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Multidisciplinary Studies
Online BA, BS

Design your degree

Create a degree as unique as your goals. The Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS) online degree completion program lets you combine courses across disciplines to build a customized path aligned with your career ambitions and life experiences. For students with previous college credits, it’s a great way to take advantage of what you’ve already earned while building a focused, goal-driven academic plan. Start early to take full advantage of the program’s flexibility!

Getting started

Once you've completed 15 or more college credits with a GPA of 2.50 or higher, you can apply directly to the MDS online program. This applies to both current UMass Dartmouth students looking to transition into the program and those transferring from another institution.

Transferring to UMassD

With our generous transfer policy, students with existing credits may transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution.

  • Submit official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities for which you enrolled in course.
  • Submit a two to three page MDS proposal outlining your academic goals and interests based off the work you have completed and/or the interests that you desire to pursue.

  • Work directly with Director of Multidisciplinary Studies program to design your own program of study
  • Value and affordability of a UMass education
  • Generous transfer policy
  • Free online and in-person tutoring and writing center

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Multidisciplinary Studies Online BA, BS program? Below are answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

No, first-year students cannot apply directly to the MDS online program. Instead, you’re encouraged to begin in a program closely related to your interests to build a strong academic foundation before transitioning into the MDS online program.

Whether you’re a current UMass Dartmouth student or transferring from another institution, you can apply directly to the MDS online program once you’ve earned at least 15 college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.50. If you are a current UMass Dartmouth student, you'll need to fill out the change of programs form.

Your diploma will indicate a BA in Multidisciplinary Studies or a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies.

The key difference between the two programs is the types of courses that are required to meet the program requirements. The BS requires students to complete advanced coursework in science, mathematics, and/or engineering courses. Students completing the BA have greater flexibility in completing their major requirements. 

Students may earn a BA or a BS degree depending on how the program is designed. Classes, studios, and laboratories from previous college/university work may be included as part of the program of study.

MDS proposals are typically two to three pages long.

Like all other UMassD studies, MDS majors must complete the University Studies requirements. In addition, MDS majors must complete the college requirements of at least one of the UMass Dartmouth colleges. This is typically the college in which you undertake the majority of your MDS coursework.