I was wondering...

How does the mdst major use mu courses?

The MDST major offers students the possibility of using existing Millersville University courses (or at consortia/partner institutions), along with additional upper-level courses (300-400 level), to craft an academically rigorous course of study to advance their educational and professional goals. 

The MDST major must not duplicate existing departmental majors found across the University. Thus, the first step in the process is to consult with the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor to ascertain the feasibility of your proposed course of study. 

how do i switch my major to an approved faculty-sponsored concentration?

You can switch to a faculty approved concentration using the same process as any other major. Use the student form "Academic Program Change Request" found by logging on to your MAX account. Be sure to pick the appropriate concentration. Follow up with the listed Faculty Advisors to ensure you receive accurate information about registration, classes, and other requirements.

when should i draft a mdst proposal?

Students should NOT wait until they are in a dire or desperate academic position to consider the MDST major and are encouraged to consult with the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor as early as possible. As you explore all major options at MU, think about your interests, skills/competence, and future goals. Where do you see yourself after MU?  

At an initial meeting, you and the advisor will discuss your academic and professional goals as well as your initial ideas for an MDST concentration. With the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor's guidance, you will be directed to two academic departments to meet with faculty members who have expertise in the two disciplines identified as Core 1 and Core 2 in your proposal. Working with these two faculty members and the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor, you will begin to craft your proposal (see Developing a MDST Program of Study for more information).  It is very likely that your proposal will undergo multiple drafts throughout this process. An example of excellent student-crafted MDST proposals can be found here.

how long does the mdst proposal process take?

Depending on the quality and viability of your initial proposal, your proposal should be reviewed within thirty (30) days.  MDST proposals require ongoing collaboration with faculty members across campus who consistently give feedback on proposals. Once your two academic advisors, the Department Chairs of the two disciplines in your two cores and the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor have signed off, then the proposal goes before the MDST Curriculum Committee for consideration. This Committee is comprised of nine faculty members from across the University. It is their task to examine your proposal to make sure that the proposal is aligned with the MDST guidelines and eventually vote on whether to approve the proposal.

Working with the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor and revising your proposal in a timely manner will help expedite the process. Keep in mind, the MDST Curriculum Committee meets once a month and suspends processing of proposals over the summer.

should i register for classes i want to use in my proposal, even if my proposal hasn't been approved?

Generally speaking, no. Until your MDST proposal has been approved through the curriculum approval process, there is NO GUARANTEE the courses you want to use can be used.  If you have outstanding General Education courses or need to repeat a class, you may want to register for those first. Always consult with your advisor and/or the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor to help make decisions that will affect your academic (and often financial) future.

Are there any requirements to maintain the MDST major?

You must maintain at least a 2.0 average in each of your Cores as well as a minimum 2.0 average overall to graduate with a MDST major.  If a student requests more than two (2) exceptions to their approved MDST program, a new proposal must be reviewed and approved by the MDST Curriculum Committee.

What other academic issues DO I need to consider while working on my proposal?

1. May graduates must have their proposals approved by the end of the preceding October, and December graduates must have their proposals approved by the end of the preceding March, with the understanding that if a proposal is held up in Committee, approval exceptions may be made.
2. MDST Committee meeting dates can be found on the MDST homepage. Final proposals must be submitted at least two weeks before a specific scheduled Committee meeting in order to be placed on the agenda for that meeting.

what if my proposal is 'rejected'?

Typically, proposals are not completely rejected, especially if they've been drafted in consultation with the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor. During the curricular process, your proposal may need revisions (narrative/rationale, course sequencing, general formatting) or you may be asked to join a curriculum meeting to offer additional insight.  The MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor works to ensure proposals aren't rejected, but sometimes the major is not the best option for some students. Should this be the case, the MDST Student Initiated Program Advisor will work with students to find appropriate alternatives prior to proposal submission.

what will my degree say at graduation?

Students will earn either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. Their chosen concentration will appear on the transcript. Students can also earn honors in the MDST major.

What can I do with a mdst degree?

Much like any other major, the MDST degree can be leveraged to enter a wide variety of fields and industries. You can showcase or explain the lessons you've learned, the skills you've developed, and the networks you've cultivated to use your degree for the future you want.