending final approval from the CSU Office of the Chancellor). The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for situations in which an existing SJSU undergraduate degree major does not adequately accommodate academic professional aims. Students who complete the major shall be able to demonstrate the characteristics of “intentional learners” who can adapt to new environments, integrate knowledge from different sources, and continue learning throughout their life.
The Interdisciplinary Studies Major is an individually designed, interdisciplinary course of study leading to a BA that gives a student who has a specific educational objective the opportunity to accomplish that goal. It is not to be used to bypass normal graduation requirements or projected programs of the University, nor to substitute for a major in which a student is having academic difficulty.
Program Learning Outcomes
The proposed course of study must be a coherent program organized around an academic theme. Students who complete the major shall be able to demonstrate: “the ability to analyze an issue or problem, integrating at least two disciplinary perspectives.” In addition, students identify two or more student learning outcomes related to their specific areas of study in consultation with a major faculty advisor. They demonstrate their attainment of the learning outcomes through a portfolio or senior project completed in a capstone course.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have both a cumulative and SJSU GPA of at least 2.75, at least sixty units earned (upper division standing), and at least one year of academic work still to be completed to meet minimum degree requirements. Interdisciplinary Studies majors are considered on a case-by-case basis. Approval is based on the academic merit of the proposed course of study, the applicant’s proposed rationale and potential for successful completion of the program, and the ability of the university to support the proposed program. Students apply for consideration for the major through the Office of .
