Individual Degree Concentration
The Individual Degree Concentration is one of three concentrations in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. The concentrations combine features of more than one discipline, its features encompass areas outside the normal list of major programs. Students interested in pursuing an Individual Degree develop a proposed course of study with their faculty advisor. The proposal must be submitted before the student completes 75 hours of college work and include the following:
- A specific list of required courses totaling at least 36 and no more than 45 credit hours drawn from at least three different disciplines available at UNC Asheville. No more than half of the required credit hours may come from any one department and at least 21 of these hours must be at the 300 level or above. At least two-thirds of the major must be taken at UNC Asheville. For students seeking a double major, no more than 6 hours of courses can be used for both majors. None of the hours used to fulfill requirements for a declared minor may be used for the Interdisciplinary Studies Major.
- A specific statement as to how major and oral competency will be demonstrated and a description of the paper or project that will serve as the capstone experience.
- A title and persuasive rationale for the individual program which explains the reasoning behind the focus and demonstrates that the proposed course of study is in harmony with UNC Asheville’s mission.
- A timetable for completion.
- Proposal co-signed by faculty members from at least two of the departments involved.
- A signed agreement from the student that he or she will submit the work required by the program’s assessment plans to the IST director.
The student submits the proposal to the director of Interdisciplinary Studies who determines if the proposal warrants an IST designation. If the director approves, the proposal is submitted to the Registrar’s Office where it is evaluated to determine if it meets all graduation requirements. Upon the registrar’s approval, the student formally declares a major in Interdisciplinary Studies. No changes may be made in the proposed program without written approval of both the director and the registrar. The title of the individual degree will be identified on the UNC Asheville transcript, and the student’s course of study will be listed as Interdisciplinary Studies. For details, see the current UNC Asheville catalog.
More Information
Interdisciplinary Studies Program
CPO #2110
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8505
828.251.6550