Interdisciplinary Programs

Biochemistry Major
(See Chemistry Department)

International Studies Major
(See International Studies Department)

Liberal Arts and Sciences Major
(See Liberal Arts program site)

Science Technologist Major
(See Clinical Sciences Department)

Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental/Pre-physician/Pre-chiropractic Major
(See Preprofessional program site)

Environmental Science
(See Environmental Science program site)

Secondary Education General Science Major

The Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Education, Geography, Physics, and the Seaborg Center cooperatively offer a general science major for students interested in certification to teach general science at the secondary school level. All secondary education students are advised by the Seaborg Center faculty.

General science majors must minor in one of the following secondary education areas:

• Biology Education
• Chemistry Education
• Earth Science Education
• Physics Education

All students majoring in general science must complete the State of Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) subject examinations in two areas: the science examination and the appropriate subject examination of the minor option selected for endorsement on one's teaching certificate–either biology, chemistry, physics or earth science.

Secondary Education Industrial Technology
(See Industrial Technology Department)

Secondary Education Social Studies Major

The secondary education social studies major consists of two courses–three semester hours each, minimum–in each of the following four required areas: economics, geography, history, and political science. The additional credits comprising the 36 required hours may be accumulated by taking courses in any one or more of the four required areas. One course must be at the 300-400 level. Although advisement is provided by the History department, students must meet the criteria for admission and retention in the Teacher Education program (see Education).

Social Science Major

The Departments of Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology and Social Work cooperate to offer a major in social science. Areas of concentration correspond with departments: economics, geography, history, and political science and sociology. Advisement is provided to students by the department selected as the concentration.

Sports Science Major
(See Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department)

Technical Communications Major

This major is tailored to meet the needs of contemporary technical communicators, so students will take courses emphasizing both the practical applications of the major (such as graphic arts, writing, and desktop publishing) and courses dealing with the theoretical considerations implicit in an ever-evolving, technological workplace (such as global communications, message design, and argumentation). Because a variety of minor options will complement this major, students may select a minor, in consultation with an adviser, which best suits individual needs. The departments of Art and Design, Communication and Performance Studies, and English and the Walker L. Cisler College of Business co-operative provide student advisement.

Water Science Major

This curriculum includes the credit hour equivalent of a major plus a minor. This program is for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in oceanography, limnology, water chemistry, aquatic biology, or environmental science. The program also prepares students for state, federal, and industrial positions related to water pollution and water quality. Students should apply to the Department of Biology or Chemistry for an adviser.

Business Administration Minor
(See Walker L. Cisler College of Business)

Cluster Minors

Cluster minors developed with course work from two or more departments outside the student's major are interdisciplinary. Cluster minors are available only for those majors which have received approval from the Committee on Undergraduate Programs and are so indicated in the department's section of the bulletin. Students opting for cluster minors must have the cluster approved in writing on the appropriate form, and forwarded to the Degree Audits Office during their junior year of study. Forms are available from the major department, and must receive approval from all departments who offer courses included in the cluster.

Gender Studies Minor

Explores the meaning and significance of gender in human experience from an interdisciplinary perspective. It combines the perspectives of women’s studies, feminist studies, lesbian and gay studies, queer studies, and men’s studies to give a broad perspective on domains such as gender roles, sexuality and social status. The interdisciplinary focus of this minor provides students with an appreciation of the diversity of approaches to studying gender, and the opportunity to integrate these approaches for a deeper understanding of the role of gender in society. Competency in both gender issues and the complex dominance and subordination effects of gender roles will help prepare students for both graduate training and employment.  More Information on the Gender Studies Minor.

Group Science Minor
(See Chemistry Department)

Human Services Group Minor
(See Psychology Department)

Native American Studies Minor
(See Center for Native American Studies)

Religious Studies Minor
(See Philosophy Department)