The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies degree (B.MdS.) allows the flexibility to design your own degree by combining three related minors.
MDS majors get to write their own story! Through a self-designed study of three minors guided by excellent advising and faculty mentoring, MDS students are encouraged to think with range and flexibility, to develop their unique strengths and sense of purpose, and to collaborate on diverse teams in preparation to meet future challenges in a rapidly changing, increasingly complex world.
The MDS degree does not limit students to a single course of study in a single college or school—rather, it allows students to tap into the full resources that WVU offers. In MDS, you will learn how to integrate what you learn, to work with others who have different backgrounds, and apply your broad knowledge to real-world problems.
MDS students are employed in many different fields, including communications, health, real estate, project management, child protective services, and law enforcement, to name only a few examples. Some students choose to pursue graduate studies in fields such as Communications, Law, Geography, Information Systems, Social Work and Public Health.
A degree in Multidisciplinary Studies can be an excellent foundation for:
- Data Science and Analytics
- Graduate school
- Public Health
- Communications or Journalism
- Public Policy or Advocacy
- Entrepreneur or Project Manager
- Social Services
- Law School
Degree Requirements
- Complete the WVU General Education Foundations requirements, programmatic requirements, and electives to total a minimum of 120 hours.
- Complete MDS 489 (Capstone) with a grade of C- or better.
- Writing and Communication Skills Requirement: Complete ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 (or ENGL 103), and two additional SpeakWrite Certified Courses: MDS 199 and MDS 489.
- Obtain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, with grade of C- or better in all courses counted toward the Multidisciplinary Studies Major Requirements. Students must meet individual requirements associated with their chosen minors. If a course is repeated, all attempts will be included in the calculation of the GPA, unless the course is eligible for a D/F repeat.
Admission Requirements
- Incoming freshmen can be admitted directly into the major.
- Transfer students from another institution or another major at WVU must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be admitted.
Why should you consider a Multidisciplinary Studies Degree?
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Your interests require knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines
A multidisciplinary studies degree can be your ticket to careers demanding expertise from multiple domains. Suppose you aspire to work with a global corporation. In such cases, customizing your degree with minors in Spanish, Data Sciences, and Business Administration can equip you with a diverse skill set. Or imagine that you are considering a career in law. You might combine minors in History, Philosophy, and Political Science. The possibilities are endless!
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You want to pursue a degree WVU does not offer
If the university doesn't offer the specific degree you would like to pursue, multidisciplinary studies can come to the rescue. Imagine you see future opportunities in elder care, but the school lacks that program. Here, the beauty of multidisciplinary studies shines as you merge minors in Gerontology, Psychology, and Sociology to pave your path in this field.
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You are undecided or would like flexibility to explore multiple options
Indecisiveness about your major or a desire for flexibility can lead you to choose an multidisciplinary studies degree. In both scenarios, the coursework offers more fluidity than traditional majors. You get the opportunity to explore a diverse range of subjects and disciplines, cultivating a well-rounded perspective that employers highly value.
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You want to change your major or future goals
Changing your major or future career path can you leave you with credits that you have already earned but are no longer relevant to your new path. These hard earned credits can still be applied to your three minors in an MDS degree. These credits can help you complete your degree faster than a traditional major!
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You would like to complete a degree from a two-year program
MDS makes it easy to transfer in credits and complete your bachelor’s degree at WVU quickly.
What can I expect to gain from earning my bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies?
Upon completion of the MDS degree, students will:
1. Acquire range of knowledge and agility to traverse multiple perspectives and disciplines.
2. Be able to apply interdisciplinary tools and methods to address complex 21st century problems.
3. Develop teamwork and leadership skills as a member of an interdisciplinary problem-solving team (in person and/or remote).
4. Be able to articulate the value of interdisciplinary thinking and reflect on its relevance in their own learning.
5. Have a complete e-portfolio that displays their strengths, skills, and experience to future employers or graduate schools.