BA-ISCI - B.A. in Interdisciplinary Sciences

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CLASS CLASS Dept/ Interdisciplinary Sciences (program) Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts

Program Title

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Sciences

Department(s)

CLASS CLASS Dept/ Interdisciplinary Sciences (program)

Degree Designation

Bachelor of Arts

Degree & Program Code

BA-ISCI

Program Description

The degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences is intended for the student who desires a science-focused Bachelor’s degree but wishes more latitude in the selection of courses than is available otherwise. The BS is more suited to those who want a quantitative focus and the BA more suited to those who want to focus on social and life sciences or wish to have more exposure to non-STEM subjects (e.g., the humanities and arts). Both degrees pair well with the Undergraduate Minor in Secondary Education (UMSE), and students with this minor would discuss with their advisor which degree (BA or BS) is best suited for disciplines they wish to teach.

Program Information & Policies

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences, a student must satisfy the general education core curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of Arts

Of the minimum 120 credit hours required for this degree, at least 65 must be in science, engineering, or mathematics. These can include biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental science, mathematics, engineering, physics, and psychology. These credits can also be used to satisfy general education requirements for the degree.
At least 30 credit hours in science, engineering, or mathematics must be in courses numbered 2000 or above.
In order that a reasonable depth of study is attained in at least two disciplines, the 30 credit hours at 2000 or above must include at least nine credit hours in each of two fields. Closely related disciplines may count together with appropriate course substitution approvals.
Of the total credit hours required, at least 42 must be in courses numbered 3000 or above.

For students who do choose to pursue teaching as an additional area, proper selection of courses and enrollment in the Undergraduate Minor in Secondary Education (UMSE) is necessary for eventual state teaching licensure. Students in the optional UMSE should check State requirements with their Education Minor Advisor to ensure they meet criteria for certification and endorsement, because State requirements can change. Typically USME students must complete 5 Education classes along with three field experiences and one semester of student teaching in local secondary schools. These 27 credits necessary to teach on the secondary level are accredited by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). In addition, UMSE Students seeking a particular endorsement from the NMPED (e.g., Science, Math, Psychology, Computer Science) should work with their advisor on a suitable course sequence. For instance, the math requirement is a minimum of 24 credits in mathematics courses with 12 of those credits at the 3000-level or above.