Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.

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The Interdisciplinary Studies baccalaureate degree at Governors State University prepares students to become problem solvers in a dynamic world, to provide a foundation for integrative learning, and to develop professional skills necessary to contribute to a complex, diverse, and multicultural society.

Program Expected Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, students will be able to:

1. Integrate perspectives and methods of at least two academic fields and propose a ‘best approach’ solution to a complex problem using evidence from these fields.

2. Define information needed for a project, then locate, used, and evaluate information found.

3. Apply interdisciplinary theories and tools to respond to an ethical or policy question.

4. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of a proposed or existing project within a business, non-profit, or governmental setting.

Alternative Options for Credit

The IDSS accepts credit for learning other than what comes from college course work. Military experience can be counted towards credit. Students can take competency exams such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program) or may have had training at an organization offering ACE (American Council on Education) credit. Demonstration of college level learning from life experience is encouraged through the completion of a Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio for college credit. Such portfolios are assessed for college credit by faculty evaluators.

Admission Requirements

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program requires that students have 24 hours of college credit from a regionally accredited college or university and be in good academic standing. Students who have earned their first bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution are not eligible for admission to this program.

Official transcripts for military experience, proficiency test results, and ACE (American Council on Education) certified training credits should be sent directly to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Contact the program advisors at 708.534.4092 or idss@govst.edu for more information about the program.

Degree Requirements

Students must meet all university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. A minimum of 40 hours must be taken at the upper-division level; up to 80 credit hours in lower division courses can be transferred to GSU. The residency requirement for the university requires a minimum of 30 hours be taken as courses offered by GSU.

General Education Requirements (37 Hours)

See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for general education requirements. While these are usually taken at the lower-division level, they can also be completed at the upper-division level.

Required Courses (15 Hours)

Electives (68)

Students may not exceed a maximum of 80 hours of lower-division credit between General Education Requirements and Electives. Students must complete a minimum of 25 hours of upper-division hours, if the General Education Requirements are complete through course work taken at the lower-division level.