Multidisciplinary Studies, B.M.D.S. (MDS)
Combine three minors to create a customized major that fits your interests and goals.
"As an aspiring attorney, the MDS program provided me with a strong foundation that will aid me in viewing the law and legal matters from historical, sociological, and political perspectives. This will, in turn, help me to become a well-rounded attorney."
Athen Walton
2024 MDS graduate
About the Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies
Career paths and academic interests often go beyond the limits of traditional majors.
With a Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies (MDS) degree, students combine three minors to form one degree. MDS allows students to create a personalized approach to their education and develop a multi-faceted skillset—all while earning an adaptive four-year degree.
Whether you're aiming for graduate school—such as medical school, law school, or an MBA program—or exploring diverse fields like economics, secondary education, or entrepreneurship—this versatile degree puts you in control of your future.
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Program Information
Degree
B.M.D.S. in Multi-Disciplinary Studies
Emphases
3+3 Law (optional)
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
School
Duration
4 years (less with transfer credit)
Multi-Disciplinary Studies Director
MDS gives you the flexibility to explore multiple fields while honing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Building a multi-disciplinary foundation allows you to thrive in a complex, ever-changing job market. I invite you to explore the possibilities and take charge of your education in a way that truly reflects your goals.
Andrew Pfrenger
Instructional Assistant Professor and Director of Multi-Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Studies
Did You Know?
Choose from over 90 minors across multiple Schools and Colleges.
minors are currently offered fully online
Ours Students Become
- State Senators
- Taylor Medalists
- Entrepreneurs
- Digital Marketers
- UM Hall of Famers
- Human Resource Specialists
- Attorneys
- Olympians
- Community Health Researchers
- Neuroscientists
- Air Force Pilots
- Community Leaders
- Secondary School Teachers
What to Expect from the Multi-Disciplinary Studies Degree Program
- 30-32 hours of General Education Requirements
- Completion of 3 separate minors (roughly 54 credit hours)
- MDS 499 – Multi-Disciplinary Studies Capstone Course
- Electives to bring the total minimum number of hours to 120
Most minors are 18 credit hours, though some require as little as 15 or as many as 21 hours.
All minor requirements must be met as detailed in the respective catalog the student is following.
The MDS 499 Capstone Course, taken during senior year, serves as a culminating educational experience. Students reflect on their undergraduate journey, assess what they've learned through the MDS program, and plan for life after graduation.
This course helps students effectively use the knowledge and experience gained from their multi-disciplinary major to achieve their personal and professional goals. Throughout the course, students engage in readings, discussions, and career & professional development— including resume building and graduate school preparation.
Multi-Disciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Multi-Disciplinary Studies)
Multi-Disciplinary Studies involves exploring multiple fields separately, understanding each from its own perspective. This approach allows you to gain a broad range of knowledge and apply it to various fields and occupations, making you versatile and adaptable in the job market. MDS allows you to have a specialized degree that can be applied to both specialized fields or across a range of careers.
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MDS Program Application
Interdisciplinary Studies (Bachelor of Arts)
Interdisciplinary Studies asks students to integrate knowledge across different fields to create a new understanding or solve complex problems. In interdisciplinary work, students synthesize insights from multiple disciplines, developing a deeper view on a topic.
While students must still follow the UM catalog and meet the requirements for their degree and minors, MDS advisors are there to help you plan your path for graduation and navigate procedures and policies.
Find My Advisor
To complete the Google form, you must log in with your go.olemiss.edu email address, assigned to you after admittance to the university. This ensures FERPA-related content is protected through encryption.
Once you fill out the form, you will receive a welcome email from our records coordinator and an invitation to set up your first advising appointment.
Apply to MDS
The same quality education, on your schedule
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?