1996-1997 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 or more credits; Ph.D.: open

Associate or Baccalaureate Degree

Interdisciplinary Studies 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.

Students may submit their proposal for an interdisciplinary program upon completion of 15 credits at UAF and he/she shall have at least 30 credits remaining in the 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 requirement 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 and make its recommendation. Applicants then submit to the Provost their proposal for the program they wish to pursue, specifying the degree, proposed curriculum worksheet 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 pursing an interdisciplinary A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T. degree, or who want to explore this as a degree option, can contact the Academic Advising Center to receive assistance in finding faculty advisors and developing their curriculum proposal.

Students interested in pursuing studies in earth system and environmental 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 Degree

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.