Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies

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Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) degree offers a distinct, multidisciplinary learning experience that allows students to pursue areas of study, even those that may be unrelated. This approach cultivates problem-solving skills that draw on diverse perspectives and knowledge and fosters an appreciation and thirst for lifelong learning.  Recognizing the diverse needs, interests, and experiences of our multigenerational learners, the BMS program allows for flexibility in acceptance of transfer credit and other college-level learning outside the traditional classroom. 

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Learning

The BMS complements and connects prior learning with the discipline-specific learning students select as part of their degree program. Designed for flexibility, the curriculum allows students to create a highly adaptable, individualized plan of study that aligns with their interests and goals. It intentionally develops both intellectual and practical skills, preparing students to think critically, adapt to evolving challenges, and succeed in the 21st Century. 

The BMS approach to learning enhances our students’ abilities to:

  • Cope with uncertainty and ambiguity.
  • Adapt to different contexts and environments in a complex, fast-changing world. 
  • Appreciate and understand multiple perspectives & viewpoints. 
  • Look across disciplinary boundaries to consider other viewpoints. 
  • Develop deeper evaluation skills. 
  • Draw on different frames of reference to identify solutions.  

Student Learning Outcomes 

The BMS curriculum is intentionally designed to observe, develop, and enrich program outcomes in our students. Throughout the program, students shape, articulate, and document their progress towards achievement of each Goal and Learning Outcome, independent of where, when, or how the learning was acquired. 

All BMS students upon completion of the program will: 

  • Understand the interconnectedness of real-world issues and assess their own ethical values and responsibility. 
  • Demonstrate effective, context-appropriate communication. 
  • Apply and connect knowledge from multiple sources to collaboratively explore complex, real-world issues. 
  • Value and justify the importance of continuous development and lifelong learning and accurately appraise their capabilities and achievements. 
  • Utilize creative and independent thinking to ask questions, construct knowledge, and express their distinctive voice.  

BMS Fast Track Options

Fast Track - Business Administration

The College of Business Administration MBA program has developed a FastTrack program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a BMS degree and an MBA degree in an accelerated time frame. With FastTrack, students may count up to nine graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing a BMS degree and desiring to pursue an MBA.
  • Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.
  • Please note, BSAD 8110 will apply toward the completion of the BMS degree program requirements, but only as. a foundation course for the MBA.

Fast Track - Criminology and Criminal Justice

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame.  With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing a BS in criminology and criminal justice or those pursuing a BMS with a concentration in criminology and criminal justice desiring to pursue either a MA or MS in criminology and criminal justice.
  • Students must have completed no less than 75 undergraduate credit hours.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their academic advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program but successful completion of the graduate courses will be a significant consideration in admission to the MA or MS in criminology and criminal justice program.
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Fast Track - Cybersecurity

The School of Interdisciplinary Informatics (SI2) has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame.  With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate credit hours towards the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program. Students will work with both undergraduate and graduate advisors to ensure graduate classes selected will count toward both programs, should a student wish to earn a graduate degree in a separate College of Information Science & Technology (CIST) area than their undergraduate degree.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in cybersecurity who wish to pursue the MS in cybersecurity.
  • Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. All applicants will need to meet any other admission requirements established for the MS in the selected CIST program. The application fee will be waived if the applicant contacts the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code prior to submitting the MS application.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Fast Track - Gerontology

The Department of Gerontology has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to nine graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies desiring to pursue the MA in gerontology.
  • Students must have completed no fewer than 60 undergraduate hours.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good academic standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted to undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program.
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Fast Track - IT Innovation

The School of Interdisciplinary Informatics (SI2) has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program. Students will work with both undergraduate and graduate advisors to ensure graduate classes selected will count toward both programs, should a student wish to earn a graduate degree in a separate College of Information Science & Technology (CIST) area than their undergraduate degree.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies desiring to pursue the MS in ITIN.
  • Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours and with at least 24 undergraduate credits yet to complete.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit it to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. All applicants will need to meet any other admission requirements established for the MS in the selected CIST program. The application fee will be waived if the applicant contacts the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code prior to submitting the MS application.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Fast Track - Management Information Systems

The Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program. Students will work with both undergraduate and graduate advisors to ensure graduate classes selected will count toward both programs, should a student wish to earn a graduate degree in a separate College of Information Science & Technology (CIST) area than their undergraduate degree.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies who wish to pursue the MS in MIS.
  • Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours and within at least 24 undergraduate credits yet to complete.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form, obtain all signatures and submit it to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. All applicants will need to meet any other admission requirements established for the MS in selected CIST program. The application fee will be waived if the applicant contacts the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code prior to submitting the MS application.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Fast Track - Public Administration

The School of Public Administration has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies.
  • Students should have senior status and must be within at least 30 undergraduate credits yet to complete their undergraduate degree. Exceptional students who do not meet this requirement may be considered.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Students must complete the Fast-Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • Students must consult with the MPA advisor prior to enrollment in one of the courses listed below.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is required to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the MPA program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • For this program, if students maintain at least a grade of B+ in courses taken, they will be recommended for admission to the MPA program.
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

The following courses may be taken under the Fast-Track program:

  • PA 8050: Foundations of Public Service
  • PA 8090: Organizational Theory and Behavior
  • PA 8100: Advanced Management and Leadership for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (Note: This course may only be taken if both PA 8050 and PA 8090 are completed).

Fast Track - Urban Studies

The Master of Science in urban studies program has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to 9 graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies.
  • Students must be within at least 30 undergraduate credits yet to complete their undergraduate degree. Exceptional students who do not meet this requirement may be considered.
  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course
  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • Students must consult with the urban studies advisor prior to enrollment in one of the courses listed below.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is required to remain in good standing.
  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the MS in urban studies program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
    • For this program, if students maintain at least a grade of B+ in courses taken, they will be recommended for admission to the MS in urban studies.
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

The following courses may be taken under the Fast Track program:

  • BLST 8886: Seminar on Black Leadership
  • UBNS 8000: Seminar in Urban Studies
  • UBNS 8060: Introduction to Urban Planning
  • UBNS 8020: Race, Ethnicity and American Urban Culture**
  • UBNS 8200: Community Organizing and Development**
  • PA 8010: The Public Economy (Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in UBNS 8000)

BMS Contact Information

To learn more about the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies Degree, visit or schedule a meeting with an academic advisor at one of our two Division of Continuing Studies locations:   

Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies Requirements

To obtain a BMS, students must fulfill the university, college, and program requirements, including:

  • A minimum of 120 credit hours is required, with at least 30 earned at UNO.
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours in upper level (3000- or 4000-level) coursework; at least 12 credit hours in the major must be earned at UNO.
  • Overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.00, calculated based on all courses in the University of Nebraska (NU) system.
  • Grades of C- or better are required in the University General Education MavEd courses and in major coursework (MLTI Seminars and Blocks 1-3).

TOTAL HOURS (MINIMUM): 120

Multidisciplinary Studies Major Core

The Multidisciplinary Core consists of three (15-hour) blocks of credit and is designed to combine two or more areas of study, allowing students the opportunity to explore and connect varying perspectives and viewpoints.

The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies degree can be constructed in the following two ways:

Pathway Concentration Option

The Pathway concentration is for students who wish to move to another degree program at UNO, but do not currently meet entry requirements for that program. Students work with UNO academic advisors to navigate the transition to their program of choice. Students may not earn a degree through the Pathway concentration, however, may ultimately choose to complete their degree through the BMS program by selecting a Multidisciplinary Studies program of study.

Double Area of Concentration

Students pursuing two Areas of Concentration may "double count" courses to satisfy requirements for both concentrations. It is a students' responsibility to declare both concentrations. 

Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies Degree Concentrations

The curriculum of each BMS Concentration is determined by the faculty of the respective academic department(s). Concentration curricular revisions are made in partnership with academic departments.