Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (INS) degree is unique in both the Ontario college and university systems. The degree distinguishes itself from both a traditional liberal arts degree and an applied degree by combining the professional knowledge, skills and abilities traditionally associated with both college diplomas and degree programs with the breadth of a liberal arts education. The program’s curriculum also emphasizes the development of students’ transferable and information fluency skills.

The INS degree has been designed to meet different student needs and to address those needs with the traditional intimacy and student–centered focus of the college environment. It will allow students who have completed a college diploma program to fulfill the requirements of a degree program in two or two and a half years. It will also appeal to high school graduates who are looking for a program that provides a fusion of vocational knowledge and skills with the benefit of a liberal arts education, or those seeking personal or career advancement by completing a degree in their chosen field.

Program Learning Outcomes:

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to work in a specific vocational field related to a program offered by a College.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply this knowledge in theoretical situations.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply this knowledge in real situations.
• Demonstrate an understanding and ability to analyze information from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem-solving skills in academic and workplace settings.
• Select and apply current workplace technology as appropriate to a situation or problem.
• Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge regarding those disciplines traditionally regarded as fundamental to a liberal arts education.
• Solve complex problems by employing various disciplinary and interdisciplinary ideas, tools and techniques in innovative and integrative ways.
• Access, analyze and synthesize information, both quantitative and qualitative, from primary and secondary sources.
• Critically analyze the forces that shape values, ideas and societal circumstances, and present them in an academically structured, sustained and well-supported argument.
• Communicate ideas by selecting the most suitable medium for the message, audience, and purpose, speaking or writing clearly, concisely, cohesively and correctly.
• Work effectively and cooperatively as a team member, using appropriate strategies and taking initiative.
• Demonstrate an ability to evaluate a situation and make ethical and socially responsible decisions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning available through, for example, self-directed learning, team learning, web-based learning and career planning.

Essential Employability Skills:

Graduates of this program are also expected to demonstrate the essential employability skills learning outcomes as outlined on the Ministry of Training, College and Universities website.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics: any (U) level Mathematics
• Mature students (age 19 years or older) must submit proof of credits in the above subjects or their equivalent. In accordance with PEQAB requirements, this program has a minimal overall acceptable achievement for progression.

Scholarship opportunities are available for candidates with distinguished academic records in their high school careers. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to students based on merit and financial needs.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well–organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Fees

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Your Career

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program could be your path to a position in a competitive workforce or graduate level post–secondary education. As a graduate of the INS degree program, you’ll be able to work within a specialized professional field while bringing in experience and transferable skills acquired from interdisciplinary study. The degree will allow students who have completed a college diploma program to fulfill the requirements of a degree program in two or two and a half years. It is anticipated that graduates will find employment in their professional field or with employers who look for degree graduates, for example, in the following:

• community–based not–for–profit organizations
• education (school boards and universities)
• government (municipal, provincial, federal)
• financial services (banks, insurance companies)
• conservation authorities
• police forces
• retail

Academic Opportunities

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College degree program may be eligible for credit and admission to master’s programs at universities in Canada.

Co-operative Education

This degree program offers the advantage of a paid co–op work–term for all students. During the co–op placement, you will have the opportunity to become involved in real–life work experiences where critical thinking, problem–solving and interpersonal skills are used. This work experience will help you to improve your marketability as a professional in the field. The work–term is scheduled over the summer semester.

All students will complete a mandatory co–op work–term. Students will also take two mandatory subjects associated with this requirement: CPP600 (Co–op Professional Practice) in the semester preceding the co–op work–term, and CPP700 (Co–op Integration and Career Planning) in the semester following their first co–op work–term.

Turn Your Diploma Into A Degree

Students applying to this program who hold an Ontario advanced diploma (three–year program) from any Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology will be granted advanced standing for a maximum of two years. Up to 15 courses may be applied against the degree’s vocational component. Up to five courses will be assessed on an individual basis, depending on the program from which the student graduated.

Graduates of two–year college diploma programs (Ontario diploma) will be granted advanced standing for up to one and a half years. Up to 10 courses may be applied against the degree's vocational component. Up to five courses will be assessed on an individual basis and depend on the program from which the student graduated.

A 3.0 G.P.A. from a two–year diploma or three–year advanced diploma program is eligible for block transfer credits as outlined in the admissions process.

Prior University Experience

Those whose prior post–secondary experience includes university degree courses may be eligible for advanced standing credit which will be assessed on an individual basis and dependent on the previous program.

Degree Completion Requirements

Mandatory Courses:

• Communications – Minimum four courses. Three specified courses: ENG106, ENG206, LSP400; plus one upper–level communication elective course (300 or 400 level).
• Mathematics/Science – Minimum four courses. Three specified courses: INT100, INT200, and INX100; plus one upper–level Math/Science elective course (300 or 400 level).
• Humanities – Minimum three courses. Two specified courses: INW100 and INW200, each with on on–line component; plus one upper–level Humanities elective course (300 or 400 level).
• Social Science – Minimum three courses. Two specified courses: INS100 and INS200, each with an on–line component; plus one upper–level Social Science elective course (300 or 400 level).

Research Courses:

• Minimum four courses: INR300, INR301, INP400, and INP401.

Liberal Studies Options:

• Students will be required to complete four electives which can be applied to any of the mandatory categories

Professional Options:

• Minimum 15 courses in total selected from existing Seneca degree programs. A maximum of 10 courses can be at the lower–level and a minimum of 5 courses must be at the upper–level.

Sequence

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program is designed to meet the individual needs of students. Students enter the program with varying years of academic experience and as a result, will enroll in courses in accordance with their circumstances. For example, students could have completed a two– or three–year college diploma, both of which will require that courses be completed in a different manner. Similarly, a student who begins the program in Year One will complete courses in a different pattern. The only necessary sequence will be to meet the pre–requisite course requirements as stipulated in the calendar.

It is imperative for every student to meet with the program coordinator to determine the sequence of courses necessary to satisfy the degree requirements.

Curriculum

Direct Entry Student (Sample Curriculum Path):

For students with no previous post–seconday credits. Precise order of courses will be determined in conjunction with the program co–ordinator.

Note: Students must complete a minimum of 15 Professional/Vocational subjects. A maximum of 10 subjects can be at the lower (100/200) level and a minimum of 5 subjects must be completed at the upper (300/400) level.

College Diploma Graduate (Sample Curriculum Path):

For students who have graduated with a two–year Ontario college diploma and have received advanced standing for fifteen courses. Precise required courses and particular order will be dependent on previous college diploma and will be determined in conjunction with program coordinator. Advanced diploma graduates will follow a different pattern.

Seneca has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a 7-year term starting April 26, 2012. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

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