Amid budget crunches at the UA, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of International Programs have implemented a new concentration for interdisciplinary students.

The concentration, offered this fall, is in international studies and offers students three study tracks. They emphasize a global interdisciplinary education in science and technology, development and culture.

Nine senior faculty members will advise students in this "customized" and "demanding" concentration, said Wayne Decker, director of Study Abroad programs.

Decker said the concentration is demanding because it requires sixth-semester proficiency in a foreign language, a senior thesis and usually some form of foreign study.

Molly Childers, program coordinator in the Office of International Programs, said students have already tried to get a major with an international emphasis, but none existed.

The creation of the new concentration is making it easier for students to do so, she said.

As of this semester, 54 students are enrolled as interdisciplinary studies majors, said Sharon Meyers, senior office assistant in the registrar's office.

So far, the concentration has not incurred the university any expense, Decker said, because it has been created by reorganizing already existing resources.

The idea for the new concentration was initially thought of by Paul Rosenblatt, executive director in the Office of International Programs, Decker said.

In order to make it a reality, a committee of 17 faculty members formulated the degree program and requirements.

Students wishing to graduate in international studies need to take a class titled Introduction to International Studies, which will be taught by Decker in the fall.

The class is open to all students interested in international studies. It was left out of the fall schedule but is currently accepting enrollment.