Multidisciplinary Studies
The Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS) Major in Agricultural, Forestry And Consumer Sciences is a flexible degree program which allows students and their advisors to tailor a set of courses which meets the students’ interest and career plans. The major was developed in response to increasing demands from employers and students for broad based educational programs which prepare students for our rapidly changing society and economies. There are an increasing number of students who wish to tailor their education to their career interests without being constrained by traditional academic majors. The program is distinct from other WVU colleges and is oriented toward students who want to focus their studies on the academic areas of the college.
Program Admission and Curriculum
Students who meet university admissions requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College Multidisciplinary Studies major. Students may be admitted as freshmen or transfer students.
There is no requirement for a minimum number of course hours to be completed at WVU before admission to the Davis College MDS Program. To earn a Bachelors Degree, students must complete 128 credit hours including WVU’s General Education Curriculum and the requirements for three minors, at least two of which must be minors in the Davis College.
The student with his faculty advisor from the Davis College chooses three minors and a program of elective courses which fits the student’s focus and career objectives. Students are not limited to courses in a particular area, but have the opportunity to develop expertise in several areas with an interdisciplinary focus.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of MDS Programs often enter the same fields as graduates of more traditional majors. These often include sales, management, and service careers which require problem solving and communication from an interdisciplinary perspective. Specific examples include urban forestry, international wood industries, landscape design, and sports field manager. Starting salaries are generally comparable to those of most majors. Graduates may use their degrees as foundation of further studies in professional and graduate school.
