About

The Bachelor of Arts program in Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to integrate the problem solving and technological skills learned through hands-on research experience in the VEMI Lab with more traditional academic focus areas. The VEMI Lab coordinates the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Multimodal Interaction. The Lab is a multi-disciplinary environment where students learn and innovate to solve unmet challenges with technology. Students design an individualized major under the supervision of a Program Committee (see Requirements, below). The major requires a student integrate areas of interest (reflected in coursework) that, when combined with technology, creates a unique, personalized degree that meets individualized educational goals that cannot be achieved within any departmentally based major program.

Students who wish to pursue a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Multimodal Interaction must submit an application to the VEMI Director, in the form of video or written statement of intent and the areas of interest to the student. (See under Requirements, below.)

The unique feature of the major is its focus on working and learning in a laboratory, company or other approved facility that facilitates practical problem solving skills, hands on research experience, and direct experiential learning. Additionally, a rigorous capstone sequence of up to four semesters to prepare, execute, complete, and report results of an approved capstone project completes the integration of experiential learning and classroom study.

Normally at least three or four semesters at the University of Maine are needed to plan and complete these individualized programs of study, and it is recommended that students begin the process at the end of the sophomore year.

Upon completion of the major, a student will have a broad array of practical, professional skills. Students in the major will contribute to the economic and technological development of the state.

The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.