Why have an interdisciplinary major at MC?
The Interdisciplinary Major B.A. at Maryville College is designed to provide students with a flexible and immersive education that spans multiple disciplines. This program is ideal for students who wish to explore diverse fields of study and integrate their learning into a cohesive academic and professional plan. This major also accommodates students wishing to adjust their academic focus in the middle of their program.
Students have combined Art with Biology, Outdoor Studies and Tourism with Psychology, and Political Science with Psychology to create their own customized programs of study under the guidance of faculty members in these disciplines. Faculty advisors and the Individualized Instruction Committee provide guidance in designing unique sets of experiences to help students attain their goals.
Structure of the Major
1. Concentration Areas (45 credit hours)
Students will select their concentration areas in consultation with their academic advisor. Students complete courses in at least two and up to three concentration areas. Each concentration area must include a minimum of 15 credit hours and at least 6 credit hours at the 300-level or above. The total credit hours in this portion of the major must add up to a minimum of 45 credit hours.
2. Senior Study Project (3-6 credit hours)
This capstone project requires students to integrate their learning from the concentration areas into a comprehensive research or applied project. The project will be supervised by faculty members from each of the chosen disciplines.
Advising and Support
• Academic Advising: Each student will be assigned an academic advisor who will help them design their course of study, select appropriate courses, and ensure they meet all program requirements.
• Mentorship: Students will have access to faculty mentors from each of their concentration areas to provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
Application and Approval Process
• Students interested in pursuing the Interdisciplinary Major should discuss their plan with an academic advisor. The student and advisor may obtain the application form from the Registrar’s Office and prepare a draft plan that includes a proposed faculty mentor in each concentration area.
• This draft plan should be submitted to the Individualized Instruction Committee by the published submission date in each semester.
• The Individualized Instruction Committee will consult with the Division Chairs for the concentration areas in reviewing the proposed plan.
• Once the plan is approved by the Individualized Instruction Committee it is filed with the Registrar’s Office.
