Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Coordinator - Jud Murray

Professors - Karkowski, Moore

Associate Professors - Whelan-Jackson

Assistant Professors - Stough-Hunter

Instructors - Garrabrant

The Interdisciplinary Studies major (IDS) is for students who have intellectual and professional interests in more than one academic area. This self-designed major inspires students to create their own academic program by selecting courses from two different disciplines. With the guidance of an advisor, students design a program of study that reflects each student’s interests and talents and integrates different academic perspectives and methodologies. There are three core classes in Interdisciplinary Studies that form the backbone of the major. The first course introduces students to interdisciplinary study and is where students design their own major. In the second course, students develop a proposal for their senior capstone or research project. In the third, they research and present findings from their senior capstone project. In addition to serving traditional undergraduate students who have multiple academic interests, the program is suitable for adult transfer students who have work experience and some previous college credit.

The IDS Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are:

Demonstrate college level skills in reading, writing, oral communication, information literacy, and critical thinking
Explore complex questions and issues by engaging in interdisciplinary inquiry
Apply relevant course content in academic and professional settings
Employ applied research methods and engage in appropriate projects
Develop and apply self-directed, lifelong learning skills