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Program Description
Multidisciplinary Studies is a multi-disciplinary, theme-oriented, and student-designed major leading to a bachelor of arts degree. The major consists of 36 credits, divided into two sections. The core (12 credits) consists of 3 credits each in the following: research methods/projects; communication skills; theory/application; and critical analysis. The additional courses (24 credits) consist of courses directed toward the student's theme, 15 credits of which must be at the 400 level.
Early Admission Program for Professional Schools
If a student is accepted and enrolled as a degree candidate in a professional postgraduate degree program requiring three years or more to complete (such as medical school, dental school, law school, theological seminary, etc.) and if that student completes 94 undergraduate credits at Penn State including General Education, B.A. requirements, and the Multidisciplinary Studies 12-credit core requirements, that student may use up to 30 credits from the professional school to complete the B.A. Multidisciplinary Studies.
It must be emphasized that only top students are accepted into professional school programs on such an early admission basis and that not every professional school has such a policy. Students must have enrolled in Multidisciplinary Studies prior to attending the professional school to request graduation in Multidisciplinary Studies.
What is Multidisciplinary Studies?
You can customize a Bachelor’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies to fit your area of interest. The 120-credit program allows you to focus on developing your skills in communication and analysis along with your leadership abilities. You will work closely with your adviser to design a program that creates intellectual depth in an area of study that is unique to your interests, but also aligns with the theoretical foundation of a liberal arts degree. The goal of the Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies is to provide a broad education that introduces methods of analysis used in the liberal arts disciplines. In addition, it can also prepare you to address the complex social, cultural, ethical, and organizational issues you may face in leadership positions.
You Might Like This Program If...
You have not earned an undergraduate degree, you wish to complete a degree or you wish to customize a degree to fit your career goals.
Entrance To Major
In order to be eligible for entrance to the major, the student must submit a proposal. In consultation with a Multidisciplinary Studies adviser, the student formulates a proposal designing a program that investigates a theme from the viewpoint of at least three different subject areas. Students may not duplicate existing majors from any academic area. An important standard for entrance to the Multidisciplinary Studies major is the student's ability to design a program with academic integrity worthy of a bachelor of arts degree.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 15 |
| Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements | 24 |
| Requirements for the Major | 36 |
3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if world language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.
Per Senate Policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Requirements for the Major
Courses must be selected in consultation with an adviser.
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 24 credits from University-wide offerings to include: | 24 | |
12 credits at the 400 level representing at least three different subject areas | ||
3 credit 400-level capstone course | ||
A minimum 9 credits from the humanities and social sciences | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits in research methods/projects from courses that involve research methodology or that focus on a research project | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits in communication skills from courses that focus on expression including those in verbal, symbolic, and written skills | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits in theory/application from courses that focus on theory, principle, central concepts, or fundamental issues | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits in critical analysis from courses that focus on evaluation, synthesis, and analysis | 3 | |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol 
appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
B.A. Degree Requirements
World Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one world language in addition to English. This proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the Placement Policy for Penn State World Language Courses.
B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, World Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; world language credits in this category must be in a second world language in addition to English or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language). Credits must be selected from the list of approved courses.
World Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the University Cultural Diversity (US/IL) requirement.
Program Learning Objectives
- Students should develop the ability to analyze data and draw appropriate conclusions
- Students should develop the ability to conduct appropriate academic research
- Students should develop the ability to express ideas effectively and efficiently orally and in writing
- Students should develop the ability to apply academic theories and ideas to real-world situations
- Students should develop the ability to be sensitive to diverse backgrounds, talents, interests, and aspirations of different kinds of people.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Abington
Pierce Salguero
Program Chair
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7826
salguero@psu.edu
Altoona
Sandra Harbert Petrulionis, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor, English and American Studies
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5365
shp2@psu.edu
Brandywine
Patricia Hillen
Associate Teaching Professor, English
Main Building, 212 H
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1372
pah14@psu.edu
DuBois
Jackie Atkins/Anthony Vallone
Co-Program Coordinators Letters, Arts, and Sciences
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4815 or 814-375-4814
jka1@psu.edu or ajv2@psu.edu
Greater Allegheny
Michael Vicaro, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications
Main Building, 106A
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9053
mpv2@psu.edu
MaryEllen Higgins, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
203 Main Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9461
mxh68@psu.edu
Hazleton
Charles Dewald
Program Coordinator, Multidisciplinary Studies
Butler 203
76 University Drive
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3558
cxd35@psu.edu
Mont Alto
Lauraine Hawkins
Assistant Professor of Biology
208 Sci-Tech
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6237
lkh1@psu.edu
Scranton
Paul Perrone
Assistant Teaching Professor
13 Library Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2660
pjp3@psu.edu
Shenango
Philip Nash
Associate Professor
147 Shenango Avenue
310C Sharon Hall
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2978
pxn4@psu.edu
University Park
Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program
World Campus
Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H | 3 | CAS 100A or 100B | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| World Language level 1 | 4 | World Language level 2 | 4 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 14.5 | 14.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, or 202D2 | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| World Language level 3 | 4 | Theory/Application Skills* 3 | 3 |
| Additional Course* 1 | 3 | Additional Course* 1 | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Communication Skills* 3 | 3 | Critical Analysis Skills* 3 | 3 |
| Additional Course* 1 | 3 | 400 Level Course* 4 | 3 |
| 400 Level Course* 4 | 3 | Bachelor of Arts Requirement | 3 |
| Bachelor of Arts Requirement | 3 | Elective (US) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Bachelor of Arts Requirement | 3 | 400 Level Course* 4 | 3 |
| Research Methods/Projects* 2 | 3 | 400 Level Capstone Course* 4 | 3 |
| 400 Level Course* 4 | 3 | Elective (OC) | 3 |
| Elective (IL) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective (W) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World Cultures courses.
- 1
THe LASAB major comprises 36 credits, at least 9 credits must be in Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines.
- 2
ENGL 202A, B, or D is recommended for LASAB majors.
- 3
The LASAB major comprises 36 credits, 12 of these credits are in four "core" areas, 3 credits each in Research Methods/Projects, Communication Skills, Critical Analysis Skills, and Theory/Application skills.
- 4
At least 15 credits must be at the 400 level. One of those courses is a capstone course agreed on by the student and his or her adviser. A capstone course is a culminating academic experience bringing together themes outlined in the LAS proposal. It may be an independent study course, an internship, a Study Abroad course, or a regularly scheduled course that offers a culminating academic experience for major the student has designed. Three different academic disciplines must be represented in the 12 credits of 400 level coursework outside of the capstone course.
Program Notes
Under their adviser's supervision, students interested in the LASAB major must write a proposal outlining the courses they plan to take in the major, demonstrating how those courses work together to achieve their educational goals and/or prepare them for their intended career. The proposal must be approved by the Head of Division of Arts and Humanities. Failure to have an approved proposal on file with the Registrar by the deadline set for the student by the Division of Arts and Humanities incurs a registration hold on the student's account.
Career Paths
- Government agencies
- For-profit organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Education
- Health care
- Business
- Human resources
Contact
Abington
DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7826
salguero@psu.edu
https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/multidisciplinary-studies
Altoona
DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts 129
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5365
shp2@psu.edu
https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/multidisciplinary-studies
Brandywine
Main Building, 212 H
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1372
pah14@psu.edu
https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/multidisciplinary-studies
DuBois
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4815 or 814-375-4814
jka1@psu.edu or ajv2@psu.edu
https://dubois.psu.edu/academics/degrees/mds
Greater Allegheny
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9053 or 412-675-9461
mpv2@psu.edu or mxh68@psu.edu
https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/multidisciplinary-studies
Hazleton
Butler 203
76 University Drive
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3558
cxd35@psu.edu
https://hazleton.psu.edu/multidisciplinary-studies
Mont Alto
208 Sci-Tech
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6237
lkh1@psu.edu
https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/letters-arts-sciences-degree
Scranton
12 Library Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2660
pjp3@psu.edu
https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/multidisciplinary-studies
Shenango
147 Shenango Avenue
310C Sharon Hall
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2978
pxn4@psu.edu
https://shenango.psu.edu/academics/degrees/multidisciplinary-studies
University Park
LIBERAL ARTS UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
118 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1438
laadvising@psu.edu
https://la.psu.edu/future-students/academics/degrees/multidisciplinary-studies/
World Campus
LIBERAL ARTS UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
118 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1438
laadvising@psu.edu