Directed Interdisciplinary Studies

For undergraduates interested in pursuing an area of scholarly/creative inquiry that falls outside the established departmental structure of Montana State University, a bachelor's degree in Directed Interdisciplinary Studies is available. Directed Interdisciplinary Studies (DIS) is neither a "double-degree" nor a "major-minor" degree program. Interdisciplinary study is defined as the integration of more than one intellectual or methodological perspective within a field of study (or related fields) identified by the student and approved by the Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC). The FAC consists of three faculty members representing at least three different categories within two academic disciplines.

A DIS major entails an intellectually coherent sequence of course work, seminars, and supervised reading/research projects culminating in a substantial written and/or creative senior year thesis. Students are required to meet with their FAC and file a progress report each semester.

Applicants must have a university GPA of 3.3 and a letter of reference from an adviser chosen from the FAC attesting to the applicant's self-motivation. B.A. and B.S. DIS degrees must include a minimum of 45 semester credit hours of DIS course work, at least 36 of which must be at the upper-division level at Montana State University. The senior thesis project must represent at least 9 semester credit hours at the upper-division course level. A final oral presentation of the thesis will be presented before the FAC and members of the DIS Oversight Board.

A minimum of 120 semester credit hours is required for graduation. Students will not be eligible for the DIS degree unless they have also satisfied the Montana State University Core Curriculum requirements. Upon satisfaction of the requirements established for each DIS student by the DIS Oversight Board and approval of the student's college, students will be recommended to the President of Montana State University and the Board of Regents for the B.A. or B.S. in Directed Interdisciplinary Studies (with citation of thesis and GPA honors as determined by established Montana State University regulations).

For details about admissions and an application, contact the University Honors Program Office in Quad D, call 406-994-4110, or send e-mail to honors@montana.edu.