Multidisciplinary Studies (MDS) Courses
MDS 2013. Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies as an academic program. This course is required for the B.A. degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. It provides foundational skills from various academic areas and methodologies for approaching complex issues across the disciplines. Students develop and apply critical thinking, problem solving, and effective oral and written communication skills to social, political, scientific, and civic problems. The course includes a capstone project in which students plan a program of study appropriate within the Multidisciplinary Studies degree. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRMS $37.50.
MDS 2023. Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies as an academic program. This course is required for the B.S. Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. This course integrates experiential learning opportunities with foundational skills from various academic areas and methodologies for approaching complex issues across the disciplines. Students develop and apply critical thinking, problem solving, and effective oral and written communication skills to scientific, engineering, technical, social, and civic problems. The course includes a capstone project in which students design and present the experiential learning project. Course Fees: LRMS $37.50; DL01 $75.
MDS 2033. Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies for Specialty Tracks. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Introduction to Multidisciplinary Studies as an academic program. This course is required for the specialty tracks in the B.A. and B.S. degrees in Multidisciplinary Studies. It provides foundational skills from various academic areas and methodologies for approaching complex issues across the disciplines. Students develop and apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective oral and written communication skills to social, political, scientific, and civic problems. The course includes a capstone project in which students plan a program of study appropriate within the specialty tracks of the Multidisciplinary Studies degree. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRMS $37.50.
MDS 3033. Multidisciplinary Studies Co-op Experience. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Approval for participation in a Cooperative Education experience related to a student's chosen academic pathway. This course is designed for students engaging in an approved Cooperative Education (Co-op) experience aligned with their multidisciplinary academic focus. Students will explore applied, real-world problems encountered during their co-op work placements and connect these experiences to their academic and professional goals. May be repeated for credit. A maximum of 9 semester credit hours of cooperative education may be applied toward a bachelor's degree. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance). Students seeking to count this course toward a disciplinary focus or technical elective area must obtain prior approval from their faculty advisor before beginning the co-op assignment. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4013. Advanced Writing Strategies for Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This advanced writing course is designed for students majoring in multidisciplinary studies. Through presentations, readings, discussion, and writing, graduate students will develop writing and editing skills necessary for their success in the Multidisciplinary Studies program. This course focuses on effective academic writing strategies and techniques, such as argumentation, organization, research, audience, genre, style, and more. (Same as MDS 5013. Credit cannot be earned for both MDS 5013 and MDS 4013.). Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4043. Multidisciplinary Studies Research Experience. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student's advisor, the Program Director, and the Dean of the University College. Independent or small-group research experience focused on the integration of methods, theories, and perspectives from multiple disciplines. Students engage in advanced research practices appropriate to their individualized Multidisciplinary Studies focus area(s), including problem definition, literature review, research design, data collection or creative inquiry, analysis, and dissemination of results. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor's degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4200. Multidisciplinary Studies Co-op Experience. (0-0) 0 Credit Hours.
An approved cooperative education (co-op) experience in which students participate in supervised, career-relevant work aligned with one or more of their multidisciplinary areas of study. This course emphasizes the integration of academic learning with practical application in a professional setting and includes a structured self-reflection component. May be repeated.
MDS 4853. Multidisciplinary Study Abroad and Study Away. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An interdisciplinary course linked to UTSA-approved Study Abroad or Study Away programs, allowing students to explore academic themes through global or domestic experiential learning. Topics and locations vary, with opportunities to apply knowledge from multiple disciplinary areas. May be repeated for credit when the topic or destination changes, for a total of up to 6 credit hours. Students must obtain approval from their academic advisor prior to enrollment to ensure alignment with degree requirements. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4856. Multidisciplinary Study Abroad and Study Away.. (6-0) 6 Credit Hours.
A comprehensive interdisciplinary learning experience through a UTSA-approved Study Abroad or Study Away program. Students will engage in in-depth academic exploration across cultural, social, or professional contexts relevant to their chosen areas of study. Designed to support integrative learning outcomes in a global or domestic setting. Approval from the student's academic advisor is required prior to registration to ensure the course fulfills degree requirements. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4911. Independent Study in Multidisciplinary Studies. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Program Director, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course fees: LRMS $12.50.
MDS 4913. Independent Study in Multidisciplinary Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Program Director, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4933. Internship in Multidisciplinary Studies. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator. Supervised experience relevant to the student’s program of study within selected community organizations. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of internship will apply to a bachelor’s degree. The grade report for this course is either "CR" (satisfactory participation in the internship) or "NC" (unsatisfactory participation in the internship). Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4953. Special Studies in Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 9 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4963. Capstone in Cyber Intelligence. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Declared major in Multidisciplinary Studies with a Cyber Intelligence track and senior status. This capstone course is the culminating academic experience for students in the Cyber Intelligence program. Students synthesize knowledge from policy, cybersecurity, data analysis, intelligence methods, and risk assessment to address real-world challenges. The course emphasizes analytical reasoning, threat assessment, ethical considerations, and professional communication. Students work individually or in teams to design and execute a comprehensive cyber intelligence project demonstrating applied skills and workforce readiness. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4973. Capstone in Game Design. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Declared major in Multidisciplinary Studies: Game Design track and senior status. This capstone course serves as the culminating academic experience for students in the MDST Game Design program. Students integrate creative, technical, and analytical skills developed throughout the curriculum to design, develop, and present a comprehensive game-related project. Emphasis is placed on game mechanics, user experience, narrative design, iterative development, and professional production workflows. Students work individually or in teams to produce a playable prototype, design portfolio, or applied industry project that demonstrates readiness for careers in game development or related creative technology fields. Course Fee: LRMS $37.50.
MDS 4983. Senior Seminar for Multidisciplinary Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Declared major in Multidisciplinary Studies and senior status.
The seminar surveys topics in ethics, reinforces writing and communication skills through oral and written presentations and discussions, demonstrates student’s progress through a capstone portfolio, and culminates in a senior project approved by the instructor. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRMS $37.50.
