Minors, Certificates, and Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary studies are available to students through an interdisciplinary degree, such as the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, or an extensive choice of minors or certificates that may be taken in conjunction with other majors. Since interdisciplinary studies provide skills that support employment in a rapidly changing workplace, students are encouraged to consider these options. Consult the academic advisor in the appropriate major about the impact of enrolling in a minor or certificate program.

MINORS - Back to Top

A minor is an approved, coherent concentration of academic study in a single discipline, involving substantially fewer hours of credit than a corresponding major. Most ASU colleges offer undergraduate minors in addition to majors; see the “ASU Minors” table.

Students in most majors may pursue one or more minors and, upon successful completion of the prescribed course work, have that accomplishment officially recognized on the ASU transcript at graduation if (1) the college/department of the minor officially certifies, through established verification procedures, that all requirements for the minor have been met and (2) the college (and, in certain colleges, the department) of the student’s major allows the official recognition of the minor.

A student wishing to pursue a specific minor should consult an academic advisor in the unit offering that minor to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken.

Note: Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate either by the college or department of the major or minor. Inappropriate combinations include (but are not limited to) ones in which an excessive number of courses in the minor are simultaneously being used to fulfill requirements of the student’s major.

CERTIFICATES - Back to Top

Students may pursue some certificate programs along with a major and other certificate programs independently. Graduate certificates and postbaccalaureate certificates are available to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. For more information, see the “ASU Undergraduate Certificates” table, “ASU Postbaccalaureate Certificates” table, and “ASU Graduate Certificates” table. Graduate certificates constitute graduate work; postbaccalaureate certificates are distinct from graduate certificates and are an extension of the undergraduate curriculum.

CONCURRENT AND DUAL DEGREES - Back to Top

Graduate students have the opportunity to pursue more than one degree at the same time as part of an organized program. For more information, see the “Dual Degrees” table and the Graduate Catalog.

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES - Back to Top

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. For information about the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at ASU Main or ASU East, see Division of Undergraduate Studies, “Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies” or East College, “Interdisciplinary Studies—B.I.S.”

Energy Studies. An opportunity for instructional and research involvement in energy matters exists through at least two curricular paths: (1) general studies, which emphasize energy as an elective beyond the scope of a chosen major (for more information, call the coordinator of interdisciplinary studies in energy, at 480/965-4548); and (2) specific studies in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, for those pursuing the Master of Architecture degree and the Master of Science degree in Building Design.

Environmental Studies. The Center for Environmental Studies encourages and coordinates interdisciplinary environment-related activities in the natural and social sciences within the university. The center sponsors special courses, conferences, and workshops on environmental topics. Drawing from faculty and students throughout the university, the center participates in research and community programs relating to environmental problem areas. It does not formally offer courses or a degree program. For more information, see General Information, “Center for Environmental Studies.”

Film Studies. The Film Studies Program exists not only to provide information and experience but also to serve as a means of creative expression for the student and as a useful subject and tool in teaching. The program is not designed to produce professional filmmakers, but it may provide practical preparation for students desiring further film study at other institutions.

Inquiries about this program should be directed to the Film Studies coordinator at 480/965-7644.

Gerontology. The Gerontology Program brings together faculty from several disciplines to teach courses related to adult development and aging, to collaborate on gerontological research, and to participate in projects of service to older adults.

A certificate at the postbaccalaureate level and an undergraduate minor are available in Gerontology. The certificate consists of 21 semester hours—nine hours of required course work and 12 hours of electives. The minor consists of 18 semester hours—six hours of required course work and 12 hours of electives. Courses related to aging are taught throughout the university by faculty who are active contributors to research, theory, and public policy and practice. In addition, gerontology provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience in working with elderly people. A practicum, held at the Veterans Administration Hospital, is available to students who have completed some gerontology course work. Gerontology also helps students find rewarding internships in community programs for older adults. For more information, see ASU Extended Campus, “Gerontology Certificate Program,” and Graduate College, “Gerontology,” or refer to the current Student Handbook in Gerontology.

B.I.S. Concentration. A concentration in gerontology is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the B.I.S. program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see Division of Undergraduate Studies, “Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.”

Islamic Studies. The art, history, geography, and religion of the Islamic world are the subjects of several courses offered by departments in the Herberger College of Fine Arts and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For information, call the Department of Religious Studies at 480/965-7145.

Linguistics. Linguistics concentrations are offered in master’s degree programs in the Departments of Anthropology, English, and Languages and Literatures through the Graduate College. Numerous linguistics courses are offered in these and other departments. For information, call the University Committee on Linguistics at 480/965-3168.

MILITARY OFFICER TRAINING - Back to Top

U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army ROTC units are active on the ASU campus. See “Department of Aerospace Studies” and “Department of Military Science” for more information.

Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES). ASU is a participating institution with DANTES and is listed in the DANTES Directory of Independent Study. DANTES is an executive agency of the Department of Defense that provides educational support for the voluntary education programs of all services. The primary missions of DANTES are (1) to provide nationally recognized examination and certification programs as part of the voluntary education programs of military services and (2) to facilitate the availability of high-quality independent institutions for service men and women.

WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (WICHE) - Back to Top

For Arizona residents who wish to attend professional schools of dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, and veterinary medicine in one of the other western states, Arizona has joined with other states to create the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Through WICHE, qualified Arizona residents may attend schools in other western states at essentially the same expense to the students as to residents of the state in which the school is located. Students must have maintained at least average grades in their preprofessional work and must have been legal residents of Arizona for at least the previous five years. Recipients are required to return to Arizona to practice or to repay a portion of the funds expended on their behalf.

For applications and more information, call 602/229-2500, or access the Web site at www.wiche.edu.

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