The on-campus Interdisciplinary Studies major provides an opportunity to pursue a course of study developed around a unifying theme, problem, or issue. Students must complete an application that will propose ten upper-level courses, selected from various Metropolitan College departments and programs, that relate to their proposed topic. The application must include a statement of rationale for the topic and be sponsored by a member of the faculty. The application must then be reviewed and approved by the assistant dean. The faculty sponsor and assistant dean must also approve subsequent course substitutions.

Students interested in the online Interdisciplinary Studies major should refer to the Undergraduate Degree Completion Program.

Distribution Requirements (total 48 credits)

• English: Two courses: MET EN 104 and EN 201.
• Mathematics: Any Metropolitan College mathematics course numbered MET MA 110 or higher.
• Computer Science: One course: MET CS 101 Computers and Their Applications.
• Natural Science: Two natural science courses selected from natural science offerings designated by the letter (N).
• Literature: Any 100- or 200-level MET EN literature course or MET HU 221.
• Philosophy: One course.
• History: One course.
• Additional: Three courses selected from distribution courses: one from the humanities (H); one from the social sciences (S); and one from the humanities (H), the natural sciences (N), or the social sciences (S).

Specialization Courses (total 40 credits)

Ten upper-level courses completed with a grade of C or higher. A minimum of six courses must be 300 level or higher.

Electives (total 40 credits)

Ten courses.

Contact Information

For further information, contact Undergraduate Student Services, 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 102, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2980; email: metuss@bu.edu.

The Master of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies provides motivated learners an opportunity to synthesize a degree plan from the vast resources available at Boston University’s seventeen schools and colleges. There is only one required course: the final project or thesis (MET ML 801). Students work with a faculty advisor to craft a curriculum that addresses the depth and breadth of their objectives.

The program in interdisciplinary studies recognizes that many adult learners have already achieved a significant level of personal and professional development. As such they may not wish to pursue graduate-level study in a specific major or traditional field of study and may prefer to study issues or themes that cross departmental boundaries.

The interdisciplinary studies approach allows students to select and refine this theme, then choose appropriate coursework in conjunction with a faculty member or the program director. The MLA curriculum shaped by the student should have a clearly defined and organic focal point and not be simply a random selection of courses.

Examples of recent MLA in Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs:

• Women and Media
• Arts Journalism
• Film Journalism
• Art and Digital Technology
• Cultural Policy
• Biotechnology and Ethics
• Corporations and Ethics
• American Popular Culture
• Computing and Aesthetics
• The Arts and Urban Economic Development

Admissions

Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree. Candidates for admission to the degree program are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and personal references, and interviews. A maximum of two graduate courses (8 credits) in the liberal arts may be transferred from accredited institutions for credit toward the MLA degree. A maximum of three courses (12 credits) taken at Metropolitan College prior to acceptance into the degree program may be applied toward the degree. International students are expected to have TOEFL scores of at least 560 or the following scores on the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT): Reading: 25, Listening: 21, Speaking: 23, Writing: 22.

Admission is normally granted for September, January, and May for each academic year. The admissions committee meets on a continuing basis to review completed applications and renders prompt decisions.

Candidates for admission must include a Statement of Educational Goals and Objectives with their application. This document, typically between one and two pages, should articulate students’ particular interests and educational objectives for their MLA. It need not specify coursework to be taken but should identify the interdisciplinary concentration the student intends to construct. Ideally, the Statement of Educational Goals and Objectives will serve as a kind of architectural sketch upon which the student will construct the degree. Each statement should reflect an organic educational program that is of intrinsic interest to the student and reflects academic integrity and coherence appropriate to a Boston University graduate degree.

Students may select courses available through either Metropolitan College (MET) or through any of the other colleges and schools within Boston University. If a course is offered by a college other than MET, the student may need to obtain the permission of the instructor and may also be subject to the tuition charges of that college. Such courses may also be offered during the day only. In general, many of the schools and colleges within Boston University will welcome students who have the appropriate background, prerequisites, skills, and motivation.

Degree Requirements

A total of ten courses (40 credits) is required, including MET ML 801 Final Project or Thesis. Of the remaining nine courses, at least five must be from the liberal arts (i.e., humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences) and at least five must be numbered at the 600 level or above. Only four 500-level courses may be applied toward the degree, and no courses below the 500 level will count toward the degree.

Required Courses

• MET ML 801 Final Project or Thesis
• 500-level courses: No more than four
• 600-level or higher courses: At least five

Academic Standing

All students in the Master of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good standing and to graduate. In addition, no grade below B- in any required course can be applied toward the degree. Cumulative grade point averages below 3.0 will result in a student being placed on academic probation.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Professor Daniel Ranalli, Boston University Metropolitan College, 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-4064; email: mla@bu.edu; www.bu.edu/met/programs.