Interdisciplinary Studies, BA

The Office of Undergraduate Education sponsors the Interdisciplinary Studies, BA. The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for situations in which no existing SJSU undergraduate degree adequately accommodates 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.

Major Requirements (39 units)
Procedures to Apply for the Interdisciplinary Studies BA

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 Undergraduate Education .

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements:

Academic (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)
General Education (GE) (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)
American Institutions (AI) (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3A, 3B, 4, UD 3, or UD 4)
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) 3 units (see Writing in the Disciplines)
Physical Education (PE) (0-2 units)
Units in Residence (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major)
Upper Division Units (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)
Undergraduate Policies & Procedures

Apply for Graduation
Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Procedures

In consultation with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, student must complete the following:

A written reflective statement that includes:
1. description of the proposed major;
2. discussion of why existing majors are not suitable;
3. a reflection on what it means to the student to be an “educated person” and how this major will help the student to become one;
4. academic, professional, and personal objectives; and,
5. how does your Interdisciplinary Studies major help you to meet your academic, professional, and personal objectives?
6. Note: Students requesting academic accommodations due to disability-related limitations are encouraged to register with the Accessible Education Center as soon as possible. Register online at How to Register With AEC.
A major course of study plan that includes:
1. 39 total units in the major;
2. 24 units in residence at SJSU; and,
3. 30-40 units in upper division.
Student must meet with department advisor(s) and have a suggested major advisor (Undergraduate Education does not assign advisors, students pick major advisor).
1. Completion of the major course of study plan in consultation with the suggested major advisor and other departments involved in the program;
2. Preparation of the Interdisciplinary Studies Major worksheet and evaluation of General Education and graduation requirements in consultation with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education . Approval of Interdisciplinary Studies Major Worksheet; and,
3. Approval of modifications in Course of Study by Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education .
If Interdisciplinary Studies Major is approved, students must complete the following:
1. A Change of Major Form;
2. Major Form (will be completed between the student, department advisor(s), and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education );
3. Application for Graduation ; and,
4. Forms must be completed and submitted at least 1 year prior to graduation.
  
  Diploma and transcript will contain the title (Interdisciplinary Studies) followed by the exact title of the major listed in the Major Form.

Summary of Degree Units

Core Lower Division General Education: 34 (0 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

American Institutions/ US123 Requirements: 6 (Note: 6 units may be satisfied by GE coursework)

Upper Division General Education: 0 (9 units satisfied by major coursework)

Physical Education: 2

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR): 0 (3 units satisfied by HUM 100W in the major)

Major Requirements: 39

University Electives: 39

Total: 120

2. Major Requirements (39 units)

Core Requirements (21 units)

HUM 100W - Writing in the Humanities & Interdisciplinary Arts 3 unit(s)
HUM 101 - Introduction to Critical Humanities 3 unit(s)
HUM XXXX - Digital Media: Platforms, People, and the Planet
Choose one of the following courses:
ANTH 149 - Ethnographic Methods 3 unit(s)
DSGN 101 - Design Thinking Studio 3 unit(s)
SJSU Studies (9 units) - Select one course from each SJSU Studies Area. These courses are designed to offer students integrated, multidisciplinary, and innovative study in which they pose challenging questions, address complex issues, and develop cooperative and creative responses.
Upper Division Area 2 or 5 (formerly Area R) (3 units) - In Earth, Environment, and Sustainability courses, students apply knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and quantitative reasoning to explore the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Students achieve an understanding of the role that science plays in addressing complex issues, the potential limits of scientific endeavors, and the value systems and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.
Upper Division Area 4 (formerly Area S) (3 units) - Students in courses in Self, Society & Equality in the U.S. will study the interrelationships of individuals, racial groups, and cultural groups to understand and appreciate issues of diversity, equality, and structured inequality in the U.S., its institutions, and its cultures.
Upper Division Area 3 (formerly Area V) (3 units) - Courses in Cultures and Global Understanding examine multiple aspects of human expression in cultures and societies outside the United States. By reflecting on how traditions of cultures outside the United States have influenced the United States’ cultures and societies, students deepen their understanding of various cultures.

Area of Specialization (18 units)

Students work with Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and academic advisor to design an 18-unit area of specialization that reflects the individual learning goals.

3. University Electives (39 units)

May be able to apply credit for “prior learning” per EO 1036.

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