Interdisciplinary Degree Program (IDP): Program Structure
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Foundation Course: Each IDP student begins with an introductory course - IST 302 - to help clarify goals and to understand the nature of interdisciplinary studies. This course requires junior standing and declared major in IST.
General Education: All ADP degrees include a broad base of liberal arts courses in four general course areas:
Area I - Written Composition - 2 courses
Area II - Humanities, Fine Arts, Literature, and Oral Communication - 4 courses
Area III - Laboratory Sciences and Mathematics - 3 courses
Area IV - History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences - 4 courses
Department Requirements: The Interdisciplinary Studies department requirements insure that graduates achieve critical thinking skills and a broad understanding of adult development and cultural diversity. This set of courses is designed to prepare graduates to enter the modern work force which is increasingly technologically advanced, globally-oriented, and culturally diverse. Competency is required in five areas, with one course in each area (15 hours total):
- Computer Applications
- Advanced/Professional Writing
- Statistical Applications
- Human Development
- Cultural Diversity
Concentration: Each student collaborates with an IST Academic Advisor to design a focused program of study made up of related course work from at least three different disciplines. A minimum of 48 hours in lower (100- to 200-level) and upper division (300- to 400-level) course work is required with at least four courses in each discipline.
Senior Research Thesis or Internship: A sequence of two required courses assists ADP students with an in-depth research project or internship relating to their concentration.