The 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 different undergraduate schools and a representative appointed by the associate provost for academic affairs.
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Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Internship Possibilities
The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
Course Requirements
- 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 credits must be at the 300 or 400 level. No more than 12 credits of university general education hours may be counted toward this requirement.
- Core requirements of each of the academic units included. This shall include:
– Foreign language requirement in the College of Arts & Sciences (if the program the student chooses falls under the
College of Arts & Sciences, excluding the Division of Applied Technology).
– This program does not include the School of Nursing. - Students participating in the UIS Program must declare this major after they have earned at least 15 credits and before they have earned 60 credits. A student wishing to declare a UIS major after 60 credits can appeal this requirement to the associate provost of academic affairs.
- The student’s proposal will be kept on file in the office of the associate provost for academic affairs. The faculty committee is responsible for approving any changes in the student’s proposal.
- 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.
- Students must submit a senior project proposal no later than the semester prior to expected graduation. The project proposal must be approved by the student’s faculty committee.
- The student’s senior project must be completed during the student’s final semester. The student’s faculty committee is responsible for evaluating the student’s senior project.
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Faculty
Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
Study Abroad
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Study Abroad
Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.