July 14-15, 2005

ITEM 128-1501-R0705  Approval of Proposal to offer a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies through the Graduate School; Montana Tech of The University of Montana.

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana Tech of The University of Montana to offer an Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies through the Graduate School; Montana Tech of The University of Montana.

EXPLANATION: Montana Tech of The University of Montana is requesting the ability to offer an Master of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through the Graduate School. The Master of Science program in Interdisciplinary Studies (IMS) allows students to work with faculty in the design of a graduate curriculum tailored to their unique academic, creative and professional objectives. Because of the unusual nature of this program, they carry a number of special admission and programmatic limitations that are described in this section. The student must seek out and identify a Program Committee of at least 3 university faculty from at least two different academic departments who are willing to serve. At least one committee member must be from a Master's Degree granting department of Montana Tech. Each discipline in the proposed interdisciplinary program must be represented on the Program Committee. In consultation with the chair and other members of the Program Committee, the applicant will develop a clear set of goals for their research program and curriculum plan, listing each course the student will take in the degree program. For the IMS, this degree plan should strike a rough balance of work among the various disciplines represented.