Interdisciplinary Studies
Office of Interdisciplinary Programs
(907) 474-7716
fyinds@uaf.edu
A.A.S., B.A., B.S., B.T., M.A., M.S., Ph.D. Degrees
Minimum Requirements for Degrees: 130 credits
Downloadable PDF (64K)
The UAF interdisciplinary program provides flexibility to students who have well-defined goals that do not fit into one of the established majors offered by the university. The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students (see page 203 for graduate information). Interdisciplinary studies, both graduate and undergraduate programs, is located in the Graduate School office. Help with the application process, contact information for faculty advisors and assistance for interdisciplinary students is available at (907) 474-7716 or see www.uaf.edu/gradsch/general/degrees/INDS/.
Students may submit a proposal for an interdisciplinary 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 B.A., B.S. or B.T. degree must be met.
In developing an interdisciplinary proposal, the student should specify the degree (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 showing 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 vice 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 vice provost.
Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate interdisciplinary degree can contact the Office of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs for help in finding faculty advisors and developing their curriculum proposal.
- Contact the UAF Office of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs for materials and procedures.
- Contact three faculty to serve as the INDS committee.
- Prepare rationale/justification letter.
- Conduct committee meeting to finalize degree proposal, title of degree and assessment plan.
- Submit proposal to appropriate dean for approval.
- Submit to the vice provost for instructional affairs for final approval.
- Minimum credits required--130 credits