10. University College

The University College offers students the opportunity to realize their potential for academic success and ensure they have the opportunity to enrich their experience at the University through student development programs. The University College houses the Academic Inquiry and Scholarship, the Writing Program, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Programs. The University College also offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, the Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, and partners with other University offices to offer coursework that is accessible to students from all majors.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Multidisciplinary Studies is a multidisciplinary degree which allows students much flexibility in designing degree programs that relate to their personal academic and career goals. Students will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements and take a cohesive set of courses from three different disciplinary areas.

The B.A. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies is also offered in a 100 percent online format. Students pursuing the 100 percent online format must fulfill all degree requirements in the same manner as residential students. The following disciplinary areas are available to online students: Business, Data Science, Health, Sociology, and Communication. 

The Multidisciplinary Studies major permits an interdisciplinary approach to education, allowing students the opportunity to acquire a well-rounded educational background and problem-solving skills. The objectives of the program are to develop students that have a solid foundation in the content material of three different disciplines and are skilled in communication, critical thinking and analysis, investigating and solving problems, managing tasks, and relating to others. The program allows students to develop academic themes or topics that fall outside the usual disciplinary boundaries. The degree program will provide a vehicle to achieve baccalaureate degrees for those students whose interests lie in multiple areas.

This degree program is meant to encourage and support creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and integrative learning. The multidisciplinary nature of the program is designed to develop students’ ability to combine different fields into a structured format. Since the program involves coursework from departments across the University, it offers students opportunities to capitalize upon diverse personal interests and talents through a combination of study and academic experiences appropriate to meet their educational and long-term career goals.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree is 120, including Core Curriculum requirement hours. Thirty-nine of the 120 total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

Students receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies may not receive a double major or a minor.

All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.A. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements

First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)

All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AIS 1203Academic Inquiry and Scholarship3
AIS 1213AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning3
AIS 1223AIS: Arts and Humanities3
AIS 1233AIS: Business3
AIS 1243AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences3
AIS 1253AIS: Interdisciplinary Education3
AIS 1263AIS: Life and Health Sciences3
AIS 1273AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy3

Communication (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

WRC 1013Freshman Composition I3
WRC 1023Freshman Composition II3

Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

CS 1173Data Analysis and Visualization3
MAT 1023College Algebra with Applications3
MAT 1043Introduction to Mathematics3
MAT 1053Mathematics for Business3
MAT 1073Algebra for Scientists and Engineers3
MAT 1093Precalculus3
MAT 1133Calculus for Business3
MAT 1193Calculus for the Biosciences3
MAT 1214Calculus I4
STA 1053Basic Statistics3

Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

ANT 2033Introduction to Biological Anthropology3
AST 1013Introduction to Astronomy3
AST 1033Exploration of the Solar System3
BIO 1203Biosciences I for Science Majors3
BIO 1223Biosciences II for Science Majors3
BIO 1233Contemporary Biology I3
BIO 1243Contemporary Biology II3
CHE 1083Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter3
CHE 1093Introduction to Molecular Transformations3
ES 1113Environmental Botany3
ES 1123Environmental Zoology3
ES 1213Environmental Geology3
ES 2013Introduction to Environmental Science I3
ES 2023Introduction to Environmental Science II3
GEO 1013The Third Planet3
GEO 1033Geology of North American National Parks3
GEO 1123Life Through Time3
GES 2613Intro to Physical Geography3
PHY 1943Physics for Scientists and Engineers I3
PHY 1963Physics for Scientists and Engineers II3

Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AAS 2013Introduction to African American Studies3
AAS 2113African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues3
ANT 2063Language, Thought, and Culture3
ARC 1113Introduction to the Built Environment3
ARC 2423Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century3
CHN 1014Elementary Chinese I4
CLA 2013Introduction to Ancient Greece3
CLA 2023Introduction to Ancient Rome3
CLA 2323Classical Mythology3
CSH 1103Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I3
CSH 1113Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II3
CSH 1213Topics in World Cultures3
CSH 2113The Foreign Film3
ENG 2013Introduction to Literature3
ENG 2023Literature and Film3
ENG 2213Literary Criticism and Analysis3
ENG 2383Multiethnic Literatures of the United States3
ENG 2423Literature of Texas and the Southwest3
ENG 2443Persuasion and Rhetoric3
FRN 1014Elementary French I4
FRN 2333French Literature in English Translation3
GER 1014Elementary German I4
GER 2333German Literature in English Translation3
GES 1023World Regions & Global Change3
GLA 1013US in Global Context3
GRK 1114Introductory Classical Greek I4
HIS 2123Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century3
HIS 2133Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century3
HIS 2533Introduction to Latin American Civilization3
HIS 2543Introduction to Islamic Civilization3
HIS 2553Introduction to East Asian Civilization3
HIS 2573Introduction to African Civilization3
HIS 2583Introduction to South Asian Civilization3
HUM 2093World Religions3
ITL 1014Elementary Italian I4
ITL 2333Italian Literature in English Translation3
JPN 1014Elementary Japanese I4
LAT 1114Introductory Latin I4
MAS 2013Introduction to Chicano(a) Studies3
PHI 1043Critical Thinking3
PHI 2013Basic Philosophical Problems3
PHI 2023Introduction to Ancient Philosophy3
PHI 2033Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy3
PHI 2123Contemporary Moral Issues3
RUS 1014Elementary Russian I4
RUS 2333Russian Literature in English Translation3
SPN 1014Elementary Spanish I4
SPN 2333Hispanic Literature in English Translation3
WGSS 2013Introduction to Women’s Studies3
WGSS 2023Introduction to LGBTQ Studies3

Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AHC 1113Art History I3
AHC 1123Art History II3
ARC 1513Great Buildings and Cities of the World3
ARC 2413Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval3
ART 1103Introduction to Visual Arts3
BBL 2023Latino Cultural Expressions3
CLA 2033Introduction to Classical Literature3
DAN 2003Introduction to Dance3
HUM 2023Introduction to the Humanities I3
HUM 2033Introduction to the Humanities II3
HUM 2053History of Film3
MAS 2023Latino Cultural Expressions3
MUS 2243World Music in Society3
MUS 2633American Roots Music3
MUS 2653Music in Culture3
MUS 2663History and Styles of Jazz3
MUS 2673History and Styles of Rock3
MUS 2683History and Styles of Western Art Music3
MUS 2713History of Recorded Music3
MUS 2743Music and Film3
PHI 2073Philosophy of Art3

American History (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

HIS 1043United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era3
HIS 1053United States History: Civil War Era to Present3
HIS 2053Texas History3

Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

POL 1013Introduction to American Politics3
and one of the following two courses:
POL 1133Texas Politics and Society3
POL 1213Civil Rights in Texas and America3

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AMS 2043Approaches to American Culture3
ANT 1013Introduction to Anthropology3
ANT 2043Introduction to Archaeology3
ANT 2053Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
BBL 2003Language, Culture, and Society3
BBL 2243Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences3
BIO 1033Drugs and Society3
CRJ 1113The American Criminal Justice System3
ECO 2003Economic Principles and Issues3
ECO 2023Introductory Microeconomics3
EGR 1343The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society3
ES 1003Survey Topics in Environmental Studies3
GES 1013Fundamentals of Geography3
GES 2623Human Geography: People, Place, Culture3
HTH 2413Introduction to Community and Public Health3
HTH 2513Personal Health3
IDS 2113Society and Social Issues3
PSY 1013Introduction to Psychology3
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 2013Social Problems3
SOC 2023Social Context of Drug Use3

Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

COM 2113Public Speaking3
EGR 1403Technical Communication3
ENG 2413Technical Writing3
PAD 1113Public Administration and Policy in American Society3
PHI 2043Introductory Logic3
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement 3
Communication 6
Mathematics 3
Life and Physical Sciences 6
Language, Philosophy and Culture 3
Creative Arts 3
American History 6
Government-Political Science 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Component Area Option 3
Total Credit Hours 42

Degree Requirements

All candidates for the B.A. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies must complete the following 51 semester credit hours.

A. Multidisciplinary Studies Foundation Courses
Technology Requirement. Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Computer Programming I
Programming I for Computer Scientists
Data Analysis and Visualization
Introduction to Data Science
Programming for Data Science
Excel for Business Information Systems
Programming Languages I with Scripting
Communications Requirement. Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Communication
Business and Professional Speech
Public Speaking
Introduction to Mass Communication
Introduction to Digital Communication
Technical Writing
B. Multidisciplinary Studies Fields of Study
All candidates for the degree must select courses to satisfy the requirements of the following three focus areas based on three distinct disciplines:39
1. Focus Area One: 15 semester credit hours of courses within a single discipline, content area, or certificate program with at least 9 hours at the upper-division level.
2. Focus Area Two: 12 semester credit hours of courses within a single discipline, content area, or certificate program with at least 6 hours at the upper-division level.
3. Focus Area Three: 12 semester credit hours of courses within a single discipline, content area, or certificate program with at least 6 hours at the upper-division level.
Courses selected to satisfy a focus area must be approved by the Multidisciplinary Studies Program Director. Furthermore, the courses used to satisfy each focus area must be completed with at least a 2.00 grade point average. At least one focus area must be selected from a discipline offered by the College of Liberal and Fine Arts or the College of Sciences.
C. Multidisciplinary Studies Courses
MDS 2013Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies3
MDS 4983 Senior Seminar for Multidisciplinary Studies3
D. Free Electives27
All candidates for this degree must complete 27 semester hours of free electives, at least 15 of which must be at the upper-division level.
Total Credit Hours78

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Multidisciplinary Studies degree requirements. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1203 Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core) 3
HIS 1043
United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core)
or United States History: Civil War Era to Present
or Texas History
3
MDS 2013 Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
Mathematics (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
HIS 1043
United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core)
or United States History: Civil War Era to Present
or Texas History
3
CS 1063
Introduction to Computer Programming I
or Programming I for Computer Scientists
or Excel for Business Information Systems
3
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
Focus Area 1 lower-division course 3
Life & Physical Sciences (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
COM 1043
Introduction to Communication
or Business and Professional Speech
or Public Speaking
or Technical Writing
3
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
Focus Area 2 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 3 lower-division course 3
Life & Physical Sciences (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Focus Area 1 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 2 lower-division course 3
Creative Arts (core) 3
Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
Focus Area 1 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 2 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 lower-division course 3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (core) 3
Component Area Option (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Focus Area 1 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 2 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 upper-division course 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Focus Area 1 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 upper-division course 3
Free elective (upper division) 3
Free elective 3
Free elective (upper division) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
MDS 4983 Senior Seminar for Multidisciplinary Studies 3
Free elective 3
Free elective (upper division) 3
Free elective (upper division) 3
Free elective (upper-division) 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Bachelor of Science Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Multidisciplinary Studies allows students to develop a degree program around academic themes or niche areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Intelligence, Data Science, and Geoinformatics, that fall outside traditional disciplinary boundaries and helps support student achievement of their personal academic and career goals. Students will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements and take a cohesive set of courses from three different disciplinary areas, one of which must be housed in the College of Sciences, or the College of Engineering and Integrated Design, or be STEM oriented.

The objectives of the program are to develop students that have a solid foundation in the content material of three different disciplines and are skilled in communication, critical thinking and analysis, investigating and solving problems, managing tasks, and relating to others. The degree program will provide a vehicle for students whose interests lie in multiple areas.

Students selecting the Multidisciplinary Studies major will be expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

  1. Ability to gather information and demonstrate an understanding of concepts and principles from three different fields of study.
  2. Ability to apply concepts from three areas of focus and demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills in a capstone course.
  3. Ability to show through a final project that they have integrated different areas of study in order to examine a question, problem, or phenomenon.
  4. Ability to demonstrate communication and computer competencies.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree is 120, including Core Curriculum requirement hours. Thirty-nine of the 120 total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

Students receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies may not receive a double major or a minor.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements

First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)

All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AIS 1203Academic Inquiry and Scholarship3
AIS 1213AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning3
AIS 1223AIS: Arts and Humanities3
AIS 1233AIS: Business3
AIS 1243AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences3
AIS 1253AIS: Interdisciplinary Education3
AIS 1263AIS: Life and Health Sciences3
AIS 1273AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy3

Communication (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

WRC 1013Freshman Composition I3
WRC 1023Freshman Composition II3

Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

CS 1173Data Analysis and Visualization3
MAT 1023College Algebra with Applications3
MAT 1043Introduction to Mathematics3
MAT 1053Mathematics for Business3
MAT 1073Algebra for Scientists and Engineers3
MAT 1093Precalculus3
MAT 1133Calculus for Business3
MAT 1193Calculus for the Biosciences3
MAT 1214Calculus I4
STA 1053Basic Statistics3

Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

ANT 2033Introduction to Biological Anthropology3
AST 1013Introduction to Astronomy3
AST 1033Exploration of the Solar System3
BIO 1203Biosciences I for Science Majors3
BIO 1223Biosciences II for Science Majors3
BIO 1233Contemporary Biology I3
BIO 1243Contemporary Biology II3
CHE 1083Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter3
CHE 1093Introduction to Molecular Transformations3
ES 1113Environmental Botany3
ES 1123Environmental Zoology3
ES 1213Environmental Geology3
ES 2013Introduction to Environmental Science I3
ES 2023Introduction to Environmental Science II3
GEO 1013The Third Planet3
GEO 1033Geology of North American National Parks3
GEO 1123Life Through Time3
GES 2613Intro to Physical Geography3
PHY 1943Physics for Scientists and Engineers I3
PHY 1963Physics for Scientists and Engineers II3

Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AAS 2013Introduction to African American Studies3
AAS 2113African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues3
ANT 2063Language, Thought, and Culture3
ARC 1113Introduction to the Built Environment3
ARC 2423Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century3
CHN 1014Elementary Chinese I4
CLA 2013Introduction to Ancient Greece3
CLA 2023Introduction to Ancient Rome3
CLA 2323Classical Mythology3
CSH 1103Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I3
CSH 1113Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II3
CSH 1213Topics in World Cultures3
CSH 2113The Foreign Film3
ENG 2013Introduction to Literature3
ENG 2023Literature and Film3
ENG 2213Literary Criticism and Analysis3
ENG 2383Multiethnic Literatures of the United States3
ENG 2423Literature of Texas and the Southwest3
ENG 2443Persuasion and Rhetoric3
FRN 1014Elementary French I4
FRN 2333French Literature in English Translation3
GER 1014Elementary German I4
GER 2333German Literature in English Translation3
GES 1023World Regions & Global Change3
GLA 1013US in Global Context3
GRK 1114Introductory Classical Greek I4
HIS 2123Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century3
HIS 2133Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century3
HIS 2533Introduction to Latin American Civilization3
HIS 2543Introduction to Islamic Civilization3
HIS 2553Introduction to East Asian Civilization3
HIS 2573Introduction to African Civilization3
HIS 2583Introduction to South Asian Civilization3
HUM 2093World Religions3
ITL 1014Elementary Italian I4
ITL 2333Italian Literature in English Translation3
JPN 1014Elementary Japanese I4
LAT 1114Introductory Latin I4
MAS 2013Introduction to Chicano(a) Studies3
PHI 1043Critical Thinking3
PHI 2013Basic Philosophical Problems3
PHI 2023Introduction to Ancient Philosophy3
PHI 2033Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy3
PHI 2123Contemporary Moral Issues3
RUS 1014Elementary Russian I4
RUS 2333Russian Literature in English Translation3
SPN 1014Elementary Spanish I4
SPN 2333Hispanic Literature in English Translation3
WGSS 2013Introduction to Women’s Studies3
WGSS 2023Introduction to LGBTQ Studies3

Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AHC 1113Art History I3
AHC 1123Art History II3
ARC 1513Great Buildings and Cities of the World3
ARC 2413Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval3
ART 1103Introduction to Visual Arts3
BBL 2023Latino Cultural Expressions3
CLA 2033Introduction to Classical Literature3
DAN 2003Introduction to Dance3
HUM 2023Introduction to the Humanities I3
HUM 2033Introduction to the Humanities II3
HUM 2053History of Film3
MAS 2023Latino Cultural Expressions3
MUS 2243World Music in Society3
MUS 2633American Roots Music3
MUS 2653Music in Culture3
MUS 2663History and Styles of Jazz3
MUS 2673History and Styles of Rock3
MUS 2683History and Styles of Western Art Music3
MUS 2713History of Recorded Music3
MUS 2743Music and Film3
PHI 2073Philosophy of Art3

American History (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

HIS 1043United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era3
HIS 1053United States History: Civil War Era to Present3
HIS 2053Texas History3

Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)

Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:

POL 1013Introduction to American Politics3
and one of the following two courses:
POL 1133Texas Politics and Society3
POL 1213Civil Rights in Texas and America3

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

AMS 2043Approaches to American Culture3
ANT 1013Introduction to Anthropology3
ANT 2043Introduction to Archaeology3
ANT 2053Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
BBL 2003Language, Culture, and Society3
BBL 2243Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences3
BIO 1033Drugs and Society3
CRJ 1113The American Criminal Justice System3
ECO 2003Economic Principles and Issues3
ECO 2023Introductory Microeconomics3
EGR 1343The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society3
ES 1003Survey Topics in Environmental Studies3
GES 1013Fundamentals of Geography3
GES 2623Human Geography: People, Place, Culture3
HTH 2413Introduction to Community and Public Health3
HTH 2513Personal Health3
IDS 2113Society and Social Issues3
PSY 1013Introduction to Psychology3
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 2013Social Problems3
SOC 2023Social Context of Drug Use3

Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

COM 2113Public Speaking3
EGR 1403Technical Communication3
ENG 2413Technical Writing3
PAD 1113Public Administration and Policy in American Society3
PHI 2043Introductory Logic3
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement 3
Communication 6
Mathematics 3
Life and Physical Sciences 6
Language, Philosophy and Culture 3
Creative Arts 3
American History 6
Government-Political Science 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Component Area Option 3
Total Credit Hours 42

Degree Requirements

All candidates for the B.S. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies must complete the following 69 semester credit hours.

A. Multidisciplinary Studies Foundation Courses
Technology Requirement. Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Computer Programming I
Programming I for Computer Scientists
Data Analysis and Visualization
Introduction to Data Science
Programming for Data Science
Excel for Business Information Systems
Programming Languages I with Scripting
Communications Requirement. Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Communication
Business and Professional Speech
Public Speaking
Introduction to Mass Communication
Introduction to Digital Communication
Technical Writing
B. Multidisciplinary Studies Fields of Study
All candidates for the degree must select courses to satisfy the requirements of the following three focus areas based on three distinct disciplines:57
1. Focus Area One: 21 semester credit hours of courses within a single discipline with at least 9 hours at the upper-division level.
2. Focus Area Two: 18 semester credit hours of courses within a single discipline with at least 9 hours at the upper-division level.
3. Focus Area Three: 18 semester credit hours of courses within a single discipline with at least 9 hours at the upper-division level.
Courses selected to satisfy a focus area must be approved by the Multidisciplinary Studies Program Director. Furthermore, the courses used to satisfy each focus area must be completed with at least a 2.00 grade point average. At least one focus area must be selected from a discipline offered by the College of Sciences or the College of Engineering.
C. Multidisciplinary Studies Courses
MDS 2023Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies3
MDS 4983 Senior Seminar for Multidisciplinary Studies3
D. Free Electives9
All candidates for this degree must complete 9 semester hours of free electives, at least 6 of which must be at the upper-division level.
Total Credit Hours78

Course Sequence Guide for B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Multidisciplinary Studies degree requirements. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1203 Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core) 3
HIS 1043
United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core)
or United States History: Civil War Era to Present
or Texas History
3
CS 1063
Introduction to Computer Programming I
or Excel for Business Information Systems
3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
Mathematics (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
Focus Area 1 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 1 Lower-division course 3
Focus Area 2 lower-division course 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
COM 1043
Introduction to Communication
or Business and Professional Speech
or Public Speaking
or Technical Writing
3
Focus Area 1 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 2 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 3 lower-division course 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
MDS 2023 Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies 3
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
Focus Area 1 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 2 lower-division course 3
Focus Area 3 lower-division course 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Focus Area 1 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 2 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 upper-division course 3
Life & Physical Sciences (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
HIS 1043
United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core)
or United States History: Civil War Era to Present
or Texas History
3
Focus Area 1 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 upper-division course 3
Life & Phsyical Sciences (core) 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Focus Area 1 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 2 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 upper-division course 3
Social & Behavioral Sciences (core) 3
Creative Arts (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
MDS 4983 Senior Seminar for Multidisciplinary Studies 3
Focus Area 2 upper-division course 3
Focus Area 3 upper-division course 3
Component Area Option (core) 3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Certificate in Community Engaged Leadership

The Certificate in Community Engaged Leadership is open to all majors in the University. The certificate integrates coursework with experiential learning opportunities within UTSA, San Antonio, and Bexar County communities, in order to foster knowledge, understanding, skills, and virtues of community leaders.

Students pursuing the Certificate in Community Engaged Leadership must complete 15 semester credit hours:

A. Required course:
UCS 4013UTSA Advanced Engagement3
B. Service-learning/community engaged learning designated electives:12
12 semester credit hours of electives from service-learning designated courses or non-designated courses with the approval from the faculty, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in University College.
At least 6 of the 12 semester credit hours of electives must be earned from the service-learning designated courses. Approval of the non-designated courses as electives will be based on the service-learning hours and a requirement to complete a service-learning project.
C. Civic Engagement Summit or UTSA Undergraduate Research Showcase:
Participation in at least one Civic Engagement Summit, UTSA Undergraduate Research Showcase or other approved event.
Total Credit Hours15

Certificate in Legal Studies

The Certificate in Legal Studies is open to all majors in the University. The certificate offers courses to assist students hone their analytical reasoning, logic, and writing skills; give exposure to the law; and gain experiential learning, with the opportunity to develop the American Bar Association (ABA) recommended skills to pursue a legal education.

Students pursuing the Certificate in Legal Studies must complete 15 semester credit hours:

A. Required courses:9
Introductory Logic
Internship in Prelaw Studies
Internship in Politics and Law
Internship in Political Science
Writing Strategies for the Pre-law Student
Legal Research and Writing
B. Elective courses (listed by ABA recommended skills areas):6
1. Problem Solving
Legal and Philosophical Reasoning
2. Critical Reading
Critical Thinking
Political and Legal Anthropology
Introduction to Mathematical Economics 1
Introduction to Econometrics 1
Archer: Policy-Making Process
Principles of Marketing
Philosophy of Law
Ethics
Legal Analysis and Argumentation
Contemporary Continental Philosophy
3. Writing and Editing
Writing in Public and Professional Contexts
Specialized Technical & Professional Writing
Advanced Professional Writing
4. Oral Communication
Argumentation and Debate
Organizational Communication 1
Interpersonal Communication 1
5. Research
Honors Essay Writing
Introduction to Social Research
Legal Research and Writing
Independent Study in Prelaw
6. Organization and Management
Introduction to Leadership
7. Public Service and Promotion of Justice
Honors Service
Minorities and the Law
History of the Civil Rights Movement
International Human Rights
8. Relationship-building and Collaboration
Relationships
Social Cognition
9. Background Knowledge
Environmental History of the United States
10. Exposure to the Law
Substantive Criminal Law
Restorative Justice
Constitutional Criminal Procedure
Principles of Cyber Security
Construction Law
Environmental Law
Principles of Real Estate
International Law
National Security Law
Conflict, Law, and Security in Global Affairs
Cyber Law and Legal System
Human Resources Law 1
Administrative Law and Policy
The American Legal Process
The American Legal Process
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court
Constitutional Analysis
Trial and Appellate Advocacy
Jurisprudence
Jurisprudence
Campaign and Election Law
Campaign and Election Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Contracts
Constitutional Law I
Constitutional Law II
The Legislative Process
Torts through the Case Method
Federal Courts
Criminology
Special Education Law
Total Credit Hours15

Courses may offer skill development in more than one area, but are only listed once.

1

 Students need to complete the proper prerequisites to take these courses.

Certificate in Data Science 

The Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science is open to all undergraduate students at UTSA, including non-degree seeking students, regardless of their college or major. Applicants who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at UTSA have already met University requirements for admission. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at UTSA will be required to apply for admission to UTSA as a special undergraduate (non-degree-seeking) student and to indicate their intent to seek admission into a certificate program.  

The certificate is designed for individuals from all academic disciplines to build analytical and computational foundation to investigate data science problems. This certificate program is created to fill the industry need for more data-science capable professionals and to prepare individuals for a career in data science related fields. Individuals completing this certificate will gain the foundational data science knowledge as well as practical skills in data curation, data analytics, data visualization, data mining, and machine learning. The certificate is administered by the University College in conjunction with the School of Data Science. The certificate program is also offered in a 100 percent online format.

Students pursuing the Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science must complete 15 semester credit hours:

A. Required Courses:
DS 3023Statistical Analysis for Data Science3
DS 4003Introduction to Data Science3
DS 4013Programming for Data Science3
DS 4023Data Organization and Visualization3
DS 4033Data Mining and Machine Learning3
Total Credit Hours15

Data Science (DS) Courses

DS 1001. Data Science and AI for All. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Satisfactory performance on placement examination. The course is designed for students from all academic backgrounds to develop interests in data science and artificial intelligence. Introduction to the concept of analyzing data culled from a variety of sources, and understanding the methods of aggregating data, forming coherent queries, and building machine learning models to derive insights from data. Topics may include Python programming using Jupyter Notebook, R programming, text analysis, database, data analytics, and data visualization. Course Fee: LRDS $12.50.

DS 3023. Statistical Analysis for Data Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAT 1073 or the equivalent. Introduction to the scientific method; principles of sampling and experimentation; scales of measurement; exploratory data analysis; basic probability; models for discrete and continuous data; simple simulations and inferences based on resampling; fundamentals of hypothesis testing and confidence intervals; analysis of variance and linear regression model; tensors and matrices. The course will emphasize data analysis and interpretation and effective communication of results through reports or presentations within data science contexts. Course Fee: LRDS $37.50.

DS 4003. Introduction to Data Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAT 1073 or the equivalent. An introduction to foundational data science knowledge and life cycle. Focus areas on data visualization, data curation, ethics, and tools available for analysis will be covered. Course Fees: LRDS $37.50; DL01 $75.

DS 4013. Programming for Data Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAT 1073 or the equivalent. An introduction to data-driven programming emphasizing problem solving and critical thinking. Topics will focus on foundational computer programming concepts and skills. Course Fees: LRDS $37.50; DL01 $75.

DS 4023. Data Organization and Visualization. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: DS 3023, DS 4003, and DS 4013 or the equivalents. This course focuses on programming concepts, file input/output, and recursion that are involved in integrating, loading, processing, and transforming data from external sources for exploratory data analysis and visualization using data science software packages and APIs. Course Fees: LRDS $37.50; DL01 $75.

DS 4033. Data Mining and Machine Learning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in DS 4023. This course utilizes fundamental data science concepts to introduce in-depth analysis, data mining, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Topics may include clustering, classification, evaluation metrics, supervised and unsupervised learning, search algorithms, intelligent agents, and AI applications in select areas. Course fee: DL01 $75.

Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS) Courses

MDS 2013. Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies as an academic program. This course is required for the B.A. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. It provides foundational skills from various academic areas and methodologies for approaching complex issues across the disciplines. Students develop and apply critical thinking, problem solving, and effective oral and written communication skills to social, political, scientific, and civic problems. The course includes a capstone project in which students plan a program of study appropriate within the Multidisciplinary Studies degree. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRMS $37.50.

MDS 2023. Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies as an academic program. This course is required for the B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. This course integrates experiential learning opportunities with foundational skills from various academic areas and methodologies for approaching complex issues across the disciplines. Students develop and apply critical thinking, problem solving, and effective oral and written communication skills to scientific, engineering, technical, social, and civic problems. The course includes a capstone project in which students design and present the experiential learning project. Course Fees: LRMS $37.50; DL01 $75.

MDS 4911. Independent Study in Multidisciplinary Studies. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Program Director, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree.

MDS 4913. Independent Study in Multidisciplinary Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Program Director, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.

MDS 4933. Internship in Multidisciplinary Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator. Supervised experience relevant to the student’s program of study within selected community organizations. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of internship will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.

MDS 4983. Senior Seminar for Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Declared major in Multidisciplinary Studies and senior status. The seminar surveys topics in ethics, reinforces writing and communication skills through oral and written presentations and discussions, demonstrates student’s progress through a capstone portfolio, and culminates in a senior project approved by the instructor. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRMS $37.50.

Non-course Based Instruction (NCB) Courses

NCB 0502. Specialized Study for Math. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

This class requires co-enrollment in MAT 1023 for those students who are not exempted from the TSI and do not have a passing score on the TSI Math Assessment. This course provides the opportunity for students to review and practice just in time support of prerequisite and MAT 1023 topics. Students should be in a degree plan that requires MAT 1023. Course Fee: LRNC $24.50; DL01 $50.

NCB 0542. Specialized Study for MAT 1043 Corequisite. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

This class requires co-enrollment in MAT 1043 for those students who are not exempted from the TSI and do not have a passing score on the TSI Math Assessment. This course provides the opportunity for students to review and practice just in time support of prerequisite and MAT 1043 topics. Students should be in a degree plan that requires MAT 1043. Course Fee: LRNC $24.50; DL01 $50.

NCB 0552. Specialized Study for MAT 1053 Corequisite. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

This class requires co-enrollment in MAT 1053 for those students who are not exempted from the TSI and do not have a passing score on the TSI Math Assessment. This course provides the opportunity for students to review and practice just in time support of prerequisite and MAT 1053 topics. Students should be in a degree plan that requires MAT 1053. Course Fee: LRNC $24.50; DL01 $50.

NCB 0572. Specialized Study for MAT 1073 Corequisite. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

This class requires co-enrollment in MAT 1073 for those students who are not exempted from the TSI and do not have a passing score on the TSI Math Assessment. This course provides the opportunity for students to review and practice just in time support of prerequisite and MAT 1073 topics. Students should be in a degree plan that requires MAT 1073. Course Fee: LRNC $24.50; DL01 $50.

NCB 0602. Specialized Study for Writing and Reading. (2-0) 2 Credit Hours.

This class requires co-enrollment in WRC 1013 for those students who are not exempted from the TSI and do not have a passing score on the TSI ELAR Assessment (formerly the TSI Reading/Writing Assessments). This course provides the opportunity for students to review and practice composing, editing, and research in support of the WRC 1013 course. Course Fee: LRNC $24.50; DL01 $50.

University College Studies (UCS) Courses

UCS 2000. Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity. (0-0) 0 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to support students participating in research and scholarly activity at the undergraduate level. The course will provide students the opportunity to engage further into the research process by learning and applying research methods, analytical analysis, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

UCS 2003. Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to support students participating in research and scholarly activity at the undergraduate level. The course will provide students the opportunity to engage further into the research process by learning and applying research methods, analytical analysis, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

UCS 2011. UTSA Engage: A Service-Learning Experience. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Students will be engaged in a minimum of 15 hours of pre-approved, unpaid service in a non-profit or public sector organization in the San Antonio region. Coupled with their service experience will be an online learning environment that will engage students in readings on the nature of service, community engagement, social issues prevalent in the region, and other prompts to engage students in critical thinking and reflection. The service must be performed within the semester that a student is registered. A student may not use another course requirement to complete this credit, it must be an independent experience. A student may repeat the course once for additional credit with the service experience being at a different placement than their previous experience. Course Fee: DL01 $25.

UCS 2013. Career Engaged Learning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides understanding of how students can prepare for future careers now, connecting the classroom to the career. Topics explored will relate to the self and an understanding of how we communicate who we are to the world (including employers). This includes an understanding of how to network productively and create a professional story about one’s talents, skills, and competitiveness. This course will aid in success, self-efficacy, and agency to move students ahead in their career trajectory. This course will expose students to theory, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students are not required to have a declared major or chosen career path to take this course.

UCS 2033. Personal Career Planning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides knowledge of career development theories and decision-making models, current national and state-specific labor market trends, and provides career and occupational resources. Course includes opportunities for self-assessment and career assessment results, including interest, personality, values clarification inventories and skills identification as they relate to occupational choices. This course equips students with skills that help them make positive career decisions throughout their education at UTSA and their career trajectory. (Formerly COU 2103. Credit cannot be earned for both UCS 2033 and COU 2103).

UCS 3201. Graduate School Workshop. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

This course is designed to help students prepare for admission to graduate school and, particularly, for admission to Ph.D. programs. The course addresses a variety of pertinent topics, such as how one decides whether to attend graduate school, what type of graduate program one should select, how students can improve their chances of being admitted to the programs of their choice, how to choose select specific programs to apply to, how to prepare an effective application, and how to pay for graduate study. The course also will provide students with practical advice for preparing for the GRE. This course may be repeated for credit.

UCS 4000. Law School Experience I. (0-0) 0 Credit Hours.

The course is designed to introduce students to law school and the legal profession and strengthen their desire to pursue a law degree. Students will have the opportunity to: 1) take mock law school lectures to learn what is expected from them in law school, 2) learn about law school application and admissions, 3) understand the real cost of a law degree, 4) have an idea of different legal fields and career choices, and 5) network with law professionals as knowledgeable resources for students’ academic and professional legal career.

UCS 4013. UTSA Advanced Engagement. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

UTSA Advanced Engagement provides students with experiential and meaningful community-based learning opportunities in a real-world context to enrich the learning experience, develop skills of civic engagement/social responsibility and work alongside community partners/leaders to address social challenges. Students will learn theories and best practices from community-based initiatives across academic disciplines. Student will be required to work with a community partner to design, apply, reflect, evaluate and present the service-learning project. Capstone projects will be presented at either the Civic Engagement Summit, UTSA Undergraduate Research Showcase or other approved event.

UCS 4100. Law School Experience II. (0-0) 0 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to the elements of analytical reasoning and critical thinking, including the clear and precise use of language, deduction, induction, conditional reasoning, analogy, and logic, and to apply to principles of reasoning and logic in preparations for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Prerequisites are the completion of the two SLSPA 3-credit courses during Phase I, and concurrent enrollment in the two SLSPA 3-credit courses during Phase II.

UCS 4913. Independent Study in Prelaw. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Course designed for students to hone the skills needed for law school in case they decide to pursue a legal education. Students must do independent reading, research, discussion, and or writing on a prelaw topic under the direction of a faculty member of University College.

UCS 4933. Internship in Prelaw Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Course designed to serve as a pre-professional experience for students who may want to attend law school. The internship will provide students a learning experience at a law firm, in a legal department of a corporation, government agency, or non-profit organization. The internship course will be under the direction of a faculty member of University College.