Courses

Multidisciplinary Studies is a theme-oriented and student-designed major leading to a bachelor of arts degree. Learners have the flexibility to design a theme-based program of study that reflects their career goals with the guidance of their academic adviser.

Four different course themes are available to fulfill program requirements:

36 credits in the major
- 12 credits in core courses
  - communication skills
  - critical analysis
  - research methods/projects
  - theory/application
- 24 credits in option courses
24 credits in bachelor of arts courses
45 credits in general education
15 credits in electives

Use the Course List to find course information, including course descriptions and prerequisites.

Use the Course Schedule to see courses listed with start and end periods, registration deadlines, and semesters offered, as well as a link to sample syllabus when available by clicking on the six-digit schedule number.

Course List — Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies

A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of "C" or better in the 36 required course credits for the major.

Multidisciplinary Studies Core Courses (12 credits)

Research Methods/Projects Core Courses (3 credits)
Title	Abbreviation	Credits
Research Methods in Sociology	SOC 207 Prerequisite: 3 credits in Sociology	3 credits
Qualitative Research Methods	CAS 390	3 credits
Research Methods in Labor Studies and Employment Relations	LHR 312	4 credits

Communication Skills Core Courses (3 credits)
Title	Abbreviation	Credits
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation	CAS 404 Prerequisite: CAS 100	3 credits
Studies in Public Address	CAS 475 Prerequisite: CAS 100	3 credits
Introduction to Article Writing	ENGL 215 Prerequisite: ENGL 15 or 30	3 credits
Experiential Learning Portfolio	L A 201W	3 credits

Theory/Application Core Courses (3 credits)
Title	Abbreviation	Credits
International Relations	PL SC 014	3 credits
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy	ECON 102 (GS)	3 credits
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy	ECON 104 (GS)	3 credits
Introduction to Psychology	PSYCH 100 (GS)	3 credits
Undergraduate Field Experience or Practicum	LA 295	3 credits
Independent Studies	LA 296	3 credits
Undergraduate Field Experience or Practicum	LAS 495 Prerequisite: Completed 60 credits & permission for the program	3 credits
Independent Studies	LAS 496 Prerequisite: Completed 60 credits & permission for the program	3 credits
Employment Relations	LHR 100 (GS)	3 credits
Introductory Sociology	SOC 001	3 credits

Critical Analysis Core Courses (3 credits)
Title	Abbreviation	Credits
Critical Thinking	PHIL 010 (GH)	3 credits
Symbolic Logic	PHIL 012 (GQ)	3 credits

Multidisciplinary Studies Option Courses (24 Credits)

Courses in this area will be determined in conjunction with your academic adviser and will come from your individualized degree program of study.

Multiple course options for the subject areas listed below are available through independent learning.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements (24 credits)
Title	Credits
Foreign Language	12 credits
Other Cultures	3 credits
Arts, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, Quantification, and/or Foreign Language (beyond 12th-credit level or a second foreign language)	9 credits

General Education Requirements (45 credits**)
Title	Abbreviation	Credits
Writing and Speaking — GWS*		9 credits
Rhetoric and Composition	ENGL 015	3 credits
Effective Writing: Writing in the Social Sciences OR Effective Writing: Technical Writing OR Effective Writing: Business Writing	ENGL 202A OR ENGL 202C OR ENGL 202D	3 credits
Effective Speech	CAS 100	3 credits
Quantification — GQ*		6 credits
Natural Sciences — GN		9 credits
Arts — GA		6 credits
Humanities — GH		6 credits
Social and Behavioral Sciences — GS		6 credits
Health and Wellness — GHW		3 credits
Integrative Studies		(6 credits)***

*A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of "C" or better.

**12 credits are included in the requirements for the major.

***This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements.

Electives (15 credits)

Please note: Among the above degree requirements, students should incorporate at least 3 credits in U.S. cultures, 3 credits in international (IL) cultures, and 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses. The above course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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