Stephen F. Austin State University

Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (BSMS)

Overview of the BSMS

The BSMS (Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies) is one of three interdisciplinary degree options offered by the Division of Multidisciplinary Programs (College of Liberal and Applied Arts, Stephen F. Austin State University). It remains distinct from the other interdisciplinary degrees (the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies) in that students can select areas of study from any of Stephen F. Austin State University's different colleges.

Unlike a traditional degree offered by the university, students pursuing the BSMS degree will work with faculty to design a degree plan consisting of three areas of study. Each area of study will require a total of 24 academic hours (12 of which must be upper division-300 to 400 level-coursework). The areas of study that will be combined for this degree must be complimentary of one another. Students wishing to pursue this degree must be able to demonstrate how these areas can be logically, academically, and professionally integrated.

In most cases, students may include areas of study from any of the academic programs that currently offer minors. However, there are some noted exceptions. First, only those students pursuing the Physical Science Secondary Teaching Certification degree may include Secondary Education as one of the three areas of study. Second, only one area of study within any degree plan can be based on a defined interdisciplinary minor (a list of these minors can be obtained through the Division of Multidisciplinary Programs).

Admission Process

Students interested in pursuing the BSMS degree must meet the following prerequisite requirements:

  1. Students must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible for the program.
  2. Students must obtain and complete an Application for Admission for the BSMS program. Applications are available online (BSMS Application) and at the Academic and Career Advising Office for the College of Liberal and Applied Arts (Ferguson 291). Once this application has been completed and reviewed by the Director of the BSMS program, students will be given a permit to enroll in SFA 110 for the next semester.
  3. Students must complete SFA 110 with a grade of C or higher before being considered for admission to the BSMS. In SFA 110, students will complete a number of projects and written assignments that will encourage self-analysis of their academic interests and career goals. Of prime importance will be the preparation and presentation of an interdisciplinary plan of study. This plan must include a specific outline of the requirements for each of the three areas of study. Furthermore, students must form a committee of three faculty members (one from each area of study) who agree to help guide the student and assess his/her progress throughout the years of study. Once this course is completed, the student's plan of study will be presented to the Director of the BSMS program for final approval. Students will be admitted to the BSMS program upon final approval by the BSMS director.

Requirements Specific to the BSMS Degree

Students admitted to the BSMS program must meet and maintain compliance with the following standards:

  1. All BSMS students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  2. All BSMS students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher in each area of study.
  3. Only those courses in which a student has earned a grade of C or higher will count towards the requirements of each area of study.
  4. Upon achieving senior status and entering their final semester of study, students will enroll in SFA 499, the capstone course for the BSMS program. Students must pass this course with a grade of C or higher in order to graduate.

Additional Information

For more information about the BSMS degree, please contact:

Dr. H. Stephen Cooper
Associate Dean, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
P.O. Box 6082 SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6082
(936) 468-6066 (Office)
(936) 468-2190 (Fax)
scooper@sfasu.edu

Dr. Michael J. Martin
Director, Division of Multidisciplinary Programs
P.O. Box 6082, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6082
(936) 468-6722 (Office)
(936) 468-2190 (Fax)
martinmj@sfasu.edu

The Division of Multidisciplinary Programs is located in Ferguson 273. Click here for a printer friendly version of this page.