Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers a flexible academic structure, allowing students to design a personalized curriculum that integrates multiple disciplines. This program is ideal for students seeking to tailor their education to specific career goals and interests.

Program Structure:

• MDST Core Curriculum: All students must complete the MDST core courses, which provide a foundation in interdisciplinary studies.

• Customized Coursework: In collaboration with INDS advisors, students select courses from various disciplines to create a cohesive and individualized degree plan. The coursework must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 42 credits at the 200-level or above.
  • No more than 21 credits from any single discipline.
  • A maximum of four transfer courses.
  • No more than three courses that overlap with another major's requirements.

• Capstone Project: Students undertake a capstone research project, culminating in an oral presentation, to synthesize their interdisciplinary learning.

Additional Requirements for B.S. Degree:

Students pursuing the B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies must also complete:

• 30 credits in math, science, engineering, or technology, with at least 15 of these credits at the 300- or 400-level.

Departmental Honors:

To graduate with departmental honors, students must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Complete designated honors courses, such as INDS 330H or INDS 430H, and INDS 490H.

The MDST program encourages experiential learning through internships and independent research, equipping graduates with versatile skills for diverse career paths or advanced studies.

For more detailed information, please visit the UMBC Individualized Study Program website.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers a range of financial aid options to assist students in managing their educational expenses. Here's an overview of the costs associated with attending UMBC and the available funding opportunities:

Tuition and Fees (2023-2024 Academic Year):

• Undergraduate Students:

  • In-State: $12,948 per year
  • Out-of-State: $30,304 per year
  • Mandatory Fees: Approximately $1,916.50 per semester for full-time enrollment (12+ credits)

    Financial Aid

• Graduate Students:

  • In-State: $15,840 per year
  • Out-of-State: $25,146 per year

    UMBC Graduate School

Additional Estimated Expenses:

• Housing and Food:

  • On-Campus: $14,204 per year
  • Off-Campus: $15,906 per year

• Books and Supplies: $1,600 per year

• Transportation and Personal Expenses: Approximately $3,414 per year for on-campus students; higher for off-campus students

  Financial Aid

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

UMBC provides various financial aid options, including:

• Need-Based Aid: Determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UMBC's FAFSA School Code is 002105.

  Financial Aid

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Offered to incoming first-year, transfer, and international students based on academic excellence. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for admission by November 1st for priority scholarship consideration.

  UMBC Scholarships

• Specialized Scholars Programs: These include the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) Scholars Program, Humanities Scholars Program, and others, each offering financial awards and unique opportunities.

  External Scholarships: UMBC's Scholarship Retriever tool helps students identify additional scholarship opportunities sponsored by UMBC departments or external sources.

Scholarship Guidance

The Individualized Study Program (INDS) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers several scholarships specifically for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST). These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and service.

INDS-Specific Scholarships:

1. The Bolton Family Scholarship:

   • Purpose: Established in 2018 to honor Elinora Bolton, a member of UMBC’s first graduating class, this scholarship supports INDS majors with approved degree plans involving significant quantitative skills. Preference is given to students concentrating in mathematics or science, especially those focusing on innovation or entrepreneurship.
   • Eligibility: INDS majors with a degree plan emphasizing quantitative skills.
   • Application: Details are available through the INDS program.

2. The Cathy Hiebler ’98 and Chip Hiebler Scholarship:

   • Purpose: Created in 2023, this need-based scholarship assists junior or senior INDS students facing financial hardships that may hinder degree completion.
   • Eligibility: Junior or senior INDS students demonstrating financial need.
   • Application: Information can be obtained from the INDS program.

3. The Zainab Damji Memorial Scholarship:

   • Purpose: Established in 2015 to honor Zainab Damji, this scholarship supports INDS undergraduates beyond their freshman year who aspire to careers in education and have demonstrated leadership and community service.
   • Eligibility: INDS students with a GPA above 3.0, pursuing education-related careers, and exhibiting leadership and service.
   • Award Amount: $1,000
   • Application: Details are provided by the INDS program.

Application Process for INDS Scholarships:

• Scholarship Retriever: UMBC's centralized scholarship application system, Scholarship Retriever, allows students to apply for various scholarships, including those specific to the INDS program. Students should complete the General Scholarship Application and explore additional opportunities within the system.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities:

Beyond INDS-specific scholarships, UMBC offers competitive merit scholarships to incoming first-year, transfer, and international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and other achievements. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for admission by November 1st for automatic, priority merit scholarship consideration.

For more information on scholarships and the application process, please visit UMBC's Scholarships page.

For specific inquiries about INDS scholarships, contact the Individualized Study Program at UMBC.

Admission Requirements

The Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. This program is tailored for students who wish to design a personalized academic path by integrating courses from multiple disciplines.

Admission Requirements:

1. General University Admission:

   • Prospective MDST students must first gain admission to UMBC. The university evaluates applicants based on several factors, including high school GPA, curriculum strength, class rank, and other achievements. An essay is required, and two letters of recommendation are considered. Submitting official SAT or ACT scores is optional.

2. Program-Specific Admission:

   • After being admitted to UMBC, students interested in the MDST program should consult with the Individualized Study Program (INDS) advisors to develop a customized degree plan. This plan must be approved by the INDS program.

Application Process:

• First-Year Students:

  • Complete the UMBC Application for Undergraduate Admissions.
  • Submit a $75 non-refundable application fee.
  • Provide an official high school transcript.
  • Optional: Submit official SAT or ACT scores.
  • Submit a final high school transcript upon graduation.

• Transfer Students:

  • Complete the UMBC Application for Undergraduate Admissions.
  • Submit a $75 non-refundable application fee.
  • Provide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
  • If fewer than 30 college credits have been earned, submit an official high school transcript and optional SAT or ACT scores.

Deadlines:

• Fall Admission:

  • Early Action: November 1
  • Regular Decision: February 1

• Spring Admission:

  • Regular Decision: December 1

For detailed information on the MDST program and to schedule an advising appointment, please visit the UMBC Individualized Study Program website.

For comprehensive details on UMBC's admission requirements and application process, refer to the UMBC Undergraduate Admissions page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), follow these steps:

1. Apply for Admission to UMBC:

   • First-Year and Transfer Students: Submit the UMBC Undergraduate Application along with all required documents.
   • Returning Students: If you've previously attended UMBC and wish to return, complete the Returning Student Application.

2. Consult with INDS Advisors:

   • After gaining admission to UMBC, schedule an advising appointment with the Individualized Study Program (INDS) to discuss your interest in the MDST track and begin developing a customized degree plan.

3. Develop and Submit a Degree Plan:

   • Work closely with INDS advisors to create a degree plan that integrates courses from multiple disciplines, aligning with your academic and career goals.
   • Your degree plan must be approved by the INDS program to formalize your enrollment in the MDST track.

For detailed information on the MDST program and to schedule an advising appointment, please visit the UMBC Individualized Study Program website.

For comprehensive details on UMBC's admission requirements and application process, refer to the UMBC Undergraduate Admissions page.

If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the INDS office or UMBC's admissions department.