Directed Interdisciplinary Studies (D.I.S.)

Introduction to the DIS program

The Directed Interdisciplinary Studies (DIS) degree is for undergraduates who want to pursue an area of scholarly/creative inquiry that falls outside the established departmental structure and existing degree programs at MSU. The DIS degree integrates at least three academic disciplines, as identified by the student and approved by the student’s Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC). A "discipline" can be a current program offered at MSU, but it need not be: disciplines can span departments and/or include courses or programs at other institutions.

The FAC members will represent the student's academic disciplines and will work collaboratively with the student and DIS Director to design and approve coursework and an independent research or creative project to address the intersection of the student’s interests. Each DIS degree curriculum has the potential to be uniquely suited to each individual student. The student, with approval by the FAC, will determine whether the degree will be designated as a B.S. or a B.A., depending on the specific combination of academic disciplines for their degree.

The DIS program is not intended as an exploratory experience for students who are undecided about choosing a major: rather, the program is for independently-driven students who have a vision of their future that requires interdisciplinarity. Such a skill set can be highly valuable for futures in entrepreneurship, leadership, medical school, law school, and many other interdisciplinary fields. We expect students graduating with a D.I.S degree to have cultivated the following (outcomes of the DIS program):

1. Learn three specific technical skills related to disciplines of focus
2. Use consilience to solve complex interdisciplinary problems
3. Build project management skills
4. Communicate and collaborate across disparate communities
5. Develop a professional network
6. Produce a professional, scholarly product related to the DIS project

Information for Prospective D.I.S. students

Students may formally apply for admission to the DIS program no earlier than the second semester of their freshman year. Students interested in pursuing a DIS degree are encouraged to schedule a meeting to discuss their plans with the DIS Program Director: Mr. Steven Davis, Honors College Assistant Dean, steven.davis2@montana.edu 

Current DIS students (in progress)

Requirements of a DIS Course Curriculum:

A minimum of 120 semester credit hours are required for graduation.

• 30 credit hours per academic discipline are required for a minimum of 90 semester hours of  DIS coursework, with a minimum of 15 credits in each discipline at the Upper Division level (300 or 400).  Honors Upper-Level Seminars may be included in the DIS curriculum.
• HONR 201US and HONR 202IH (Texts and Critics: Knowledge and Imagination) or HONR 301US (Text and Critics for transfer students or students who enter the program late in their academic careers) are required.
• 8 credit hours devoted to the DIS Research/Creative Project (HONR 490R) are required with at least 1 credit taken in the student’s last semester before graduation. 
• Upon successful completion of their thesis defense, students will be required to present their DIS Research/Creative Project in a public forum.

The Course Plan must be designed and approved by the FAC. Students will not be awarded a DIS Degree unless they have also satisfied the Montana State University Core Curriculum requirements.

To Apply:

The DIS degree is open to all students at Montana State University. To apply for admission, students must submit an academic transcript (3.5 minimum GPA) and two letters of recommendation attesting to the motivation of the applicant and their ability to work independently, along with the essay questions and Research/Project Proposal (all below). Successful applicants will be granted admission to the Honors College at Montana State University.

• Meet with the DIS Director and your FAC
  • Finalize Course Plan based on FAC advice
  • Adjust Project Proposal based on FAC recommendation
• Submit all parts of the application to honors@montana.edu, including
  • Current academic transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation, sent directly to honors@montana.edu.
  • DIS Application Form signed by FAC members
  • DIS Course Plan Worksheet

Application materials are due March 1st as a priority deadline. Applications will be reviewed by the Honors College Advisory Committee. Students will be admitted based on the strength of their written application, academic record, letters of recommendation and personal interview. If students are not selected for the DIS program, they may reapply at any time.

Information for Current DIS students

Once accepted, students must complete a DIS Contract, and all DIS students are expected to attend regular DIS meetings with the DIR Director. To help stay on track, students can consult DIS Student Checklist.

To register for courses, students receive their PIN from the Honors College office.

If a course change must be made to the planned curriculum for a justified reason, such as course availability, students must complete the DIS Course Amendment Form, for approval by the DIS Director and faculty advisor in that discipline.

Prior to graduating, students should submit their project thesis to their FAC and Director, to be reviewed prior to scheduling a defense presentation. The defense presentation is an opportunity to discuss your project in a flexible format to a general audience, and should be available to the public. Please communicate with the DIS Director prior to scheduling a defense.

Information for Faculty Advisors

• The role of a Faculty Advisor can vary widely, based on the specific advising needs of the student. For example, all advisors do not need to be heavily involved in the student's project.
• During the application process, Faculty Advisors should help the student refine their project with milestones, assessments, and clear deliverables. The advisors should also help design a curriculum sufficient to complete the proposed project.
• Each semester, the student is responsible for arranging a meeting with their FAC to discuss progress, setbacks, and any necessary amendments to the curriculum or project.
• In the student’s final semester, they will present their project at a defense, which should be open to the public. Faculty advisors are expected to attend.

Contact

Please contact the Honors College for any questions about the DIS program (honors@montana.edu).

DIS Year 0 Report

DIS Annual Program Assessment Report

DIS 7 Year External Review

DIS Graduates