Associate/Baccalaureate Degree In
Interdisciplinary Studies
Application Procedures
Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) is a program available to UAF students within the Associate of Applied Science,
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Technology degree options. The interdisciplinary program
option provides flexibility to students with well-defined goals who do not fit into one of the established majors offered
by the university.
A student may submit his/her proposal for an interdisciplinary program upon completion of 15 credits at UAF, and
he/she should have at least 30 credits remaining in his/her proposed degree program when seeking approval for an
interdisciplinary degree. The proposed curriculum must differ significantly from established degree programs at UAF
and will require evidence that the necessary facilities and faculty are available to ensure an approximation of a normal
undergraduate degree. All general requirements for the A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T. degree must be met.
In developing an interdisciplinary proposal, the student should specify the degree (A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T.), include
an explanation of how the proposed program differs substantially from established UAF programs, and a discussion
that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed program. A minimum of two
disciplines is required for the interdisciplinary degree.
The student then obtains an advisory committee of at least three faculty members from the appropriate disciplines.
There shall be at least one formal meeting with the full committee to review the student’s proposal. The committee
will appoint a chair, review the proposed program, select a degree title in concert with the student, identify contents for
the INDS portfolio (which will document major accomplishments in the INDS major) and make its recommendation.
The proposal is then submitted to the Provost for final review and approval.
The degree is awarded through the school or college of the chair of the committee, subject to approval by the Provost.
It is crucial to the success of INDS programs that students maintain communication with their committee members
throughout the course of study. Changes to the approved curriculum are made only with the approval of the
committee and noted in writing on the approval form.
Students interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree, or who want to explore this as a degree
option, should contact Laura Bender, INDS Program Manager in 202 Eielson Building (lebender@alaska.edu / 4747716) to receive assistance in finding faculty advisors and developing their curriculum proposal.
Students must submit the following:
1. A cover letter outlining academic and career goals, the degree being sought (A.A.S., B.A., B.S., or B.T.),
an explanation of how the proposed degree differs substantially from established UAF programs, and a
discussion that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed program.
2. A proposed curriculum on the appropriate degree worksheet (developed with the assistance of the faculty
committee), which includes:
- courses already taken within the proposed INDS curriculum
- courses which remain to be completed
- a time-table for completion of degree requirements
3. Approval Form with signatures from all faculty as well as the appropriate Dean before submission to the
Dean of the Graduate School through the office of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs.
Revised 02/10
Interdisciplinary Process
Step 1 Student contacts Laura Bender, in 202 Eielson Building (lebender@alaska.edu / 474-7716) and
obtains procedures and requirements for an Interdisciplinary Degree.
Step 2 Student contacts faculty (three minimum) to serve as INDS committee (one faculty member will
serve as the chairperson/advisor) and reviews proposed degree outline with the faculty.
Step 3 Student prepares a typewritten cover letter outlining academic and career goals, the degree being
sought, a justification that the proposed degree differs from established UAF programs, and a
discussion that current UAF resources are adequate to meet the requirements of the proposed
program.
INDS committee discusses (one meeting with all faculty present is required) with the student the
information provided on the application. If plans appear viable, a curriculum proposal and degree
worksheet is finalized by the student in coordination with the faculty committee members. In cases
where subject matter knowledge is needed to aid in the development of a proposal, the chairperson
may contact the appropriate Department Head to arrange for faculty assistance.
Step 4 The committee will review the proposed program, select a title in concert with the student, identify
contents for the INDS portfolio documenting INDS major accomplishments / outcomes, and make
its recommendation to the student.
Step 5 The proposal is sent for review to the Dean of the appropriate school/college (based on the faculty
chairperson’s department), and is then submitted to the Vice Provost together with a proposed
curriculum. The proposed curriculum should be on the appropriate degree worksheet and include:
courses already taken within the proposed INDS curriculum; courses which remain to be completed;
and a timetable for completion of degree requirements. The proposal will be reviewed and approved
by the Dean of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs.
Step 6 The Dean of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs will forward approved programs
to the Office of the Registrar. Copies of the approved programs will also be provided to the
appropriate department(s).
Step 7 The program commences. Any changes to the approved curriculum are made only with the
approval of the faculty committee and submitted with the appropriate form. Notices of approved
changes are to be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School and Interdisciplinary Programs and
will include the signatures of all committee members/dean. These changes will be forwarded to the
Registrar’s Office, and appropriate department(s).
Revised 02/10