Multidisciplinary Studies

There are always students whose goals and interests are not met by any of the pre-determined degree programs offered by the University. This degree offers students the option of designing a degree program that meets their own unique needs and interests. The Multidisciplinary Studies program enables students to craft a degree with special emphasis in custom disciplines.

The Major Requirements are determined for each student individually in consultation with an academic counselor and approved by the Dean of the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences. The courses that form the major area of concentration must be constructed around a coherent theme that meets the student's professional and personal goals. MDS majors may tailor their degree to satisfy personal curiosity or to prepare for a particular career.

Students work with an experienced advisor who will help them craft a degree plan that is specific to their unique needs and interests. A student's previous coursework can contribute to the theme of the plan, or the student may start from scratch and prepare a plan from the beginning of their academic career.

Program plans in Multidisciplinary Studies are as varied as the interests exhibited in any student population.

Here is just a sample of approved plans:
Artistic Expressions
Culture & Society
Enterprise & Social Issues
Entomology
Ethnobotany
Genealogy
Health Studies
Issues in Public Policy
Medical Sciences
Public Health & Society
Public Promotion & Social Perception
Science & Society

Advertising students are typically interested in synthesizing information, demonstrating creativity and artistic expression, creating entertaining and persuasive messages, account management and sales, and developing market research. Advertising students may also pursue a second major or minor in Business, Marketing, Communication, Management or Law.

A Multidisciplinary Studies degree is attractive to potential employers who recruit in specialized areas for which existing programs are not compatible. With knowledge of such market demand, students could design a specialized program by melding courses from varying disciplines to create an interdisciplinary degree that would match an employer's specialized requirements.

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Dodge Family College of Arts & Sciences
Phone: (405) 325-4411
Website: cas.ou.edu