Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies major allows students to build their own major using the coursework available at Graceland University.  This major offers the student a dynamic opportunity to devise, in concert with the faculty advisor, a program of study designed by the student to prepare them for the innovative thinking necessary for success in today’s complex world and matched to the student’s particular needs and interests. Beyond the graduation requirements, the student’s program will consist of:

1. Concentrated Area of Study—A concentrated area of study not already offered as a major. This concentration cannot closely duplicate an existing major. This area of study should include a minimum of 39 s.h. of course work. The student, in cooperation with a faculty adviser, submits the electronic application for the major. Final approval for designed concentrations rests with the faculty adviser, two additional faculty members knowledgeable about the area of concentration and the Special Programs Office.

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2. General Studies Concentration—Enriched study in at least 12 s.h. from each of three historically separate disciplines (e.g. Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, Science and Math, Health and Movement Science, Social Science, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing). This concentration includes at least 36 s.h. of study of which 24 s.h. must be upper division courses. At least 6 s.h. of upper division course work is required in each of the three topic areas chosen. In addition, the 3 s.h. course INTD4700 Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone is required. This is a capstone course in which a student, working with two faculty advisors, will write a research paper involving two of the three topic areas. The student must achieve a rating of “Acceptable” or “Exemplary” from both faculty evaluators in each of the areas included in the assessment rubric. Alternatively, a student may, in conjunction with at least two faculty members, design a project that demonstrates competency with regard to the learning outcomes identified at the time of application for the major. The student must achieve a rating of “Acceptable” or “Exemplary” from both faculty members based on their evaluation of the project vis-à-vis the learning outcomes. It will be the responsibility of the student to identify faculty members willing to serve as instructors of record for this arranged course. Interdisciplinary Studies proposals approval rests with the faculty adviser and Special Programs Office.