Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: Room 1263, First Floor, Faculty/Administration Building
656 West Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Director: Howard Finley
e-mail: tmp@wayne.edu

Web: http://www.clas.wayne.edu/is/

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Bachelor of Technical and Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies Program Course (ISP)

Academic Advisers

Roberta DeMeyer, Frank Koscielski, Derrick White

Degree Programs

BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

BACHELOR OF TECHNICAL AND INTERDISCIPLINARY
STUDIES

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE in Nonprofit Sector
Studies

MASTER OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

For the last several years the University has addressed the issue of interdisciplinary studies by way of offering integrated studies degrees, first through an individual department and then through a program within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. However, recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of many specific subjects has become widespread, and an orientation to "other" subjects, methods of research, and points of view has become a part of many traditional disciplines and modes of instruction. Thus, the interdisciplinary mission of the University is now be taken on by its several subject-specific departments, and the ISP faculty have joined those units.

Since January 2007, no new students are being admitted to the Interdisciplinary Studies program, and all ISP faculty have been reassigned to other departments. Faculty email addresses remain the same. Those students currently pursuing ISP degrees will be served by the ISP faculty and staff and are encouraged to complete their degrees. Advisors (Howard Finley, Director; Roberta DeMeyer; and Derrick White) are available to students already in the program for advising and questions related to their plans of work and progress toward degrees.

With the exception of ISP 4860, Senior Seminar II, Interdisciplinary Studies Program undergraduate courses will be discontinued beginning in the Fall 2009 semester. ISP students must contact their advisor to discuss course substitutions for degree completion requirements. ISP students have until the end of Winter 2011 to complete their degree requirements for an ISP undergraduate degree.

Degree Programs: The curricula leading to the bachelor's degrees offered by the Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP), College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, enables students either to concentrate on a single broad theme around which they assemble courses providing relevant areas of knowledge or to explore a diversity of interests through a more eclectic selection of courses which they synthesize and apply to a specific problem or thematic issue.

Instruction is presented through interdisciplinary courses that seek to demonstrate how knowledge can be integrated across disciplines to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of issues than are afforded by single disciplinary approaches. Courses are presented using the following four teaching formats:

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

This is a four-year interdisciplinary general studies degree program. The curriculum, organized to maximize related course sequences, focuses on historical, contemporary, and cross-cultural issues in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technology. Courses place special emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, writing ability, and research skills. In its concern with the development of humanistic and social consciousness, as well as science and technology literacy, this program draws upon the maturity and experience of the adult student.

Bachelor of Technical and Interdisciplinary Studies

This is a culminating degree program designed for graduates of two-year technical, vocational, and professional associate of applied science (or equivalent) degree programs. The curriculum provides the opportunity to enhance prior technical or professional training with advanced course work from other schools and colleges of Wayne State University.

Interdisciplinary Studies Courses Satisfying General Education Requirements

The following courses have been approved to fulfill the University General Education Requirements:

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

Intermediate Composition: ISP 3510, ISP 4991, I H 2010
Writing-Intensive Course: ISP 4860, ISP 4992, ISP 4996
Oral Communication: ISP 1560
Computer Literacy: IST 2710
Critical and Analytic Thinking: ISP 3260

GROUP REQUIREMENTS

Life Science: IST 2310
Physical Science: IST 2420
Historical Studies: ISP 3160, I H 3810
Social Science: ISP 3480, ISS 2710
American Society/Institutions: ISP 3420, ISS 1510
Foreign Culture: ISP 3600, ISP 3610, ISP 3620
Visual and Performing Arts: I H 2730, I H 3730
Philosophy and Letters: I H 2710, I H 3710

Nonprofit Sector Studies Programs

MINOR in Nonprofit Sector Studies

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE in Nonprofit Sector Studies

The Nonprofit Sector Studies (NPS) Program offers courses for persons who plan to work as professionals in youth, health, human services, and other nonprofit organization settings. The Program offers the Minor in Nonprofit Sector Studies for the undergraduate student, and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for persons who may already work in nonprofit organizations and have earned a bachelor's degree.

Minor in Nonprofit Sector Studies

The minor is designed to complement a student's matriculation in a major field of study. Requirements for admission are a successful completion of the English Proficiency Examination and junior standing. A minimum of nineteen credits, completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, is required for completion of the Minor. Required courses for the Minor include: NPS 3000, 3500, 4000, and 4500, plus one elective selected from an approved list of courses drawn from allied fields.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Sector Studies

This certificate is designed for persons who wish to receive certification from faculty and experts in nonprofit management. A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution is required for admission. The Certificate candidate must complete twenty-four credits in the program with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. Required courses for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate include: NPS 3000, 3500, 4000, 4300, and 4500, plus one elective selected from an approved list of courses drawn from allied fields.