Applied Science & Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

Overview

The Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies in the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at East Tennessee State University offers two undergraduate degree programs.

The Division offers more than a typical degree-completion or multidisciplinary degree; programs of study are framed within a liberal arts context. This combines lifelong learning and intellectual flexibility with professional preparation and career skills. Students have opportunities to apply what they've learned in an outside setting. All programs include a capstone or closing project that equips students with the skills necessary to apply what has been learned to an internship, service learning project, or independent study opportunity.

Programs

• Applied Science

  The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree offers students with Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in technical fields the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree by using more of their A.A.S. credits than usually may be transferred to traditional majors. The degree is not intended for students with degrees in health-related fields or for students who have earned A.A.S. degrees in subject areas where articulation agreements with ETSU already exist.

  B.A.S. students, in consultation with the B.A.S. advisor, design an individualized program of study that best meets the student’s needs for professional development and career enhancement. The program of study should include one of three current concentrations. Students who have previously earned a four-year degree are not eligible to enroll in the B.A.S. program.

  • Culinary Leadership

    This specialization is 120 credit hours and includes 24 credit hours that are focused around Culinary Leadership.
    
    

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

     

  • Industrial Leadership

    This specialization is 120 credit hours and includes 24 credit hours that are focused around Industry Leadership.
    
    

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

  • Professional Development

    This specialization is 120 credit hours and includes 24 credit hours that are student-chosen (with Advisor approval) to further their professional development and learning opportunities.
    
    

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

   

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    This Bachelor of Applied Science is specifically for students who have received an Associate of Applied Science through an accredited community college, but what makes this program unique is the concentrations offered:

    • Culinary Leadership (specifically for students who have received an Associate of Applied Science in a culinary program)
    • Industrial Leadership
    • Professional Development
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    This program allows students to build upon their existing A.A.S. degree.
  • What accreditations apply to this program? 

    East Tennessee State University is a public institution governed by its Board of Trustees.
    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
    
    
    
  • What are my job prospects with this degree?

    It depends on the concentration.

    Those with a Culinary Leadership concentration will be able to manage food establishments or even start their own—one of our students opened up a food truck after graduating from this program!

    An Industrial Leadership concentration will help students build on their existing business management skills to move up in their current company or to help those gain a better management position.

    The Professional Development concentration is a self-designed list of courses that will help students choose their academic direction. For example, for students who desire a hospitality or tourism position, we select courses that will support that career choice.

  • Do I need to have a background in this field? What are the prerequisites?

    You must have an Associate of Applied Science for this degree. For the Culinary Leadership concentration, the A.A.S. must be in Culinary Arts.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    Both synchronous and asynchronous courses are offered for this program, and the program itself can be completed 100% online. In addition, there are no on-campus requirements!

  • Does this program require an internship or field work? 

    While an internship is beneficial, it is not required for this program.
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    Yes! Since the program can be completed 100% online, students may tailor their schedules to fit with their work and home life.  The degree completion timeline depends on the number of transfer credits applied and the number of courses/credits taken each semester.
  • How many spaces are available for each cohort?

    Unlimited.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    Although scholarships are not available through our department, there are other ETSU scholarship opportunities. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
• Interdisciplinary Studies

  The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.I.S.) 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 the exploration of multiple subjects, perspectives, and methodologies in a variety of fields.

  The Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers three paths: Liberal Studies, Professional Studies, and an Individualized Track. The degree can be completed on-ground, hybrid, or 100% online,* with part-time and full-time options available. Each track offers ample opportunity for students to tailor their studies to their specific needs and desired skillsets.

  As an online Interdisciplinary Studies student, you'll take an active role in designing your own education plans. The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizes written communication, versatility, self-assessment and critical thinking - essential skills for navigating today's dynamic world - while providing the flexibility you need for the education you want.

  • Liberal Studies

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Professional Studies*

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Individual Track*

    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

  *100% online completion is best suited for those students pursuing Professional Studies or the Individualized Track.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed to allow a student's intellectual exploration and career preparedness to intersect. With flexib​le scheduling and a curriculum designed to encourage critical thinking skills, this online program is ideal for students who are may have professional, familial, or other obligations outside of school. 
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    The newly redesigned Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers three path​ways: Liberal Studies, Professional Studies, and an Individualized Track. The degree can be completed on-ground, hybrid, or 100% online, with part-time and full-time options available. Each track offers ample opportunity for students to tailor their studies to their specific needs and desired skill sets.
  • What accreditations apply to this program? 

    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
    
  • What are the job prospects with this degree?

    This degree program is designed to heighten your proficiency with technology, writing, and presentations, making graduates from this program valuable across multiple fields.
  • Does a student need to have a background in this field? What are the prerequisites?

    This degree program allows students to combine a number of disciplinary courses into their programs of study and to develop background and preparation in particular areas of interest.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    All pathways within this degree can be completed on-campus, hybrid, or 100% online, with part-time and full-time options available. 
  • Does this program require an internship or field work? 

    While an internship is not required, students have the option to enroll in an internship for academic credit. If a student chooses to accept an internship, they will work with their academic advisor to coordinate. Student​s are responsible for securing the internship ​through ETSU Career Services. 
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    Yes. The degree can be completed fully online at either a part-time or full-time pace. This makes the program ideal for those with familial or professional obligations.
  • Is there a plan of study/course schedule I can review for the full-time and part-time options?

    Each student’s degree plan is unique, and each student's program of study will be different. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to an advisor to discuss their options. 
  • How many spaces are available for each cohort? 

    This program does not operate in a cohort model, ​so there are no limits to the number of students who can enroll in this program per academic year.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    The Michael and Julia Collins Scholarship provides financial assistance to post-traditional students with financial need who are pursuing the BSIS. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.

Steps to Apply

• Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

  Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

  

• Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

  Step 2  Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

  

• Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

  Step 3   Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose  Applied Science & Interdisciplinary Studies Programs and complete the remainder of the form.

  

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