The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers
students the opportunity to pursue professional and educational
goals that transcend traditional majors.Working closely
with a faculty advisor, students will develop an individualized
curriculum that includes a structured selection of courses
from 2 or 3 academic disciplines. Regardless of the subject
areas chosen, the program rests on a strong foundation of
general education requirements. Through exploration of the
perspectives, philosophies, and experiential context of
a variety of disciplines, students will gain knowledge,
communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and technical
competencies that will prepare them for the workplace or
for graduate study.
Under the direction of a faculty advisor, students will
choose courses from two or three disciplines to construct
their degree programs. They may choose as their disciplines
areas for which the college offers courses but does not
have a major. By the end of the first year, students will
write a plan of study describing the objectives of their
individual programs and the rationale for the courses chosen.
This plan must be approved by the faculty advisor and by
the Dean of the College.
In the senior year, each interdisciplinary student will
be required to develop a year-long capstone project which
synthesizes the concepts from the two or three discipline
areas. The student will be assigned a project advisor from
one of the disciplines who, in conjunction with the faculty
advisor, will mentor the student and facilitate the collaboration
between the student and other appropriate faculty, as the
student develops a proposal and creates a finished work/project.
The student will then present the final work to a committee
(assembled by the faculty advisor) comprised of faculty
from the discipline areas and external representatives if
applicable.
Newbury College has developed and adopted the learning objectives
listed below. Students completing the
Interdisciplinary degree should be able to
- recognize connections between academic disciplines and
integrate knowledge from different areas
to develop a better understanding of self and society. (Knowledge)
- employ a variety of perspectives, experiences, and methodologies
to investigate research problems.
(Critical Thinking and Information Literacy)
- communicate knowledge using the conventions of multiple
academic disciplines. (Communication)
- apply skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation learned
in multidisciplinary courses to the diverse
needs of professional settings. (Professional Competency)
- demonstrate ethical awareness and multicultural sensitivity
that reflect the broad foundation of an
interdisciplinary approach. (Ethical Behavior, Social Responsibility)
Interdiscplinary Studies Degree Requirements
| | Credits |
|---|
| FY100 First Year Seminar | 1 |
| GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: | |
|---|
| EN105 Advanced English Composition | 3 |
| EN206 Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| EN2xx 200-level (or higher) Literature Elective | 3 |
| HU103 World Civilization (Modern) | 3 |
| HU1xx Humanities Requirement: HU135 World Religions OR | |
| HU152 Introduction to Western Philosophy | 3 |
| HU305 Ethics | 3 |
| HU Humanities OR | |
| PS Psychology OR | |
| SS Social Science electives (2) | 6 |
| HU2xx 200-level (or higher) Humanities OR | |
| PS2xx Psychology OR | |
| SS2xx Social Science elective | 3 |
| MH201 College Algebra OR | |
| MH203 Survey of Math | 3 |
| SC Laboratory Science | 4 |
| Arts & Science Electives (2) | 6 |
| 200-level (or higher) Arts & Science Elective | 3 |
| PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: | |
|---|
| 16 courses: 6-5-5 in three disciplines OR | |
| 8-8 in two disciplines | |
With the following conditions:
5 at the 200-level or above
5 at the 300-level or above
(remainder are open within the disciplines) | 48 |
| Capstone Courses: | |
|---|
| IY 490 Proposal | 3 |
| IY 495 Development and Presentation | 3 |
| Open Electives: | |
|---|
| 8 courses | 24 |
| Total Credits Required For Graduation: | 122 |
