2000-2001 UAF Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies

(907) 474-6396

Degrees: A.A.S., B.A., B.S., B.T., M.A., M.S., Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: A.A.S.: 60 credits; B.A., B.S. or B.T.: 130 credits; M.A. and M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: open

The UAF interdisciplinary program provides flexibility to students with well-defined goals who do not fit into one of the established majors offered by the university. The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate

Students may submit a proposal for an interdiciplinary program after completing 15 credits at UAF as long as they have at least 30 credits remaining in the proposed degree program. 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 include 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 and holds at least one formal meeting with the full committee to review the proposal. The committee will appoint a chair, review the proposed program, select a degree title in concert with the student and make its recommendation. Applicants then submit to the provost their proposal for the program they wish to pursue, specifying the degree, proposed curriculum work sheet and rationale. The degree is awarded through the school or college of the chair of the committee, subject to approval by the provost.

Students interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree can contact the Academic Advising Center for help in finding faculty advisors and developing their curriculum proposal.

Students interested in pursuing studies in earth system sciences can do so through the interdisciplinary B.S. degree. Contact the Center for Global Change and Arctic System Research, 203 Eielson Building (907) 474-5698 for information.

Graduate

Interdisciplinary proposals for graduate degrees must be submitted to the dean of the Graduate School who will coordinate the review process.

Students interested in pursuing studies in earth system and environmental sciences can do so through the interdisciplinary M.S. degree. Contact the Center for Global Change and Arctic System Research, 203 Eielson Building (907) 474-5698 for information.