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University of Pittsburgh    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 18, 2024
 
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Interdisciplinary Studies, BS


The interdisciplinary studies option is intended for students who wish to design their own major. This major allows students to be flexible and creative in planning a program to match their individual interests and career goals. Completing this major requires sound thought, planning, and extra effort. Students selecting this option must secure the sponsorship of two full-time A&S faculty advisors. Students will formulate a proposal for their major, including a course prospectus (classes chosen) and an essay stating rationale for their desired program of study. They will work on their proposal with their faculty advisors, who must approve the proposal before the interdisciplinary studies faculty committee can approve it.

Major Requirements


A student intending to complete an interdisciplinary studies major must submit a proposal to his/her faculty advisors before the end of the junior year. The faculty committee must approve the proposal before the student can officially declare interdisciplinary studies as a major.

  • All A&S degree requirements must be completed (120 credits, 2.0 overall GPA and major GPA, skills and general education requirements).
  • The interdisciplinary studies proposal must consist of a minimum of 42 credits, 21 of which must be earned from courses numbered 1000 level or above. Courses are chosen from at least two different departments and arranged in one, two, or three clusters or thematic groupings. Each cluster must contain a minimum of 12 credits.
  • A maximum of 6 credits of internship or independent study may be included. A maximum of 6 credits of non-A&S courses (i.e. BUS, BUSERV, ADMJ, ADMPS, IL, PSYED, etc.) may be used. There can be no more than 9 credits of internship/independent study and non-A&S credits combined.
  • A W course approved by the faculty advisors must be completed as part of the major.

A GPA of at least 2.00 must be maintained for all interdisciplinary studies course work. Students may achieve honors in interdisciplinary studies by earning a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the courses for the major and approval of a final paper or thesis.



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