INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

Laura Bender, Interdisciplinary Program Manager
305 Signers' Hall
(907) 474-7716
fnleb@uaf.edu

UNDERGRADUATE INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM

Advising
Step-by-Step Instructions
INDS Degree Forms & Worksheets
Outcomes Assesment of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Programs

Advising

UNDERGRADUATE INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES OVERVIEW & APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) is a program available to UAF students within the Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Technology degree options. The interdisciplinary program option provides flexibility to students with well-defined goals who do not fit into one of the established majors offered by the university.

A student may submit his/her proposal for an interdisciplinary program upon completion of 15 credits at UAF, and he/she should have at least 30 credits remaining in his/her proposed degree program when seeking approval for an interdisciplinary degree. The proposed curriculum must differ significantly from established degree programs at UAF and will require evidence that the necessary facilities and faculty are available to ensure an approximation of a normal undergraduate degree. All general requirements for the A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T. degree must be met.

In developing an interdisciplinary proposal, the student should specify the degree (A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T.), include an explanation of how the proposed program differs substantially from established UAF programs, and a discussion that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed program. A minimum of two disciplines is required for the interdisciplinary degree.

The student then obtains an advisory committee of at least three faculty members from the appropriate disciplines. There shall be at least one formal meeting with the full committee to review the student's proposal. The committee will appoint a chair, review the proposed program, select a degree title in concert with the student, identify contents for the INDS portfolio and make its recommendation. The proposal is then submitted to the vice provost for instructional affairs for final review and approval.

The degree is awarded through the school or college of the chair of the committee, subject to approval by the vice provost for instructional affairs. It is crucial to the success of INDS programs that students maintain communication with their committee members throughout the course of study. Changes to the approved curriculum are made only with the approval of the committee and noted in writing on the approval form.

Students interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree, or who want to explore this as a degree option, can contact Laura Bender, INDS Program Manager to receive assistance in finding faculty advisors and developing their curriculum proposal.

Students must submit the following:

1. A cover letter outlining academic and career goals, the degree being sought (A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T.), an explanation of how the proposed degree differs substantially from established UAF programs, and a discussion demonstrating that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed program.
2. A proposed curriculum on the appropriate degree worksheet (developed with the assistance of the faculty committee) which includes courses already taken within the proposed INDS curriculum, courses which remain to be completed and a time-table for completion of degree requirements
3. Approval form with signatures from all faculty as well as the relevant dean before submission to the vice provost.

Step-by-step instructions for the undergraduate INDS program:

Step 1
Student contacts Laura Bender, Interdisciplinary Programs and obtains procedures and requirements for an Interdisciplinary Degree.

Step 2
Student contacts faculty (three minimum) to serve as INDS committee (one faculty member will serve as the chairperson/advisor) and reviews proposed degree outline with the faculty.

Step 3
Student prepares a typewritten cover letter outlining academic and career goals, the degree being sought, a justification that the proposed degree differs from established UAF programs, and a discussion that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed program.

INDS committee discusses (one meeting with all faculty present is required) with the student the information provided on the application. If plans appear viable, a curriculum proposal and degree worksheet is finalized by the student in coordination with the faculty committee members. In cases where subject matter knowledge is needed to aid in the development of a proposal, the chairperson may contact the appropriate Department Chair to arrange for faculty assistance.

Step 4
The committee will review the proposed program, select a title in concert with the student, identify contents for the INDS portfolio documenting INDS major accomplishments/outcomes, and make its recommendation to the student.

Step 5
The proposal is sent for review to the Dean of the cognizant school/college (based on the faculty chairperson's department), and is then submitted to Laura Bender, INDS Program Manager, together with a proposed curriculum. The proposed curriculum should be on the appropriate degree worksheet and include: courses already taken within the proposed INDS curriculum; courses which remain to be completed; and a timetable for completion of degree requirements.

Step 6|
The INDS Program Manager will forward approved programs to the Office of the Registrar. Copies of the approved programs will also be provided to the appropriate department(s), and the Interdisciplinary Programs office.

Step 7

The program commences. Any changes to the approved curriculum are made only with the approval of the faculty committee and submitted with the appropriate form. Notice of approved changes are to be submitted to the INDS Program Manager and will include the signatures of all committee members/dean. These changes will be forwarded to the Registrar's Office, appropriate department(s), and Interdisciplinary Programs.

Undergraduate INDS Forms & Worksheets

Associate/Baccalaureate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Approval Form

AAS Degree Committee Checklist

Interdisciplinary BA, BS, & BT Degree - Committee Checklist

Worksheets:

• Baccalaureate Degrees
  • B.A.
  • B.S.
  • B.T.
• Associate Degree