Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. (University College)

Program Code: LASUC_BA

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 foreign 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.

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 project3
Select 3 credits in communication skills from courses that focus on expression including those in verbal, symbolic, and written skills3
Select 3 credits in theory/application from courses that focus on theory, principle, central concepts, or fundamental issues3
Select 3 credits in critical analysis from courses that focus on evaluation, synthesis, and analysis3

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 Keystone/General Education Course 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

Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)

Other 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 General Education US/IL requirement.​

Program Learning Objectives

Brandywine Campus

  • Communicating Across Perspectives: Students will be able to communicate and engage meaningfully and respectfully with others who have different perspectives or world views.
  • Integration: Students will be able to integrate multiple disciplines of their chosen theme in a major course project, or in the articulation of a coherent multidisciplinary academic program in the Multidisciplinary Studies Proposal.
  • Knowledge: Students will demonstrate proficient academic knowledge of key theories and approaches in more than one academic or professional discipline.
  • Method or Process: Students will be able to apply rigorous empirical or creative methods and processes to research specific to their multiple disciplinary specializations.

DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, Scranton, Shenango Campuses

  • Application: Students will be able to apply empirical or creative processes specific to their fields of specialization.
  • Communication: Students will be able to communicate clearly and persuasively the integration of their learning of multiple disciplines in a degree program that reflects their theme.
  • Engagement: Students will be able to engage meaningfully and respectfully with others who have different perspectives or world views.
  • Synthesis: Students will be able to synthesize multiple disciplinary perspectives into an intellectual or professional identity.

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

Brandywine

Lori Elias-Reno
Lecturer in Marketing
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1442
lxe9@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

Advising Office
Academic Affairs
101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.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

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

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
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Brandywine 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ 3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C‡ 0-3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
World Language Level 14-6General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 World Language Level 24-6
 13-15 11.5-16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Option Area Selection*3ENGL 202A or 202B‡ 3
BA Other Cultures Course3Option Area Selection 400-level*3
General Education Course3BA Field Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
World Language Level 3 or General Education Course3-4General Education Course3
 13.5-14.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Theory/Application Course*3Research Methods/Projects Course*3
Critical Analysis Course*3Communications/Skills Course*3
General Education Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
Writing Across the Curriculum Course*3Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Option Area Selection 400-level*3Option Area Selection 400-level*3
Option Area Selection 400-level*3Option Area Selection 400-level*3
Option Area Selection*3BA Fields Course3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 113-121
*

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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at DuBois 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 153CAS 1003
General Education Course: Natural Science3Any Foreign Language4
Any Foreign Language4General Education Course: Quantitative3
General Education Course: Arts3General Education Course: Social Sciences3
First Year Seminar1General Education Course: Humanities3
 14 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202 (A,B,C or D)3Any Foreign Language4
General Education Course: Quantification3General Education Course: Natural Science3-4
Other Cultures3General Education Course: Arts3
General Education: Social Sciences3General Education Course: Humanities3
General Education: Natural Science3400 level course: 1st discipline3
 15 16-17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
400 level course: 2nd discipline3Critical Analysis Core Requirement3
General Education elective: GN/GS/GH/GA3Communication Skills Core3
Supporting course - US Cultures designation3Supporting Course - IL Cultures designation3
Research Core Requirement3400 level course: 3rd discipline3
Theory/Application Core Requirement3General Education: Health and Wellness3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
400 level Course- Any of the first 3 disciplines, or a 4th discipline3Capstone Experience3
General Education: GN/GA/GS/GH with a W component3Option Requirement Supporting Course3
General Education Elective: GN/GS/GA/GH3Option Requirement Course3
Option Requirement Supporting3General Education Elective: GH/GS/GN/GA3
General Education Elective: GN/GH/GS/GA3General Education B.A. elective: GN/GA/GH/GS3
 15 15
Total Credits 121-122
*

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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Greater Allegheny 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C‡3
World Language level 14World Language level 24
PSU 81General Education Course (GQ)‡3
General Education Course (GQ)‡3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
World Language level 34ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡3
Major Supporting Course (Communication Skills)*3Major Supporting Course (Critical Analysis)*3
Major Additional Course - any level*3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
Elective3General Education Course3
 14.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Major Supporting Course (Theory)*3Major Supporting Course (Research Methods)*3
Major Additional Course - 400-level*3Major Additional Course - any level*3
General Education Course (GN - with lab)3-4Major Additional Course - 400-level*3
General Education Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3BA Other Cultures Course3
 15-16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Major Additional Course - 400-level*3Major Additional Course - 400-level*3
Major Additional Course - any level*3Capstone Course - 400-level*3
BA Fields Course3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 121-122
*

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.

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Hazleton 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H‡3CAS 100‡3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
PSU 81 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
World Language Level 34ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡3
BA Requirement3BA Requirement3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
LAS Course:Theory/Application* 13LAS Course: Research* 13-4
LAS Course* 13LAS Course: Critical Analysis* 13
BA Requirement (Other Cultures)3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
LAS Course: Communication* 13ENGL 421 (Capstone)* 13
LAS Course* 13LAS Course* 13
400-Level LAS Course* 13400-Level LAS Course*13
400-Level LAS Course*13400-Level LAS Course*13
400-Level LAS Course*13BA Requirement3
 15 15
Total Credits 124-125
*

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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

1

 Refer to student's approved LAS proposal

Program Notes:

  • As long as two Arts (GA), two Humanities (GH), two Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS), and three Natural Sciences (GN) courses are taken across the eight semesters, the particular order in which these courses are taken is not relevant.
  • The courses series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the LAS curriculum. A student's career/graduate school plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan.  Be sure to consult an adviser in the LAS department when scheduling courses.
  • LAS majors must take 3 credits in each of the following areas: Research Methods/Projects, Communication Skills, Theory/Application, Critical Analysis.  See adviser for course recommendations.
  • At least three (3) different disciplinary areas must be included in the 24 credit option area. Fifteen (15) credits must be at the 400 level including the 400-level capstone course. In addition, at least 9 credits must be from the humanities and/or social & behavioral sciences. See adviser for course recommendations.
  • After completing the 4th semester, students intending to major in LAS must write a proposal outlining the selection of courses they plan to take, demonstrating how those courses work together to prepare them for their intended career choice. This proposal must be approved by LAS Program Coordinator at the Campus.

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Mont Alto 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)‡ 3World Language Level 124
PSU 8 (FYS)1Foundations CAS 100 (GWS)‡3
Foundations (GQ)‡3Foundations (GQ)‡3
Breadth (GA)†3Breadth (GH)†3
Breadth (GN)†4Breadth (GS)†3
Breadth (GHW)†1.5 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
World Language Level 224Foundations ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)‡3
B.A. Fields Course Selection53B.A. Other Cultures Course Requirement43
Exploration†3World Langauge Level 323
Exploration†3B.A. Fields Course Selection53
Inter-Domain†3Exploration†3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Core: Research*63Core: Critical Analysis*83
Core: Theory/Application*73Core: Communication Skills*93
400-level course from the first discipline*3B.A. Fields Course Selection53
Inter-Domain†3400-level course from the second discipline*3
Breadth (GHW)†1.5Elective3
 13.5 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
B.A. Fields Course Selection53Supporting Course*3
Writing Across the Curriculum (W) Course103Supporting Course*3
Supporting Course*3400-level capstone course*3
400-level course from the third discipline*3Elective3
400-level course from any of the first three or a fourth discipline*3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 121
*

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

1

The First-Year Seminar requirement may be met via PSU 8 (1 credit) or with some designated courses.

2

World Language (0-12 credits) - Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. Penn State Mont Alto typically offers Spanish. If a student does not need to take the first and/or second semester(s) of a language, these credits will need to be replaced with electives. 

3

ENGL 202 - Students should consult with their adviser to select any one of ENGL 202A or ENGL 202B or ENGL 202C or ENGL 202D. 

4

Other Cultures - Selected courses meet this "other cultures" requirement. Students also must take one international (IL) and one United States (US) cultures course. Courses with cultures attributes also can count toward general education or BA fields.

5

B.A. Fields - Selected courses are designated as meeting the Bachelor of Arts requirement. The student should work with the adviser to make this selection. 

6

Core: Research - In consultation with adviser, select 3 credits in research methods/projects from courses that involve research methodology or that focus on a research project. 

7

Core: Theory/Application - In consultation with adviser, select 3 credits in theory/application from courses that focus on theory, principle, central concepts, or fundamental issues. 

8

Core: Critical Analysis - In consultation with adviser, select 3 credits in critical analysis from courses that focus on evaluation, synthesis, and analysis. 

9

Core: Communication Skills - In consultation with adviser, select 3 credits in communication skills from courses that focus on expression including those in verbal, symbolic, and written skills. 

10

Writing Across the Curriculum (W) - Some general edition courses also satisfy the "W" requirement. If a student has completed 3 credits of "W" course previously, this would be an elective. Work with the adviser to select an appropriate "W" course.

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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

 Advising Notes:

  • ‡ General Education - Foundations: 9 credits GWS, 6 credits GQ; courses require grades of C or better for General Education
  • † General Education - Breadth: 3 credits each of GA, GH, GS, GN, GHW single-domain classes; classes may be taken in varied order
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits inter-domain classes (N suffix); may not count toward major, but may count toward minor
  • Exploration: 9 credits of additional GA, GH, GN, GS, and inter-domain classes; must include 3 credits of GN which may be Inter-Domain
  • Students must work with program coordinator for this major to develop and submit an academic plan for this degree before completing 90 credits. Entrance to this major requires an approved proposal, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a minimum of 27.5 credits. Students who have completed 91 credits may not enter this major. The five 400-level courses required for this major must be in a minimum of three different disciplines. Nine of the credits for the major must be from the humanities and social sciences.
  • A student enrolled in an associate degree should contact the program coordinator to develop and submit the academic plan before completing the associate degree. This major can serve as a complement to the associate degree or as bridge from the associate degree to graduate studies (in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and more).
  • With careful planning, students can complete a minor (examples: BIOL, BUS, CRIMJ, HDFS, or PSYCH). Minors require 6 credits unique from the courses required by the major, increasing the total degree credits from 120 to 126.
  • This major was previously called the BA in Letters, Arts, and Sciences (LASUC_BA). It was renamed effective in summer 2022.

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Scranton 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)†3World Language (level 2)4
World Language (level 1)4General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
PSU 81 
 15.5 14.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Communication Skills*3Critical Analysis Skills*3
World Language (level 3)4Theory/Application Skills*3
General Education Course3CAS 100A (GWS)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3Elective3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Additional Selection in the Major Requirement*3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3
Additional Selection in the Major Requirement*3400-Level Selection in Major Requirements*3
BA Requirement3400-Level Selection in Major Requirements*3
General Education Course3BA Requirement3
Elective3General Education Course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Research Methods/Projects*3400-Level Selection in Major Requirements (Capstone Course)*3
Additional Selection in Major Requirements*3400-Level Selection in Major Requirements*3
400-Level Selection in Major Requirements*3Elective3
BA Requirement3Elective3
Other Cultures3Elective3
 Elective3
 15 18
Total Credits 124
*

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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Advising Notes:

  • LAS majors must take 3 credits in each of the following areas: Research Methods/Projects, Communication Skills, Theory/Application, Critical Analysis. See adviser for course recommendations.
  • At least 3 different disciplinary areas must be included in the 24 credit option area.  Fifteen (15) credits must be at the 400-level including the 400-level capstone course. In addition, at least 9 credits must be from the humanities and/or social and behavioral sciences. See adviser for course recommendations.
  • After completing the 4th semester, students intending to major in LAS must write a proposal outlining the selection of courses they plan to take, demonstrating how those courses work together to prepare them for their intended career choice. This proposal must be approved by LAS Program Coordinator at Scranton.
  • At least 3 credits must be taken in US cultures; at least 3 credits must be taken in IL cultures; at least 3 credits must be taken in Other Cultures.
  • At least one lab course is required in General Education Natural Sciences (GN)
  • At least 3 credits must be taken in Writing Across the Curriculum ("W" suffix course).
  • A total of 123 credits is required for graduation.

Multidisciplinary Studies, B.A. at Shenango 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15‡3Foreign Language 24
PSU 81General Education Course3
Foreign Language 14General Education Course3
General Education Course3Quantification (GQ)‡3
General Education Course3Social and Behavioral Science Elective3
 14 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Bachelor of Arts Requirement - See Adviser3Bachelor of Arts Requirement - See Adviser3
CAS 100‡3General Education Course3
Foreign Language 34ENGL 202D or 202C‡3
Social and Behavioral Science Elective (GS)3Quantification (GQ)‡3
General Education Course3General Education Course
 16 12
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Bachelor of Arts Requirement - See Adviser3Communication Skills Course*3
Critical Analysis Course*3General Elective Course3
General Education Course (GHW)Option Area Selection - See Advser*3
Option Area Election - See Adviser*3Option Area Selection - See Adviser*3
Other Cultures Course3Research Methods Course*3
Writing Across the Curriculum (W)3 
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
General Elective Course3General Elective Course3
General Elective Course3General Elective Course3
Option Area Selection - 400 level - See Adviser*3Option Area Selection - 400 level - See Adviser*3
Option Area Selection - 400 level - See Adviser*3Option Area Selection - 400 level - See Adviser*3
Theory/Application Course*3Option Area Selection - 400 level - See Adviser*3
 15 15
Total Credits 118
*

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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Career Paths

  • Government agencies
  • For-profit organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Education
  • Health care
  • Business
  • Human resources

Contact

Brandywine

25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1442
lxe9@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

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/degree-programs/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

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

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

FILIPPELLI INSTITUTE FOR E-EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
8 Thomas Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-5965
blm26@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-multidisciplinary-studies-bachelor-of-arts-degree