Overview
B.A., B.A.A.S., B.S. Degrees
The interdisciplinary studies programs provide flexibility to students who have educational goals that do not fit into one of the established majors or minors offered by the university. There are two interdisciplinary bachelor's degree tracks: Goals Option and Degree Completion. Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary studies program should meet with an advisor in the office of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies to develop their educational plan. Please schedule an intake appointment to learn more about degree options for you.
Goals Option
An interdisciplinary studies major allows students to customize and create a major or minor that is unique and different from the majors and minors offered by UAF. Interdisciplinary studies students choose the title of their major and the courses within their major with the expert guidance of a faculty committee of at least three faculty members from at least two disciplines. One faculty member will serve as the committee chair and the advisor of the student. The committee chair must be from a baccalaureate degree-awarding department. Courses in the major must also represent at least two disciplines that focus on a shared theme. All interdisciplinary proposal forms will be reviewed by the students faculty committee, the dean of the committee chair, as well as the director of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies and the vice provost for final approval.
Degree Completion (may not be used as a double major)
The interdisciplinary studies major with a general studies concentration is a pathway to graduation for students who are unable to complete a particular major offered at UAF. Students in the general studies concentration have the flexibility to choose classes that are meaningful and relevant to their educational interests and career goals. Admission to the degree completion program requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher, completion of at least 100 or more college credits, as well as a consultation with an interdisciplinary degree completion advisor. Students must submit a rationale form explaining why this program is an appropriate path to graduation for them in order to be admitted to the general studies concentration of the interdisciplinary major.
Students should start their degree path with an intake appointment. Minimum Requirements for Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A., B.A.A.S., B.S. Degrees: 120-130 credits
Minors for Bachelor's Degrees
We currently offer 2 minors, one that is fully customizable and one that focuses on environmental change.
Custom Interdisciplinary Studies Minor
The interdisciplinary minor provides flexibility to students who have educational goals that do not fit into one of the established minors offered by the university. Interdisciplinary minors must include courses from at least two different disciplines that focus on a shared theme. Students must complete an interdisciplinary studies minor approval form where they will name, describe and provide a list of courses for their minor. Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary studies minor should meet with an advisor in the office of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies to develop and discuss their proposed minor.
Please schedule an intake appointment to learn more. All interdisciplinary proposals will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the UAF vice provost for approval.
Minimum Requirements for Interdisciplinary Studies Minor: 18 credits
Interdisciplinary Environmental Change Minor
The minor in interdisciplinary environmental change provides students with an integrative understanding of the causes, impacts, and potential mitigation of anthropogenic environmental change by combining relevant knowledge, perspectives, and critical thinking skills from across the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and Alaska Native studies. This minor is intentionally interdisciplinary, reflective of the multidimensionality of the social-ecological issue of environmental change. It is flexible to allow students to pursue their individual lines of interest within this broad field. UAF is a world leader in environmental change and Arctic research due in part to its location, where the impacts of climate change can be observed and felt at an accelerated pace, and is an ideal setting in which to engage with faculty possessing expertise in multiple dimensions of environmental change, through in-person and/or online coursework.
For more information or to apply, schedule an intake appointment.
Minimum Requirements for Interdisciplinary Environmental Change Minor: 15 credits
Interdisciplinary Studies - Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
The interdisciplinary program provides flexibility to students who have educational goals that do not fit into one of the established majors or minors offered by the university. This A.A.S. interdisciplinary program is offered through a shared partnership with the Community and Technical College and the office of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies. Students who are interested in an interdisciplinary studies program should meet with an advisor in the office of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies or the CTC Advising Center to discuss their educational plan. Please schedule an intake appointment or call the CTC Advising Center at 907-455-2800 for more info.
Minimum Requirements for Interdisciplinary Studies A.A.S.: 60 credits
To learn more...
Schedule an intake appointment with an undergraduate interdisciplinary advisor.
Looking for information about an Interdisciplinary Master's or PhD? Visit the Graduate School Interdisciplinary Program Website.