Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.
The major in interdisciplinary studies enables students to tailor their educational pathway to their unique academic and professional interests. In close collaboration with their interdisciplinary faculty advisor, students create a self-designed pathway that focuses on a thematic area of interest, on a range of interconnected issues in society, or on a combination of academic disciplines. Examples of self-designed concentrations include, but are not limited to: Global South Studies; European Studies; Business & Communication; Arts & Psychology; Science & Communication; and many more.
Future educators can combine a major in interdisciplinary studies with an education licensure program at the early childhood, elementary, and middle school level. The interdisciplinary program offers middle school concentrations in general science; math and science; as well as humanities.
In addition to lower and upper-level courses in students’ areas of concentration, all students enrolled in the interdisciplinary studies program complete a component of interconnected interdisciplinary courses that equip them with the ability to research, analyze, and find solutions to complex issues that cannot be understood through a single lens. Students graduating with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies will be well prepared not only for professional and advanced academic work in their areas of concentration, but also for an ever-changing labor world.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IDST 150 | Introduction to Cross-Cultural & Social Justice Studies | 3 |
| or IDST 150H | Honors: Introduction to Cross-Cultural and Social Justice | |
| Select one Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies course within the IDST 250-259 range | 3 | |
| IDST 280 | Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Studies Major and Degree Plan | 1 |
| IDST 320 | Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
| Select two upper level electives within the IDST 350-369 range 1 | 6 | |
| IDST 401 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Lower level courses from at least 2 disciplines other than IDST | 12 | |
| Upper level courses from at least 2 disciplines other than IDST | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- 1
Note: With the approval of the student’s IDST advisor, one of the upper level required courses (IDST 350-369) may be replaced by IDST 500 Directed Independent Study, IDST 540 Interdisciplinary Studies Internship, or an elective in the student’s area(s) of study, provided the course is interdisciplinary in content and approach.