Interdisciplinary Studies Major, B.A.

专业介绍

The interdisciplinary studies major provides an innovative space and a flexible, individualized program structure for students who wish to develop a major different from those already offered by the departments and curricula belonging to the College of Arts and Sciences. Interdisciplinary studies majors are designed to support rigorous investigation of a topic, theme, or area of inquiry, mastery of which requires advanced coursework in multiple disciplinary fields. An IDST major allows motivated students to engage complex problems and emerging areas of knowledge that exceed traditional disciplinary boundaries. They must be well conceived and substantially different from majors that students pursue through traditional departments, schools, and curricula. While encouraging creativity, IDST majors will be focused and coherent. Interdisciplinary studies should not be seen as a default major for someone undecided about their course of study.

Interdisciplinary studies majors work with their individually selected faculty advisors to develop a customized program of courses that will constitute the requirements for their IDST major. Besides guiding students on course selections, faculty advisors serve as mentors on career planning, graduate work, and co-curricular opportunities. To be admitted to the major, students must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and at least 45 hours left before graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to meet most of the General Education requirements (e.g., First-Year Foundations and Focus Capacities) before pursuing the interdisciplinary studies major.