Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies (MDS) is a unique undergraduate degree that allows students to combine three minors to create a customized major. This program is designed for students who have diverse interests and career goals that may not fit into a traditional major.

About the Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies

The MDS degree provides students with the flexibility to explore multiple fields of study while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. By combining courses from three minors, students gain a broad perspective and diverse skill set that employers and graduate schools value.

Program Information

Degree

• B.M.D.S. in Multi-Disciplinary Studies

Emphases

• 3+3 Law (optional)

Required Credit Hours

• 120

Program Type

• Major

Program Location

• Oxford
• DeSoto
• Tupelo
• Booneville
• Grenada

School

• Office of General Studies

Duration

• 4 years (less with transfer credit)

Did You Know?

• Choose from over 90 minors across multiple Schools and Colleges.
• 23 minors are currently offered fully online.

Career Paths

MDS graduates can pursue a wide range of career paths, including:

• State Senators
• Taylor Medalists
• Entrepreneurs
• Digital Marketers
• UM Hall of Famers
• Human Resource Specialists
• Attorneys
• Olympians
• Community Health Researchers
• Neuroscientists
• Air Force Pilots
• Community Leaders
• Secondary School Teachers

What to Expect from MDS

By combining courses from three minors, youll gain a broad perspective and diverse skill set that employers and graduate schools value. With support from experienced advisors and a customizable curriculum, MDS graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex challenges across industries.

Requirements & Courses

• The MDS degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, which includes:
  • 30-32 hours of General Education Requirements
  • Completion of 3 separate minors (roughly 54 credit hours)
  • MDS 499 Multi-Disciplinary Studies Capstone Course
  • Electives to bring the total minimum number of hours to 120
• Most minors are 18 credit hours, though some require as little as 15 or as many as 21 hours.
• All minor requirements must be met as detailed in the respective catalog the student is following.

Multi-Disciplinary vs. Interdisciplinary Studies

• Multi-Disciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies): Involves exploring multiple fields separately, understanding each from its own perspective. This approach allows you to gain a broad range of knowledge and apply it to various fields and occupations, making you versatile and adaptable in the job market.
• Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Arts): Asks students to integrate knowledge across different fields to create a new understanding or solve complex problems. In interdisciplinary work, students synthesize insights from multiple disciplines, developing a deeper view on a topic.

Advising & Staying on Track

In the Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies program, each student is assigned an academic advisor on their campus. Before priority registration for the Fall and Spring semesters, MDS students meet with their advisor to discuss their progress toward their degree, review their GPAs, and select courses for the next semester.

Recommended Minors for Key Focus Areas

MDS students can choose from over 90 approved minors for their degree. Below are some suggested career groupings to guide your selection of minors:

• Applied, Technical, & Professional Studies: For developing practical skills and technical expertise through disciplines that offer hands-on knowledge and professional preparationwith a focus on practical skills and career readiness.
  • Aerospace Studies, Accountancy, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Management Information Systems, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sport Administration
• Health Sciences & Human Services: For improving the well-being of communities through disciplines like health sciences, psychology, and public healthwith a focus on practical skills and social impact.
  • Applied Gerontology, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Food Studies, Neuroscience, Nutrition, Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, Society and Health
• STEM & Natural Sciences: For exploring areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental studieswith a focus on hands-on experience and critical problem-solving skills.
  • Astronomy, Biological Science, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geology, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Disaster Sciences
• Arts, Culture, & Humanities: For exploring creative and cultural perspectives that shape our understanding of human expression and historywith a focus on critical thinking, artistic development, and cultural analysis.
  • Art, Art History, Cinema Studies, Creative Writing, English, Music, Theatre Arts, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Ethics and Values, Medieval Studies
• Communication, Media, & Writing: For building strong communication and media skills through disciplines such as journalism, public relations, and digital mediawith a focus on practical skills and social impact.
  • Digital Media Studies, Journalism, Professional Writing, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• History & Social Sciences: For exploring the complexities of human behavior, society, and history. By combining disciplines like sociology, political science, and history, students gain insights into social systems, historical movements, and global interactions.
  • Anthropology, Freedom Studies, Geography, History, International Studies, Medieval Studies, Political Science, Public Policy Leadership, Psychology, Sociology, Southern Studies
• Business & Entrepreneurship: For learning essential business concepts, management practices, and entrepreneurial skills through disciplines like economics, marketing, and entrepreneurshipwith a focus on practical skills and innovation.
  • General Business, Marketing, Economics, Entrepreneurship, eSports, Hospitality Management, Public Policy
• Education & Human Development: For shaping the future through education, development, and community engagement through disciplines such as teaching, counseling, leadership, and human development.
  • Education, Higher Education, Math Education, Recreation Administration, Recreational Therapy
• Security, Law, & Public Service: For students interested in law enforcement, public safety, or legal studieswith a focus on practical skills and social impact.
  • Criminal Justice, Intelligence & Security Studies, Law Studies, Global Security Studies, Military Science, Naval Science, Community Engaged Leadership

This Program is Offered at

• Oxford
• DeSoto
• Tupelo
• Booneville
• Grenada

Multi-Disciplinary Studies Director

MDS gives you the flexibility to explore multiple fields while honing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Building a multi-disciplinary foundation allows you to thrive in a complex, ever-changing job market.

Next Steps

Explore the possibilities and take charge of your education in a way that truly reflects your goals. Consider the affordability of the program and the various scholarships and financial aid options available.