Student Resources

Cross-Disciplinary Studies

East Tennessee State University’s Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies is proud of our students and what they are preparing to do upon graduation. Our liberal arts-framed curriculum builds  your lifelong learning skills* and prepares you for career advancement, civic engagement, and personal fulfillment through higher education. 

 



Whether you are on-campus or online, ETSU students have access to several student success resources. Below are links to helpful resources.

Campus Resources
  • ETSU Dean of Students - You can find a summary of ETSU CARE processes and support services available to you here.
  • Bookstore - Find your textbook list and apparel needs here.
  • Childcare - On-campus childcare option open to ETSU students. Learn more here.
  • Counseling Center -  Offers services and resources to ETSU students. Visit their website here.
  • Disability Services - Offers qualifying students who register with our office a variety of accommodations and assistance. Learn more here.
  • Financial Aid - Schedule an appointment with your counselor and learn about Financial Aid options here.
  • Miltary and Veteran Services - Offers services to veterans and military-affiliated students attending ETSU. Learn more here. 
  • Parking - Permits are required for students to park on campus. Learn more here.
  • Sherrod Library - Provides computer labs, study spaces, and access to a plethora of electronic and print resources. Visit their page here.
  • Tutoring - The Center for Academic Achievement offers free individual tutoring in writing, math, science, many general education core courses, and select upper level courses. Visit their page here.
  • University Health Center - Provides care to students and employees. Learn more here. 

Scholarship Opportunities 

Michael and Julia Collins Scholarship Application

Application Deadline is March 31, 2024.

Eligibility for Scholarship Consideration:

  • Applicant must be a non-traditional* student with financial need pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree at ETSU. Applicants must be in good academic standing.
  • Once a student is selected as a recipient, they may continue to receive the award in order to complete an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, not to exceed four consecutive years providing they continue to meet the scholarship criteria. The student must maintain good academic standing to remain eligible each year.
  • Applications should be submitted to the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies Scholarship Committee by March 31, 2024.

*A non-traditional student is defined as possessing at least one of these characteristics: first-generation college, over 24 years of age, employed fulltime, currently caring for a family, returning to college after having stopped out for at least three years.

 

Harley-McClaskey Leadership Studies Scholarship Application

***NEW Application Deadline*** is June 1, 2024.

Eligibility for Scholarship Consideration:

  • Applicant must be an undergraduate student with a declared minor in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies at East Tennessee State University.
  • Applicants must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0.
  • Completed at least two required courses in the Leadership Studies minor.
  • Once a student is selected as a recipient, the award will be distributed for one academic year. Students are eligible to reapply annually. The student must maintain good academic standing to remain eligible each year.
  • Applications should be submitted to the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies Scholarship Committee by June 1, 2025***.

 

Degree Benefits

Our programs can serve the student working full-time and caring for a family, the veteran/active military member seeking to earn a degree, and the traditional student interested in an interdisciplinary program of study that takes a liberal arts approach while creating transferrable skills and cultivating professional development.

  • Accommodates students who want to study subjects or themes that cross disciplinary lines. 
  • Allows students to pursue higher education that builds upon previous experience and education.
  • Designed to help students contextualize interdisciplinary studies within a liberal arts framework that emphasizes critical thinking; intellectual flexibility; and lifelong learning.
  • Meets individual and professional needs and interests not served by traditional majors. 
  • Provides students with the ​opportunity to look across disciplines and recognize innovative connections applicable in many fields.
  • Takes a liberal arts approach while creating transferrable skills and cultivating  ​personal and professional development. 

Because of its flexibility, students can usually complete a Cross-Disciplinary Studies undergraduate degree in less time than they could more traditional degrees. 

Marketing Your Degree

You are working towards a great accomplishment! Earning a bachelor’s degree can increase your earning potential and help you advance in a career. Since you are completing a unique degree program, how do you plan to market your degree? Working with an advisor to create a degree path shows initiative and creativity. Below are some tips on how to market yourself – and your degree – to employers.

  • Your Degree and Unique Curriculum
    Degrees that stray from the standard fill-in-the-gap curriculum require thinking ahead. If you put in the effort, you can describe to your future employer how you crafted a degree specific to the demands of their position.
  • Your Skillset
    Your degree is unique to you – which means you are uniquely equipped for certain tasks and responsibilities. Your degree program is designed to heighten your abilities in the fields of technology, writing, and presentations. This can give you a head start as you navigate the workforce.
  • Employers' Interests

    Most employers are looking for a candidate who can “hit the ground running” and adapt – you did that while earning your degree. Think of ways you can describe this. Be able to explain the importance of what you learned. If you can’t explain the importance of what you learned, you can’t market yourself.

*In-demand skills of critical thinking, intellectual flexibility, creative adaptability, and independent inquiry are increasingly sought by employers.

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