2024-25 Catalogs

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Columbia, MO 65211
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Interdisciplinary

Program Director
Angie Hull 
hullam@missouri.edu

Academic Advisor
Carlynn Trout
On-campus General Studies (BGS) and Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS BA) 
troutc@missouri.edu

Academic Advisor
Joe Franklin
Online General Studies (BGS) and Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS BA)
jpfranklin@missouri.edu

Faculty members are housed in departments and schools throughout the University of Missouri.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS BA) is designed for students who want to build an individualized major to meet their educational and career objectives. The traditional IDS BA degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours with a minimum of 30 credit hours numbered 3000 or above. Students complete all University graduation requirements, including University general education. 

The IDS BA degrees with focus areas (Black Studies, Environmental Studies, Peace Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies) meet similar requirements to the traditional IDS BA version, but provide students with the opportunity to concentrate their individualized studies in specific academic areas using established frameworks.

While MU does not offer graduate degrees specifically in interdisciplinary, the University does offer post-baccalaureate opportunities in a number of related areas, both within the College of Arts and Science, and in the other Schools and Colleges that make up the University. The catalog provides a complete list of these degree options.

INTDSC 1001: Proseminar in Interdisciplinary Studies

Lecture/discussion survey of time-management, note taking techniques, in the context of the three courses that are part of a Freshman Interest Group. Regular use of library, electronic mail and computing facilities is stressed. Elective credit only; students cannot receive credit for INTDSC 2001 and INTDSC 1001 or INTDSC 1150. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1


INTDSC 1001H: Honors Freshman Interest Group

This course is designed specifically for freshman honors students to provide them with resources, information, and discussion opportunities central to their success as members of the MU Honors College. and the University of Missouri. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required


INTDSC 1020: University Freshmen Seminar

(same as SSC 1020). To maximize student's potential to achieve academic success and to adjust responsibly to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by collegiate life. Attainment of an appropriate balance between personal freedom and social responsibility underlies all seminar activities. No credit for students who have earned credit for AFNR 1115, INTDSC 1001,IS_LT 1110, ED_LPA 3100 or an equivalent first year orientation course at another institution. Credit restrictions that apply to orientation classes apply to this course. Students are not allowed to be enrolled in SSC 1020 and SSC 1150 in the same semester.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: Restricted to freshman only


INTDSC 1101: Topics in First Year Exploration

This is an interdisciplinary topics-based course designed for first-year students, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and exploration in one or more of the following areas: undergraduate research; study abroad; community engagement; career exploration. Courses taught under this number will also incorporate the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) career readiness competencies. Subjects, specific content, and credits will vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: Restricted to Freshman standing only


INTDSC 2101: Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an academic, interdisciplinary, topics-based course intended primarily for second-year or sophomore students, with an emphasis on hands-on and/or project-based learning. Courses taught under this number will also incorporate the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) career readiness competencies. Subjects, specific content, and credits will vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Recommended: Sophomore standing


INTDSC 2942: Internship and Career Exploration in Arts and Science

This course is designed to develop skills required to successfully apply for, and be successful in, internships and employment.

Credit Hour: 1


INTDSC 2950: Introduction to Research, Scholarship and Discovery

This course introduces undergraduates to scholarly and creative activities being conducted by faculty from disciplines across campus and encourages students to identify their interests in research and creative work. Through field trips and visits with MU scholars, students in this course will be exposed to scholarly activities in the fields of science and engineering, the fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences. Using online discussions, students will discuss some of the ethical implications surrounding the creation of art and generation of scientific knowledge. The various steps in the process of discovery and dissemination of new knowledge will be explored. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1


INTDSC 3101: Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an academic, interdisciplinary, topics-based course intended primarily for students in their junior or senior year, with an emphasis on hands-on and/or project-based learning. Courses taught under this number will also incorporate the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) career readiness competencies. Subjects, specific content, and credits will vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Recommended: Junior or senior standing


INTDSC 4101: Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an advanced academic, interdisciplinary, topics-based course intended primarily for students in their junior or senior year, with an emphasis on hands-on and/or project-based learning. Courses taught under this number will also incorporate the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) career readiness competencies. Subjects, specific content, and credits will vary from semester to semester. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; requires instructor consent


INTDSC 4940: Internship in Interdisciplinary Studies

Internship limited to students pursuing the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: departmental Consent Required


INTDSC 4940W: Internship in Interdisciplinary Studies-Writing Intensive

Internship limited to students pursuing the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: departmental Consent Required


INTDSC 4942: Arts and Science Internship

Internship limited to students in the College of Arts and Science.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor required


INTDSC 4945: Experiential Learning in Industry Internship in Interdisciplinary Studies

Learning experience combining observation, application, and reflection in a discipline-based industry internship. Course appears on transcript for zero credit and does not count toward full-time enrollment. No tuition or fees are charged. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 0
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


INTDSC 4960: Readings in Interdisciplinary Studies

Independent readings with supervisory faculty member. Open only to Interdisciplinary Studies majors. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 hours.

Credit Hour: 1-6


INTDSC 4970: Service Learning Project.

Independent readings with supervisory faculty member; Students will engage in service activities, directly relevant to their areas of academic emphasis, in community not-for-profit agencies. At the same time as participants work in the community, they will research their agency and organization, undergo mock employment interviews, create a cover letter and resume based on the professional skills they have gained through their service, and reflect on careers and leadership in public service. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 3-6
Prerequisites: restricted to Interdisciplinary, General Studies and International Studies students


INTDSC 4970W: Service Learning Project. - Writing Intensive

Independent readings with supervisory faculty member; Students will engage in service activities, directly relevant to their areas of academic emphasis, in community not-for-profit agencies. At the same time as participants work in the community, they will research their agency and organization, undergo mock employment interviews, create a cover letter and resume based on the professional skills they have gained through their service, and reflect on careers and leadership in public service. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 3-6
Prerequisites: restricted to Interdisciplinary, General Studies and International Studies students


INTDSC 4971: Capstone Internship in Interdisciplinary Studies

Internship experience which serves as the student's capstone experience. Program advisor must approve internships. Section 2 of this course will be designated for Service Learning Capstone experience. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-6


INTDSC 4972: Writing Intensive Certificate Capstone Course

This course is designed for students who are applying for the Writing Intensive (WI) certificate. During this course, students will compile a portfolio that represents the writing experiences they had during their 4 or more WI courses. As students review the WI courses, assignments, and writing that they completed, they will analyze the content they learned and the growth in writing during their undergraduate experiences at the University of Missouri. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing; permission from instructor