The freshman and sophomore basic requirements for the multidisciplinary studies program are the same as for the other Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs in humanities and social sciences. In satisfying basic requirements in language, humanities, social science, mathematics, and natural science, students should, whenever possible, choose those courses that are most appropriate as background for the courses in their major concentrations. The student's proposal is reviewed by a faculty sponsor and submitted to the Multidisciplinary Studies Degree Committee for consideration. After a thorough examination to determine whether the set of courses proposed as a multidisciplinary major is academically sound and coherent, the committee will recommend that the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences accept the proposals, or they will be sent back to the students and their sponsors with suggestions for modification and resubmission. The Division of Multidisciplinary Studies also offers a degree program in Arts Applications which allows students to develop a foundation in one of the arts and, on that foundation, learn the social or technological applications of the arts in a modern world.
Examples are computers and the arts, scientific illustration, arts management and arts education.
To enroll in the program, students should apply at the Arts Studies Office, Room 242 in the 1911 Building. The Division of Multidisciplinary Studies also offers a BA or a BS in Science, Technology and Society. STS is an interdisciplinary field of study that seeks to explore and understand the many ways that modern science and technology shape modern culture, values, and institutions, and how modern values shape science and technology. The Honors Program in Multidisciplinary Studies provides able students the opportunity to integrate the various strands of their concentrations in a capstone project. The program also provides a context in which students can sharpen their thinking on the unique challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary work.