Interdisciplinary Studies - Undergraduate Program
Overview
The Interdisciplinary Studies Program (INTS) provides each student with the opportunity to create a degree plan that is individualized and unique, while maintaining high academic standards. The Interdisciplinary Studies Program is designed to meet the needs of creative, intellectually curious, academically motivated students for whom the traditional disciplinary offerings may not meet their needs or interests.
The Interdisciplinary Studies Program offers both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees. The INTS Program encompasses a theme of social justice in all core courses, and provides the student with knowledge of interdisciplinary techniques that enhance problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to understand issues from multiple perspectives. INTS Academic Advisors work with the student to create a Program of Study that is individually tailored to meet the educational and career interests and goals of each student, while maintaining high academic standards. An Interdisciplinary Studies degree prepares students for many different careers and for entry in a variety of graduate programs and law schools. Interdisciplinary Studies graduates include lawyers, scientists, business people, and professionals in many fields.
Examples of INTS Programs of Study include Health Care Administration, Sports Marketing/Management, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Entrepreneurial Studies for Scientists, Social Justice Studies, Educational Studies, and many others. Students can also incorporate disciplinary minors into their Program of Study; for example, one may combine a minor in Biology and another in Urban Affairs, for a student interested in Urban Planning and the environmental challenges that cities face. Another student might take a minor in Marketing, along with courses in Kinesiology and Health, to prepare him/herself as a future owner of a gym.
Application Procedure
Students apply to the Interdisciplinary Studies program by submitting an application along with a Statement of Intent in which the student discusses the specific areas of study which she/he wishes to pursue, in addition to articulating her/his career and/or educational goals. The Academic Advisor will assist the student in identifying specific courses, selected from across the campus, building a unique, individualized degree plan. The UTA diploma will carry the designation of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. In addition, students will receive a Certificate of Completion which will reflect the individual's specific Program of Study. All majors must have a minimum CUM GPA of 2.25, which must be maintained throughout the student's undergraduate career. Students may be admitted initially to the program with a minimum CUM GPA of 2.0, with permission of the Director.
Honors Degree in INTS
INTS students who wish to graduate with an Honors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies must be members of the Honors College in good standing. They must complete the INTS degree program requirements and the requirements of the Honors College. Contact the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies for further information.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION FOR BA AND BS DEGREES: 120 HOURS
Of these, at least 36 hours must be at the 3000/4000 level, 24 hours of which must be from UT Arlington.
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
| Degree Requirements | ||
| General Core Requirements | 42 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Modern and Classical Languages 1 | 14 | |
| INTS Course Requirements | ||
| INTS 2301 | FOUNDATIONS: IDENTITY, INSTITUTIONS AND IDEOLOGY | 3 |
| INTS 4391 | INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR SEMINAR | 3 |
| 3 hours of an approved theory/methods course | 3 | |
| TRACK ONE: Another Department's Minor, UTA Certificate Program, Pre-defined INTS Track, Custom INTS Track | 18 | |
| TRACK TWO: Another Department's Minor, UTA Certificate Program, Pre-defined INTS Track, Custom INTS Track | 18 | |
| ELECTIVES | 19 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | Students may elect to take 8 hours of a foreign language plus 6 hours of specific, designated Culture Courses |
TRACKS
Each Interdisciplinary Studies degree plan has two Tracks that, along with the core INTS courses, make up the course of study for the INTS degree. Each Track may be constituted of one of the following options: a Minor, a Certificate program, a pre-defined INTS Track, or a Custom Track. The option selected for each Track must clearly relate to the overall educational and career goals and focus of the student, as defined in the student's individual degree plan approved by the INTS Program. Each Track requires a minimum of 18 hours and must include 9 hours of 3000/4000 level course work. A minimum of 6 hours in each Track must be taken at UT Arlington. All INTS core courses must be taken at UT Arlington. Course work from any single discipline may not exceed 18 hours.
Examples of Custom Tracks constructed for a BA degree plan in previous years include Healthcare Administration, Sports Managment/Marketing, Native American Studies, Childcare Facility Management, Environmental Studies, Human Resource Administration, Global Humanitarian Studies, Legal Studies, Landscape Design, Medical/Pharmaceutical Sales, Urban Studies, Community and Youth Outreach, and Educational Studies. For a more extensive list of Minors, Certificate programs, and customized tracks, see an INTS Advisor.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
| Degree Requirements | ||
| General Core Requirements | 42 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Modern and Classical Languages 1 | 14 | |
| INTS Course Requirements | ||
| INTS 2301 | FOUNDATIONS: IDENTITY, INSTITUTIONS AND IDEOLOGY | 3 |
| INTS 4391 | INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR SEMINAR ( ) | 3 |
| or INTS 4393 | INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR THESIS | |
| or INTS 4394 | INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR PROJECT | |
| 3 hours of an approved theory/methods course | 3 | |
| TRACK ONE: Another Department's Minor, UTA Certificate Program, Pre-defined INTS Track, Custom INTS Track | 18 | |
| TRACK TWO: Another Department's Minor, UTA Certificate Program, Pre-defined INTS Track, Custom INTS Track | 18 | |
| Electives | 19 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | Students may elect to take 8 hours of a foreign language plus 6 hours of specific, designated Culture Courses |
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
For the Bachelor of Science degree, at least 18 hours in the two Tracks must be "science-for-science majors" course work; at least 12 of these must be at the 3000/4000 level.
Examples of Areas of Concentration constructed for a BS degree plan in previous years include Landscape Design, Medical/Pharmaceutical Sales, Physician Assistant, and Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Veterinary. For a more extensive list of science-oriented concentrations, see an INTS Advisor.
Courses
INTS 1310. INTRODUCTION TO POPULAR CULTURE. 3 Hours.
This course will introduce students to the role of popular culture in American society. It examines culture as a process through which people make symbolic meaning out of the world. Since everyone has access to popular culture, it constructs the way that people think about the world around them. The course will explore the creation, production, dissemination, reception and consumption of popular culture.
INTS 2301. FOUNDATIONS: IDENTITY, INSTITUTIONS AND IDEOLOGY. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to core concepts in social inquiry, difference, and justice through interdisciplinary investigations of social issues. Students will learn about social justice through the dimensions of identity, institutions and ideology.
INTS 2388. SPECIAL TOPICS INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES. 3 Hours.
Special topics or problems that lend themselves to an interdisciplinary approach. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes.
INTS 3320. SOCIAL JUSTICE THEORY. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to various theoretical frameworks for social justice. Students will read texts by major social and humanistic theorists from a wide range of traditions, epistemologies and schools of thought. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
INTS 4301. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROCESS. 3 Hours.
This course has been replaced by INTS 4388.
INTS 4388. SPECIAL TOPICS INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES. 3 Hours.
Special topics or problems that lend themselves to an interdisciplinary approach. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes.
INTS 4391. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR SEMINAR. 3 Hours.
The Senior Seminar will examine a particular topic central to social justice. Seminar discussions will require the student to participate in vigorous academic discussion of extensive readings each week. Participation in, and contribution to, the intellectual life of the class will be the main measure of achievement in this class. Prerequisite: Completion of INTS 2301 with a grade of C or better.
INTS 4392. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR SERVICE LEARNING. 3 Hours.
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge through community service. Grounded in the scholarly literature, students will then apply their theoretical knowledge in a real world application, culminating in both an academic and practical experience. Prerequisite: Completion of INTS 2301 with a grade of C or better.
INTS 4393. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR THESIS. 3 Hours.
Students develop an independent thesis paper. In collaboration with INTS faculty, students will be guided through the unique challenges of designing and implementing interdisciplinary research. This course is designed for students who aspire to graduate study, are deeply engaged in a program of academic research, or who wish to produce a thesis that demonstrates their mastery of a field of study, issue, or problem. Must have approval of Director. Prerequisite: Completion of INTS 2301 with a grade of C or better.
INTS 4394. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES SENIOR PROJECT. 3 Hours.
Students develop a unique research project based upon their individual interests and aspirations. The possibilities are limited only by the student's resourcefulness. Projects will be based upon comprehensive academic research and will result in a substantial product which will be presented to a panel of faculty. Alternatively, a student may engage in an approved Study Abroad Program which is interdisciplinary and provides substantive involvement with a social justice theme. Must have approval of Director. Prerequisite: Completion of INTS 2301 with a grade of C or better.
INTS 4395. INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.
This is a supervised internship program in which students integrate theory with duties at a public or private organization that are relevant to the student's academic/professional goal. The internship must be developed and approved during the semester prior to the start of the course/internship. Students must complete a minimum of 140 hours of supervised work over the semester. No credit will be given for previous experience. This course may not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Completion of 12 hours of INTS courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.7 and permission of Director.
INTS 4396. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 3 Hours.
Independent study for the advanced undergraduate students. A close examination of a chosen complex interdisciplinary topic through research and/or reading; format designed by instructor and student. Approval of Director required. Prerequisite: Permission of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program Director and advising faculty member.
Faculty
Donna L. Akers
Director and Associate Professor
David Arditi
Assistant Professor
Michan Connor
Assistant Professor