- How do I know if the interdisciplinary studies major is right for me?
- How does the interdisciplinary studies major work?
- What’s the difference between concentrations?
- Interdisciplinary studies seems too good to be true. Is this a legitimate major? What can I do after I graduate?
- What are the core classes for the interdisciplinary studies major?
- If I’m taking classes in more than one subject, what is my major and degree?
- I have a lot of credits and just need to graduate with a degree. Can interdisciplinary studies do that?
- Can I double major in interdisciplinary studies?
How do I know if the interdisciplinary studies major is right for me?
Are you having trouble finding a major that covers all the things you’re interested in learning? Looking for a way to combine your passions, interests, and talents? Have an idea of what you might want to do after you graduate but know a traditional path won’t take you there? Interdisciplinary Studies could be for you! With INDS, you have the unique freedom to take classes in multiple subjects, focus on your passions, and attain the varied skills necessary to succeed in the complex world that awaits.
How does the interdisciplinary studies major work?
Interdisciplinary Studies offers you an opportunity to customize your bachelor’s degree by designing your own unique program of study. One size does not fit all, so we leave it up to you. Depending on the concentration you choose, you can either select complementary individual courses from over 60 academic disciplines or pursue two (or more) minors from over 70 programs of study that allow you to focus on the subjects and topics that interest you.
What’s the difference between concentrations?
The INDS major requires a concentration—Integrative or Individualized. Thinking about the name helps to remember what they’re about.
- Integrative must include two (or more, depending on the student’s interest) minor programs of study. Students will complete all requirements of each minor program. For example, a student who is interested in pre-law could integrate the English, Political Science, and Philosophy minors to create their major.
- Individualized allows you to take individual courses in multiple disciplines to build content knowledge in specific areas of focus. For example, a student who has an interest in running their own business some day might take classes in Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Public Policy, Psychology, and Communication Studies.
Interdisciplinary studies seems too good to be true. Is this a legitimate major? What can I do after I graduate?
Absolutely, INDS is the perfect major to prepare students for careers or graduate-level studies in an ever-changing 21st century world. By concentrating on the subjects and issues you’re interested in, you will gain the knowledge required for your next step in life, whatever that might be. By studying your passions and your interests from multiple perspectives, you will develop your capacity for critical thinking, interpretation, diplomatic problem-solving, and objective analysis, all skills necessary to succeed in any setting.
What are the core classes for the interdisciplinary studies major?
There are only four required courses (12 – 14 credit hours)—introductory course, research methods, advanced writing, and senior capstone. The remaining 36+ credits are up to you and will be taken within your selected focus areas.
If I’m taking classes in more than one subject, what is my major and degree?
You will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies.
I have a lot of credits and just need to graduate with a degree. Can interdisciplinary studies do that?
No. The interdisciplinary studies degree is an intentional path to graduation. It is not a “catch all” for credit hours or a general studies major.
Can I double major in interdisciplinary studies?
Yes! Double majoring in interdisciplinary studies could be an excellent way to complement your first major or to study something completely different. Either way, courses you take for the interdisciplinary studies major should not overlap substantially with your other program of study.