Associate of Science

Multidisciplinary Studies Degree

Increase your opportunities for success in the workplace with this versatile online associate degree program.


Increase your opportunities for success in the workplace with this versatile online associate degree program.

Learn Online

Multidisciplinary Studies Degree

Build resume-boosting skills with an online Associate Degree that works.

Employers want to hire people who can solve problems, make good decisions, work in teams and communicate effectively. In the online multidisciplinary studies degree program, you’ll gain these skills as you build expertise in critical areas – from technology fundamentals to management and leadership. Master workforce skills that can be applied in many different fields – and see your career possibilities grow.

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A worthwhile investment in your career and your future.

Wondering if a college degree is worth the investment? With a multidisciplinary studies associate degree, every online course is designed to benefit your career—no matter what field you end up in. You can rest assured that you’re making a good investment in your future.

No major? No problem.

You may not be ready to choose a college major. That’s okay. The online AS degree in multidisciplinary studies allows you to keeping moving forward in your education, while figuring out what topics really capture your interest. Learn skills that will help you both immediately and in your future.

Move right into your bachelor’s degree.

The Bellevue University Associate of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies can put you on a fast track to your bachelor’s degree. In fact, by the time you earn your associate degree online, you’ll be nearly halfway through your bachelor’s degree. Transfer your associate degree credits into a Bellevue bachelor’s program and earn the bachelor’s degree of your choice, sooner.

Get a head start with an associate degree online.

Courses

What You’ll Learn

  • Communicate ideas, theories, and positions with clarity.
  • Compare and contrast the perspectives of two or more academic disciplines or fields.
  • Apply the perspectives of two or more academic disciplines or fields to significant questions or problems.
  • Model components of professionalism and responsible citizenship.

Multidisciplinary Studies Degree Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Requirements (60 credit hours)

The Associate Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies has three components: The Framework (9 credit hours), the Integrative General Education core (27 credit hours), and the Multidisciplinary Studies Major (24 credit hours).

Framework Courses

(9 credit hours)

The Framework includes three courses that help you gain the knowledge and develop the fundamental skills for succeeding in the program.

All students majoring in Multidisciplinary Studies must complete the 3 Framework courses.

Required Courses

This course provides a welcome to college learning, introduces information about academic support services, and focuses on the skills necessary for student development and success. Topics such as time management, learning styles, study skills, and writing techniques are taught and practiced through interactive modules and activities for academic and real-life application.

Introduction to Algebra is designed to prepare students to be successful in MA 101 (Intermediate Algebra). Topics include whole numbers, integers, fractions and mixed numbers, decimals, ratios and proportions, percents, algebraic expressions, linear equations and the rectangular coordinate system. Students also learn to graph one- and two-variable equations. The real-life application of each topic will be emphasized through the course.

EN 100 is the introductory course in the English sequence courses designed to improve writing and critical thinking. The course introduces students to habits of mind, thinking/writing process, rhetorical strategy, and selected writing techniques to publish an essay, all of which are applicable in communicating, decision-making, problem-solving, and life-long learning. EN 100 stresses growth and improvement: getting better through self-evaluation, learning community exchanges, and instructor feedback to foster confidence as writers. EN 100 cannot be taken as an elective if EN 101 has been successfully passed.

Integrative General Education Courses

(27 credit hours)

General Education courses help form the basis for academic study in all fields and establish a strong platform for lifelong learning.

All students majoring in Multidisciplinary Studies must complete courses in the following Integrative General Education categories:

Basic Communication (9 credit hours)

(Choose one of the two following courses:)

Like its foundational sequence course, EN 101 emphasizes critical thinking and writing improvement. Students exercise analytical habits of mind, rhetorical strategy, and thinking/writing process to approach writing situations, to publish an analytical essay. The course stresses growth as thinkers and writers through self-evaluation, learning community exchanges, and instructor feedback to improve and gain confidence as writers. Strategies and techniques learned in this English sequence course will prepare students for EN 102 and also for writing in other coursework, workplaces, and society.

This course examines the universal search for happiness. Readings on the state of happiness from personal, popular, professional, scientific, and literary perspectives provide opportunity for inquiry and for the acquisition and refinement of writing skills.

(Choose one of the two following courses:)

EN 102 is the last course in the English Composition sequence. Like other sequence courses, EN 102 emphasizes critical thinking and writing improvement. Students apply the analytical habits of mind, rhetorical strategy, and the thinking/writing process learned in earlier courses to produce a research-based argument essay. Throughout the course, students assess growth and make adjustments to improve thinking and writing through honest self-evaluation, critical exchanges within community of writers, and instructor feedback. The habits of mind, rhetorical strategy, thinking/writing process, discourse in community, and self-improvement are designed to prepare students as confident life-long learners in academics, professions, and society. This course offers instruction in the methodology of research and applies summary, critique, and synthesis in the construction of a research-based essay. Prerequisite: EN 101 or equivalent.

This course offers the opportunity to research various predictions about future trends in technology, business, education, family, and relationships to assess the likelihood and desirability of these trends. The view of writing as a process of inquiry and discovery informs all the written work in the class. Prerequisites: EN 101 or EN 111

AND

This course will help the student develop and apply the skills necessary to design and deliver an effective and well-organized speech to a live audience. The course provides instruction in the preparation and delivery of various speech types while developing competencies in the areas of critical thinking, organization of thought, creativity, planning, and public speaking.

OR
CA 103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication, transfer credit (3 credits)

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

(Choose one of the following courses:)

This course presents the real number system and its properties, linear equations and inequalities and their graphs, systems of equations and inequalities and their application in problem solving, polynomials and rational expressions, and radical equations. Prerequisite: MA 100 or placement via ALEKS Placement Exam

This course is designed to help students build foundational problem solving and reasoning skills that they can apply in various aspects of everyday life. Topics include: logic, finance, consumer math, probability, basic statistical and algebraic concepts, and various other applied topics in math. This course is best suited for students who are either pursuing a major in a non-math related field or who are pursuing a major that does not require a math course as part of its core requirements. Prerequisite: MA100 or placement via ALEKS Placement Exam

OR
Any 100 or 200 level Mathematics course (excludes MA 100 and MA 140-Business Math)

Technology (3 credit hours)
Human Behavior (3 credit hours)

The application of the scientific method to the study of society and of human behavior and mental processes. Choose one course at the 100 or 200 level from the following areas:

Human Civilization (3 credit hours)

The study of the changes in and varieties of culture—a society’s practices, beliefs, and values—from prehistoric to contemporary times. Choose one course at the 100 or 200 level from the following areas:

Human Thought & Expression (3 credit hours)

The use of reason to speculate on the nature of reality and the study of the means by which human beings communicate their understanding of their times and use symbol systems to create meaning and share it across time. Choose one course at the 100 or 200 level from the following areas:

Natural Science (3 credit hours)

The application of the scientific inquiry to the study of physical processes. Choose one course at the 100 or 200 level from the following areas:

Major Courses

(24 credit hours)

Students majoring in Multidisciplinary Studies will select at least two courses from each of the following categories: Analytical/Quantitative Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Technology Skills, and Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership.

Workforce Development Emphasis

Quantitative, Problem-Solving, and Technology Skills (6 credit hours)

(Select two)

Course selections must be beyond those already taken to fulfill other requirements.

This course introduces software, hardware and operating systems concepts. Topics include fundamentals of computer technology; installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware; and basic networking. Course topics align with the CompTIA A+ Essentials certification.

Skills learned in this course include:

  • CompTIA A+
  • Computer Hardware
  • Expansion Cards
  • Flash Memory
  • Motherboard
  • Operating Systems
  • Peripheral Devices
  • Storage Devices
  • Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
  • Wireless Networks

Digital Media Storytelling is designed to provide students a foundational understanding and application of incorporating various elements into a digital presentation. Students will learn to use digital media and design applications to integrate video, photography, audio narration, graphics, and layout to create digital stories.

This course introduces software, hardware and operating systems concepts for the beginner. Topics include fundamentals of computer technology; basic installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware; and basic computer use.

This course introduces best practices on how users should secure information and information technology. Topics include the protecting of sensitive and private information, social media and online accounts, and computers and mobile devices. In addition, students will learn about the dangers of poor data security, credit/debit card fraud, the threats of malware and ransomware, unethical security practices, and other unsafe computer habits that may adversely impact organizational operations, assets, individuals, or other organizations.

This course introduces the use of Microsoft Office 365™. Students will learn file management, including saving to the Cloud and to local devices. Hands-on assignments will help students become proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as other productivity applications. Additionally, students will gain experience with collaborative applications.

This course explores the practical application of technology tools that facilitate creating and communicating information in a digital environment. Topics include the creation of basic documents, presentations, videos and web pages. This course also covers social networks, digital research, online collaboration, communication etiquette, online privacy and security.

This course provides an introduction to problem solving and computer programming using the language Python. Students will analyze problems, design and implement solutions and assess the results. Topics include fundamental programming constructs such as variables, expressions, functions, control structures and lists. Emphasis is placed on numerical and data analysis for informed decision making. Prerequisite: None

New course description This course introduces fundamental technologies used in information systems. Students will develop a foundation in cybersecurity by learning the fundamental concepts behind cybersecurity. In addition, students will learn cybersecurity principles used in the design of systems to protect information and assets against persistent and constantly evolving threats.

This course is an introduction to the field of data science and the skills required to be a data scientist. The course explores the basics of data science including: vocabulary, common programming languages, data visualization, presentations, data analysis, the history of information, data ethics, and the data science process. Students should have a better understanding of how they generate data and how data science impacts them as a consumer of this information. Prior programming experience is not needed for this course.

This course is a study of the behavior of the macroeconomy, including the causes and consequences of inflation, unemployment, and the business cycle. Monetary, fiscal, and “supply side” policies for dealing with macroeconomic problems are examined. Prerequisites: Basic college level ability in English, logic, and mathematics

This course provides an introduction to the area of Microeconomics. This introduction assists students in achieving a practical understanding and ability to apply economic concepts, theories, and practices relevant to the understanding of our economy. The course investigates the economic behavior of consumers, businesses and government. Emphasis is placed on price and output determination under various market structures and on the entrepreneurial competitive process. Prerequisites: Basic college level ability in English, logic, and mathematics

This course explores methods for generating original solutions to creative problems faced in graphic design. The importance of research and research methods is also emphasized. Prerequisite: None

This course analyzes the fundamental elements and principles of design necessary to solve graphic design problems. Topics including various elements and principles are studied and practiced. Problem solving and critical thinking are developed through discussions and exercises.

This course introduces students to key Adobe software applications. The course addresses the individual tools each application offers, techniques associated with each tool or set of tools, and the proper application of each technique. Students will also be familiarized with various skills necessary for a designer including time tracking, invoicing, and contracts. Prerequisite: None

This course provides the theoretical basis and problem-solving experience needed to apply the techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyze quantitative data, and to improve decision making over a wide range of areas. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, linear regression, data gathering methodologies and probability, as well as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one and two samples. Use of technology in solving and interpreting statistical problems is emphasized. Prerequisite: MA 101 or placement via ALEKS Placement Assessment

In today's business environment, critical thinking is essential for effective problem solving and decision making. This course applies critical thinking to assess problems, evaluate solutions, and appraise risks. Students explore a variety of problem solving and decision-making processes and apply these to individual business problems.

Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership (6 credit hours)

(Select two)

This course is an introduction to accounting concepts and the elements of financial statements including basic accounting vocabulary and analysis of business transactions from an accounting viewpoint. Students will be required to recognize, record, and classify new accounting data. Emphasis is placed on corporate accounting. Introductory financial statement analysis and interpretation are also covered. Prerequisite: none

Students evaluate and determine appropriate goals of individuals relative to their life cycle and acquire knowledge of key financial concepts and related products that can be applied to optimize personal financial wellbeing. Specific elements of the course include goal making, financial record keeping, and managing decisions associated with credit, taxation, insurance, investments, and estate management.

This course introduces business and non-business students to entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process and explores its significance in the competitive global economy. Students examine the characteristics of an entrepreneur and the skills necessary to identify opportunities in the marketplace. Students also explore creativity and innovation as key components driving success not only in new ventures, but also in existing organizations. Other topics include forms of business ownership and the importance of a business plan in directing a new company and attracting investors.

This course examines the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, and techniques of management by integrating classical and modern perspectives with real-world experiences. Students are introduced to both traditional and contemporary views along the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Management domains such as business ethics, business law, international management, organizational behavior, human resource management, operation management, organizational development and change, entrepreneurship, management information systems, and strategic management are also introduced, and their implications on students’ careers as managers are explored.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of marketing. It covers the current marketing concepts and practical applications that will include the functions of product, price, place, promotion, and positioning. Additional emphasis will be given to multicultural and global marketing in the United States and internationally.

This course introduces foundational communication skills for business and professional situations. Emphasis is placed on the skills of developing effective workplace relationships, collaborating with others in groups and teams, and presenting information to meet audience needs.

This course focuses on emotional intelligence as it relates to the workplace. Emphasis is placed on developing and leveraging emotional intelligence competencies.

Cultural differences have profound effects on communication. This course examines communication challenges that arise from cultural diversity and explores ways to effectively address those challenges to create more inclusive workplace environments.

This course explores fundamental project management concepts, processes, and knowledge areas. Discussion includes aligning projects with organizational processes and strategies to achieve business goals and objectives, comparative analysis, introduction to risk, and the fundamentals of financial management.

To effectively manage a successful business and lead a team of productive employees requires evidence of strong management and leadership skills. Management includes planning, prioritizing, organizing, controlling and evaluating the factors that impact sales, margin and inventory performance. Management also includes an understanding of the leader-manager role in articulating and forwarding organizational goals.

The course introduces learners to the study of leadership, the role of the leader in business contexts and the skills necessary to create strong morale and lead team performance.

This course examines structures of personal and social experiences like care, kindness, self-esteem, and authenticity as the basis for self-discovery and ethical action. Students are introduced to a wide range of contemporary frameworks, including existentialism and feminism, to help them develop the ability to identify their own ethical values and reflect critically on their foundations.

This course is an introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250

This course provides students with a broad, general introduction to the field of sociology, its approaches to social life, and how this knowledge can be applied to improving the quality of individual life and society. Basic principles of sociology are introduced: investigating social behavior, culture, institutions, social interactions, social inequality, and social change.

Additional Requirements (12 credit hours)
Twelve additional credit hours are required to complete the major. Select four additional courses from the Major Courses (Course selections must be beyond those already taken to fulfill other major requirements). Talk to your Student Coach to see how transfer credit hours, approved workforce training, or a combination of these might help meet this requirement.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.

Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.

  • Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
  • You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.

Finish Faster

See how credit transfer works >

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*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.

See how you’ll build a foundation for college and your career with a multidisciplinary studies associate degree.

Format

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

Ready to take the next step?

Tuition & Financial Aid

It’s more affordable than you think.

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

Associate Degree

$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)

Only pay for the credits you need.

Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.

Get help with financial aid.

Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.

Learn more about financial aid >

Reach out to admissions staff for your personalized look at tuition costs.

Admissions

Removing barriers to the education you deserve.

College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:

To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:

  • Official high school transcript
  • GED certificate
  • Homeschool letter of completion
  • Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
  • Self-certification on application.

You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:

  • Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
  • If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
  • A one-time $50 application fee
  • Note:
    • International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
    • Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.

Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >

You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:

  • Submitting transcripts from past institutions
  • Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement

If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:

  • A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
  • Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
  • Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.

Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.

  • Get your questions answered about the Multidisciplinary Studies Degree
  • Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
  • Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities

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