Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

 The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies meets the needs of students whose academic interests are situated between two or more disciplines and gives students the opportunity to integrate personal and professional growth by means of exploration of multiple subjects, perspectives, and methodologies in a variety of fields. This allows students to learn concepts and skills that will best serve them in both their careers and their personal aspirations. This degree is suited for traditional undergraduate students as well as adult learners.

 

There are multiple ways to complete this degree:
     • Online. Students will complete their degree through a partnership between ETSU and TN eCampus; the degree is conferred by ETSU. Students completing the BSIS degree entirely online will take the majority of their courses via TN eCampus. These courses can be taught by faculty from any state institution. ETSU Online offers online courses as well. You will work with your advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for you. TN eCampus courses are completely online with the exception of proctored exams, which can be required in any course at the instructor’s discretion. ETSU Online offers both completely online and hybrid (occasional in-person attendance required) courses.
     • Hybrid or On-Campus. Students will choose a combination of online and traditional on-campus courses to satisfy the degree program and concentration requirements. Student and advisor will collaborate to choose concentrations and/or minors that will appeal to the interests and goals of the student.

BSIS Program Requirements
All Bachelor’s degrees from ETSU require a minimum of 120 earned credits. All students must have an ETSU GPA of 2.0 and (if applicable) a transfer GPA of 2.0 to graduate with a degree from ETSU. All students within the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies must take a minimum of 12 credit hours as a declared BSIS major in order to receive a degree from our division. All students earning a degree from ETSU are required to have a minimum of 30 credits earned at ETSU (or online as an ETSU student) and a minimum of 50 credits earned at a 4-year institution. A student cannot graduate without having met all degree program requirements.

Learn more about program requirements and course sequence by visiting ETSU's Academic Catalog, here.

• What is the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies?

  The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is an ETSU degree program designed to allow intellectual exploration and career preparedness to intersect. This degree can meet the needs of many types of students. With flexibility and a curriculum designed to encourage critical thinking skills, the online program can serve the student working full-time and raising a family, the veteran/active military member seeking to earn a degree, and anyone else seeking to earn a degree. The hybrid or on-ground program can serve the traditional student interested in a program of study that takes a liberal arts approach while creating transferrable skills and cultivating professional development.

• What is the Program of Study?

  Your Program of Study is the written summary developed by you and your advisor. Together, you will chart the courses needed to meet ETSU graduation requirements and degree program requirements. Overall, you will earn 120 hours of total course credit. The plan may include any previously earned college credit. Your advisor will give you a copy of this written summary for future reference.

• What are popular concentrations?

  Due to the unique design of this degree, concentrations can vary widely. Popular self-designed concentrations include: Psychology, Business, Marketing, Sociology, Sport and Leisure Management, Physical Education and Exercise Science, Child Development, and Human Development and Learning.

• Who is the typical BSIS student?

  The BSIS program serves both adult students and traditional college students. Most have previously attended college. Students receive the academic guidance to combine two areas of interest that will be specifically crafted to create a strong foundation of transferrable skills and learned content.

• How can the BSIS help working adult students?

  Because of its collaborative design, students with previous college credit can usually complete the BSIS in less time than they could more traditional degrees. BSIS students are able to focus on the areas that create or increase a desired skillset and knowledge bank. The BSIS degree program provides students with the opportunity to examine content and learn theory in the fields of their choice. It also encourages a high level of critical thinking. Students will learn how to apply critical thinking in every facet of their degree program.

• How can the BSIS help traditional undergraduate students?

  The BSIS degree program provides traditional undergraduate students the option to earn a degree crafted to create an undergraduate experience that shows initiative and cross-disciplinary exploration. Students will look across disciplines and see connections, thereby unlocking a critical thinking skillset that will easily transfer to many fields. Additionally, this degree helps hone the skills of flexible thinking and adaptability – both of which often are included in “what employers are looking for” lists.

• What is required to get started in the BSIS?

  You must first apply and be accepted into ETSU. On the application, Identify Cross-Disciplinary Studies interest as your major. 
  1. Complete an interview. The application process for these degrees includes an admissions interview designed to help students choose the best degree program for their objectives. The department will contact the applicant to schedule an interview online, in person, or by phone.
  2. Be recommended for admission to the appropriate CDST degree.
  3. After the interview the academic advisor makes a recommendation on admission to a CDST degree program or refers them to another department.

• Can I go on to graduate school?

  Yes. BSIS graduates have entered graduate or professional school in a variety of programs such as education, law, pharmacy, business, physician’s assistant, and others.
  Many times students want to enter a graduate program that does not require a pre-determined undergraduate degree (such as pharmacy or dental school). The BSIS allows students to take a variety of coursework in order to prepare for this type of graduate degree.