Becoming A member of the IDS Community
Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Studies
Program. The purpose of this brief introduction is to provide general
information for those of you considering an IDS major or minor or who
seek an individually designed thematic option. The information I provide
is not meant as a substitute for the individual advising you will seek
out from faculty who serve as program directors or advisers. It is meant
to introduce the options available to you.
Towson University has instituted a new
Intentional Advising Program to help students get the most of their
college education. The program addresses the importance of academic
advising across all four years in a strategic and progressive manner. It
is designed to meet students’ needs at different stages of their Towson
experience. From the first year through graduation, each year has a
different focal point: transition, focus, engagement and commencement.
The IDS program sees advising as a key to students’ academic success.
When you determine that IDS programs suit your intellectual interests
and career goals, by working closely with your adviser, you will make
your dreams into realities.
The IDS provides students with the opportunity
to pursue a course of study unavailable through any single discipline at
Towson University. The program offers students three alternatives: (1)
the individually designed thematic option; (2) four formally designed
major tracks, and (3) 10 minor tracks.
A major in IDS requires a minimum of 45
upper-division units (300-400 level) though the program director may
approve substitutions of particularly significant lower-division
courses. All 45 units must be completed with a grade equivalent of 2.00
or higher. Students pursuing a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies must
likewise complete the requisite units with a grade equivalent of 2.00 or
higher. IDS majors may transfer up to 21 units toward completion of the
major. IDS minors may transfer up to 9 units toward completion of the
minor.
The individually designed thematic option
allows students to pursue a major that is not available at Towson
University but is offered at other colleges or universities. This option
places special responsibilities on the student.
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First of all, the student must find the
model for the major she or he wishes to pursue in the catalog of
another university. Then, the student must determine that Towson
University offers the courses necessary to complete the major.
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Second, the student must meet with the director of the IDS to ask
for preliminary approval of the proposed major.
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Third, with the assistance of the program director, the student
must identify a professor with the necessary expertise who is
willing to serve as his or her major adviser.
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Fourth, under the guidance of the major adviser, the student must
write a program of study that includes a name for the individually
designed thematic option, a description of its goals, and a list of
required and elective courses. After formal approval by the faculty
adviser, the student, and the director of the IDS, this agreement
will constitute the requirements of the student’s major.
Students interested in the individually
designed thematic option should declare their major as soon as possible,
ideally no later than the first term of the junior year.
The general information presented here is
subject to change and does not stand in the place of a face-to-face
meeting with an adviser. Please consult page 162 of the Towson
University Catalog or the IDS website for detailed information about
specific major and minor tracks as well as the names and contact
information for program directors. The College of Liberal Arts believes
strongly in supporting students who look for creative and imaginative
ways to integrate their academic interests. I encourage you to explore
the opportunities that IDS programs offer.
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