IDS Overview

Saint Joseph’s College’s General Studies program is undergoing an exciting redesign change.  On July 1, 2015, General Studies will begin phasing into an Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) degree program.  This new program is designed to provide students with opportunities to study within and across academic disciplines, as well as offer enriching and integrated learning experiences.  The experiences and insights gained in Interdisciplinary Studies may assist student to further a number of their personal, professional, and academic goals. 

The Interdisciplinary Studies program will replace General Studies. 
 

Requirements for Current Students in the General Studies Program (Individuals who applied to the General Studies program before July 1, 2015):

• Students who applied and were granted acceptance into the program before July 1, 2015 will continue meeting the requirements in General Studies.  These students do not need to meet the new IDS requirements.
• Upon successful completion of their academic work, current students will graduate with a degree in General Studies.
• Current General Studies students who are interested in and eligible may transfer to the Interdisciplinary Studies program.
   

Overall Requirements for the IDS program (For new students who apply on or after July 1st and for individuals who are interested and eligible to transfer into the program):

As part of the IDS program, Baccalaureate students will complete two minors from the approved program areas listed below.  Students pursuing an Associate’s degree in IDS will complete one approved minor.

Approved Minors for Interdisciplinary Studies
Minors	Courses / Credits
Accounting Minor (with MAcc Fast Track potential)	8 courses, 24 credits
Adult Education and Training Minor (with Fast Track to Masters of Science in Education)	6 courses, 18 credits
Business Administration Minor	8 courses, 24 credits
Criminal Justice Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
Human Services Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
Psychology Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
Health Administration Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
Long Term Care Administration Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
Senior Living Leadership Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
IT Minor	8 courses, 24 credits
Theology Minor	6 courses, 18 credits
Theology Minor (with Fast Track to Masters of Art in Theology)	6 courses, 18 credits required for the minor.  For those interested: up to 4 additional courses (after completing minor requirements).

In addition to the minor(s), all students in the IDS program will complete two required courses.  These courses will assist students to prepare for the IDS program and integrate their learning experiences.

Required courses for Interdisciplinary Studies
Courses	Credits	Notes
IDS Foundational Course	3 credits	Students can take the foundational course  after they successfully complete College Writing.
IDS Capstone	3 credits	The capstone course is taken after at least 54 credits have been completed toward the Associate’s degree.  For stduents pursuing the Bachelor’s degree, the capstone is taken after 112 credits have been completed.

Students Pursuing Associate’s Degrees in IDS (Detailed Requirements):

Students who would like to pursue an Associate’s degree in IDS must have at least 24 credits available in minor subject areas at SJC, above and beyond General Education requirements.  Requirements for completing the Associate’s degree program in IDS are described below.

Requirements for the Associate’s Degree in IDS
Requirements	Notes
Complete at least one of the approved minors (Minimum of 18 credits).	Up to two-courses transferred from another college (6 credits) can be applied to the minor requirement.
Complete the online IDS Foundational and Capstone courses (total of 6 credits).	Students can take the foundational course after they successfully complete College Writing.  The capstone course is taken after at least 54 credits have been completed.
Meet all other degree requirements, including the completion of General Education courses.

Note:  Minors with Fast Tracks would not be applicable for students seeking an Associate’s degree in IDS.

Students Pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees in IDS (detailed requirements):

Students who would like to pursue the Bachelor’s degree in IDS must have at lease 42 or more credits available in minor submect areas at SJC, above and beyond General Education requirements. *Students who do not meet this requirement can complete one minor and the two required IDS courses.* Requirements for completing the Bachelor’s degree program in IDS are described below.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree in IDS
Requirements	Notes
Complete two of the approved minors (minium of 36 credits).	Up to two-courses transferred from another college (6 credits) can be applied to each minor requirement.
Complete the online IDS Foundational and Capstone courses (total of 6 credits).	Students can take foundational course after they successfully complete College Writing.  The capstone course is taken after at least 112 credits have been completed.
Meet all other degree requirements, including the completion of General Education courses.