The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies meets the needs of students whose academic interests are situated between two or more disciplines and gives them the opportunity to integrate personal and professional growth through exploration of multiple subjects, perspectives, and methodologies in a variety of fields. This allows students to learn concepts and skills that will best serve both their careers and their personal aspirations. This degree is suited for traditional undergraduate students as well as adult learners.
The newly re-designed Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers three paths: Liberal Studies, Professional Studies, and an Individualized Track. The degree can be completed on-ground, hybrid, or 100% online,* with part-time and full-time options available. Each track offers ample opportunity for students to tailor their studies to their specific needs and desired skillsets. Read more about each track below.
BSIS Program Requirements
All Bachelor’s degrees from ETSU require a minimum of 120 earned credits. All students
must have an ETSU GPA of 2.0 and (if applicable) a transfer GPA of 2.0 to graduate
with a degree from ETSU. All students within the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies
must take a minimum of 12 credit hours as a declared BSIS major in order to receive
a degree from our division. All students earning a degree from ETSU are required to
have a minimum of 30 credits earned at ETSU (or online as an ETSU student) and a minimum
of 50 credits earned at a 4-year institution. A student cannot graduate without having
met all degree program requirements.
Click the images below to see degree requirements for each concentration.
*100% online completion is best suited for those students pursuing Professional Studies
or the Individualized Track.
Concentration Descriptions
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What is the Individualized Concentration?
The Individualized Concentration is best suited for students with previous college credit who want to apply that credit towards completing a degree. -
What is the Liberal Studies Concentration?
The Liberal Studies Concentration allows students to tailor their degrees to their specific interests in areas of study that are located at intersections between disciplines, all within a structured liberal arts framework.
As stated in recent reports by some employers, Liberal Studies coursework is valued in new hires, because they demonstrate an ability to think creatively and can be adaptive and flexible in their work activities and the skillsets they are able to develop.
The Liberal Studies Concentration seeks to maximize students’ development of crucial skills as a means of preparing them not only to be lifelong learners who function as productive and insightful members of their communities, but also to become adaptable workers equipped for long-term career success.
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What is the Professional Studies Concentration?
The Professional Studies Concentration is designed for students who desire to pursue practical application of their studies to professional contexts in order to advance in their careers, and to complete their degrees by using previously earned course and experiential learning credits.
Students can expect to develop leadership and communication skills applicable to work in management areas. This degree can be completed 100% online, but students could also complete the degree with a combination of online and on-ground courses. Students will work with their advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies?
The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is an ETSU degree program designed to allow intellectual exploration and career preparedness to intersect. This degree can meet the needs of many types of students. With flexibility and a curriculum designed to encourage critical thinking skills, the online program can serve the student working full-time and raising a family, the veteran/active military member seeking to earn a degree, and anyone else seeking to earn a degree. The hybrid or on-ground program can serve the traditional student interested in a program of study that takes a liberal arts approach while creating transferrable skills and cultivating professional development. -
What is the Program of Study?
The Program of Study is the written plan developed by the student and their advisor. Together, they will chart the courses needed to meet ETSU graduation requirements and the degree program requirements. Overall, students will earn a minimum of 120 hours total coursework. The plan may include previous college credit. -
What is required to get started in the BSIS?
- Apply and be accepted to ETSU.
- Schedule an advising appointment to begin developing your program of study.
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Who is the typical Professional Studies Concentration student?
This program is most suitable for adults who have completed an Associate degree, or, at minimum, some college credit. Many students in this degree are already in the workforce and looking for opportunities to advance in their careers. Professional Studies is ideal for those students seeking, for example, to move into information management or leadership positions within their organizations. -
How can the Professional Studies Concentration help working adult students?
Students who want to change career paths or move up within an industry often find that this degree is desirable to management. For many students, the degree program offers the opportunity to hone skills they already have. This degree program provides students with the opportunity to study theory and practice in the fields of their choice. It also encourages a high level of critical thinking and flexibility. -
Can I go on to graduate school?
Students interested in graduate school should check the prerequisites of the programs to which they are interested in applying to ensure alignment between their undergraduate programs of study and graduate program admission requirements.
Program Advisors: Jo Anne Smith (Hybrid and Main Campus), SmithJA5@etsu.edu; Thomas Hilton (Athletes and Online), hiltontd1@etsu.edu