The Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University of Montevallo . . .   It’s your life, your major.

 

About the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program

The IDS program allows UM students to create their own major.

IDS students design their own course of study and work closely with faculty mentors throughout their time as students. If you are a highly motivated student who wants to think in new ways, the IDS major may be for you.

What is IDS? IDS is a self-designed course of study that students may pursue instead of — or in addition to — a traditional major. The IDS major requires a minimum of 36 hours and includes a 3-hour capstone experience. At least 21 of the 36 hours must be taken at the 300 level or above.

What are some sample IDS courses of study?

• Environmental Activism
• Latin American Studies
• Human Resources Management
• Peace and Justice Studies
• The Aesthetics and Culture of Games
• and many others

With an IDS major, you make your own path!

 

Requirements

Are there other requirements? Twenty-four (24) of the 36 hours must be completed at the University of Montevallo. IDS students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major.  

How does IDS differ from other majors?

• The course of study combines work from two or more disciplines.  
• Students must apply for admission into the IDS program.
• IDS students design their own capstone experience.

 

Getting started

When do I apply? Students may apply after completing 45 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Ordinarily students apply by the end of the first semester of the junior year (i.e., before completing 75 hours). 

What if I want to start earlier? Students can begin taking courses in their self-designed major during the freshman year,  but must wait until the second semester of the sophomore year (after completing 45 hours) to apply to be admitted into the degree program.

What if I am a transfer student? Transfer students may apply after completing 15 hours of coursework at UM.

How do I get started? First, find a faculty member who will agree to serve as your mentor. If you are not sure whom to work with, the IDS Coordinator may be able to put you in contact with someone suitable.

How do I apply? Application materials are available from the IDS Oversight Committee (IDSOC) Chair in Hill House. Once a student’s application is approved, the student may declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies.

 

Contact information

For application materials and additional information, contact Dr. Mary Beth Armstrong, IDSOC Chair, at armstrom@montevallo.edu or at 205-665-6508.

 

 

University of Montevallo. Your journey begins here.