Multidisciplinary Studies, BA

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Program of Multidisciplinary Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

60 Credits

Introduction

The Multidisciplinary Studies major curriculum will focus on upper division level courses, designed to integrate a student’s academic interest and skills.

Why Consider a Multidisciplinary Studies Major?

Western’s Multidisciplinary Studies major provides a solid liberal arts education to prepare students for rapidly changing career opportunities in many different fields. It is designed for students whose interests cannot be served by Western’s established majors, and who want to focus their major studies across courses and departments to better meet their career goals or preparation for advanced levels of education.

Contact Information

Bellingham campus contacts

Fall, Winter, and Spring MDS Program Advisor
Pam Hardman
HU 339
360-650-7621
pamhard@wwu.edu

To schedule an advising appointment in the fall, winter, or spring, please email Pam Hardman and provide days and times that you are available. Once your appointment request is received via email, you will receive a response within 24 hours.

Summer MDS Program Advisor
Marc Geisler
ES 603
360-650-3764
marc.geisler@wwu.edu

To schedule an advising appointment in the summer, please email Marc Geisler and provide days and times that you are available. Once your appointment request is received via email, you will receive a response within 24 hours.

Poulsbo campus contacts

WWU Center at OC Poulsbo
1000 Olympic College Way NW
Poulsbo, WA 98370-7198
360-650-2568
western.peninsulas@wwu.edu

To schedule an advising appointment, please email western.peninsulas@wwu.edu and provide days and times when you are available.

Request more information about Western on the Peninsulas.

Department website for additional advisor contacts: chss.wwu.edu/multidisciplinary-studies.

Sample Careers

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission and Declaration of Major

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements

❑ 35 upper division level credits in thematic areas requiring Multidisciplinary Studies Advisor approval.
❑ Examples of thematic areas include:
   • Social Sciences
   • Humanities
   • Sciences
   • Business
   • Health
   • Liberal Arts
❑ 25 additional credits of electives at the upper division level in any area (including the thematic area)

Additional Requirements

❑ All courses must be approved on the Plan of Study
❑ 15 of the 60 credits are credits required after approval of Multidisciplinary Studies Plan of Study
❑ 10 credits maximum of internship or field experience may be included within the 60 credits.
❑ Students are limited to no more than 40 upper division credits in any single academic department and students are limited to no more than 44 credits in courses taught in business (classes by the departments of accounting, decision sciences, finance and marketing, and management).
❑ At least 50 percent of the credits used in the Multidisciplinary Studies major must be earned at Western Washington University.

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements 2022-23
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement