Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies

University College, Dean’s Office
218 Academic Services Building
(915) 747-5151

    The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) degree offers students a broad interdisciplinary studies opportunity rather than a traditional specialized major. As an individualized program of study, the BMS emphasizes a broad learning experience and a wider perspective than that provided by traditional undergraduate majors. Students focus on an interdisciplinary theme, period, set of problems, specialization, or perspective not currently available through traditional majors and minors.

    The BMS degree encourages students to select courses from the entire university course inventory, tailoring their study to their own personal and professional interests and needs. The degree provides students with a fundamental knowledge of skills necessary to competently express themselves, think creatively, solve problems, and understand the nature and function of people and the environment.

    The interdisciplinary degree plans developed by students and their advisors are reviewed by a program review committee composed of academic faculty and a University College representative.

Admissions Requirements

• New, transfer, and returning students may declare their intention to work toward a BMS degree if they meet UTEP’s admission requirements.
• All students admitted into the BMS program are required to meet regularly with a BMS advisor to select their concentrations and electives.

Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies Degree Requirements

    The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including at least 45 hours at the advanced/upper division (junior and senior) level. In addition to completing the 42 semester hour University core curriculum, each student defines, in consultation with a BMS advisor, three areas of concentration totaling 45 semester hours, including a minimum of 27 hours of advanced work. Each area of concentration includes 15 hours, 9 hours of which must be advanced. The goal of the concentration is to give students an interdisciplinary foundation that satisfies individual educational and professional goals while maintaining academic rigor and integrity. The academic areas comprising the concentrations require the approval of the faculty program review committee. Thirty-three hours of electives, 18 of which must be advanced, bring the degree total to a minimum 120 semester hours.

Requirement                                                                          Semester Hours

Core Curriculum                                                                                42

(see under University Core Curriculum of this catalog)

Communication                                                                           9

Mathematics                                                                                 3

Natural Sciences                                                                     6-8

Humanities                                                                                   3

Visual and Performing Arts                                                        3

United States History                                                                  6

Political Science                                                                          6

Social and Behavioral Science                                                 3

Institutionally Designated Option                                             3

Total                                                                                            42

Concentration I                                                                                 15 (including 9 advanced)

Concentration II                                                                                15 (including 9 advanced

Concentration III                                                                               15 (including 9 advanced)

Electives                                                                                             33 (including 18 advanced)

TOTAL                                                                                              120

 

    In addition to completing organized courses, we recommend that students complete a capstone experience that integrates the multidisciplinary coursework: a course with a service learning component, a professional internship experience related to their concentration, or an independent research project. This involvement combines academic classroom-based activities with practical and/or research experience.