Types of Options:

1)  INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP DISCIPLINE OPTIONS

Examples:  B.A. Philosophy:  Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Option, B.A. Philosophy: Interdisciplinary Physical Sciences Option, B.A. Philosophy: Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Option, etc.

Explanation:  An Interdisciplinary Group Discipline Option is the widest type of Option because it includes not only Electives from naturally grouped disciplines but also Electives from the entire array of disciplines constituting the college or university that are relevant to the naturally grouped disciplines and to the host discipline.  For example, a B.A. Philosophy: Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Option might consist of Electives from Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology, as well as Electives from any other discipline that might be relevant to Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology and the host discipline (Philosophy in this case).

2)  GROUP DISCIPLINE OPTIONS

Examples:  B.A. Philosophy:  Social Sciences Option, B.A. Philosophy:  Physical Sciences Option, B.A. Philosophy: Fine Arts Option, etc.

Explanation:  A Group Discipline Option is a wide type of Option that includes Electives from naturally grouped disciplines.  For example, a B.A. Philosophy: Social Sciences Option consists of Electives from Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology. It is narrower in its focus compared to Interdisciplinary Group Discipline Options but wider than the other Options. 

3)  CO-DISCIPLINE OPTIONS

Examples:  B.A. Philosophy:  Psychology Option, B.A. Philosophy:  Biology Option, B.A. Philosophy: Theater Option, B.A. Philosophy: Mathematics Option, B.A. Philosophy: Business Management Option, B.A. Philosophy: Information Technology Option, etc.

Explanation:  A Co-Discipline Option is focused on one other discipline.  Its interdisciplinary component consists of Electives from that discipline only.  This Option is highly versatile and can serve as first or second degrees. 

4)  SUB-DISCIPLINE OPTIONS

Examples:  B. A. Philosophy:  Ethics Option, B. A. Philosophy: Metaphysics Option, etc.

Explanation:  A Sub-Discipline Option is focused within the host discipline itself.  For example, Philosophy, which normally will offer a significant number of Ethics courses within its curriculum, can offer an Option in Ethics. (This is similar to a track within in a Multiple Tracks Program).

5)  COMBINATION INTERDISCIPLINARY OPTIONS

Examples:  B.A. Philosophy: Ethics and Health Care Option, B.A. Philosophy:  Metaphysics and Religion Option, B.A. Philosophy:  Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Option, etc.

Explanation:  A Combination Interdisciplinary Option consists of some combination of the above formats.  For example, Philosophy can offer an Option in two of its own areas of interest (e.g. B.A. Philosophy: Ethics and Metaphysics Option), one area of its own and one area outside of Philosophy (e.g. B.A. Philosophy: Ethics and Health Care Option, B.A. Philosophy:  Ethics and Information Technology Option, B.A. Philosophy: Ethics and Science Option, B.A. Philosophy:  Metaphysics and Religion Option, B.A. Philosophy: Ethics and Business Option, etc.)

Discussion:  As mentioned above, these Options are designed along a 50%/20%/30? model.  Fifty percent of the courses in the degree will be Core Courses, 20% will be Discipline Electives relevant to the Option, and 30% will be Option Electives relevant to the Option and to the discipline.  This will be referred to as the 50/20/30 model for interdisciplinary programs.  This is not a hard and fast rule.  Depending upon the needs and dispositions of the college or university, or the programs within the college or university, a 50/30/20 model might be preferred, where 50% of the degree courses are Core Courses, 30% are Discipline Electives, and 20% are Option Electives.  Of course, a 50/10/40 model might be preferred at some colleges and universities, where 50% of the courses will consist of Core Courses, 10% of host discipline Electives, and 40% of Option Electives.  The percentages are adjustable to suit college or university needs, student wants and needs, and conditions in the market.