BA, Interdisciplinary Studies

BA Degree Objectives

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies grants students a broad learning experience and a wider perspective than that provided by traditional undergraduate majors. This degree is designed to offer students the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary, academically sound, and goal-oriented education.

In addition to the shared Biblical Core and the robust General Education Core, students will work with their faculty advisor or with the dean of the college to craft a plan of study that is directly relevant to the student’s intellectual pursuits along with his or her career or ministry callings. The 30 hour Interdisciplinary Studies major must include at least 15 credit hours of selected upper level (300 or 400 level) classes.

Minors and double majors are not allowed with the Interdisciplinary Studies degree. In order to allow the degrees to be reflective of their intentionally broad base, no more than 21 hours of courses with the same prefix are allowed in the combined major requirements.

The Interdisciplinary track offers two different pathways to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Option 1: Designed for mature Christian students who are over 25 and come to MBTS with extensive college level learning in non-traditional frameworks, this option allows students to enroll in GS495 Portfolio as part of the curriculum in order to create portfolios of learning (DELAC) to demonstrate competency in the subject matter. Students are able to portfolio for up to 24 credit hours of the degree allowing them to make significant progress toward their degree.

Option 2: Students work with their faculty advisor to craft an individualized plan of study that is relevant for the student’s ministry or career calling.

The objectives for students graduating with the Bachelor of Arts degree are as follows:

1. Demonstrate an increased understanding of the Christian worldview in relation to the natural and social world
2. Demonstrate an increased understanding of the theological foundations of Christian ministry
3. Demonstrate increased competence in practical skills of Christian ministry such as information management, strategic decision-making, and communication
4. Demonstrate an enhanced foundation for subsequent formal and informal education.