Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)

This program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences/Language, Literature and Philosophy Department. It is available online and at the St. Louis main campus.

Program Description

The bachelor of arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed to meet the individual needs of students and prepare them to be active contributors to a critically reflective, culturally diverse and democratic global society.

Students in this program build a broad knowledge base and develop transferable skills, giving them the academic and intellectual foundation and skills to advance their careers and pursue graduate education. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Communicate complex ideas clearly in both written and oral form.
• Analyze problems and find solutions, drawing from a variety of disciplines.
• Develop persuasive and well-reasoned arguments that are evidence-based and appropriate to topic and purpose.
• Demonstrate knowledge of an emphasis area in a capstone project.
• Synthesize knowledge from multiple disciplines within the chosen emphasis area to address a complex problem.

Degree Requirements

For information on the general requirements for a degree, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements under the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog.

• 36 required credit hours
  • 12 hours must be at the 3000-level and above
• 3 international language requirement credit hours
• Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours, including keystone course
• Electives

Courses completed with a grade below a C- do not count toward fulfilling the specific course requirements of the major.

International Language Requirements

• A minimum of three hours in a non-native language is required. Courses used toward the international language requirement may also be used to fulfill general education requirements or a major/minor in a foreign language.
• Transfer students who have completed their 3 credits at an institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled the requirement, as are students who have scored a "3" or higher on an Advanced Placement exam in a non-native language.
• For students whose native language is not English, demonstrated English language proficiency can fulfill the requirement (see English language proficiency in the catalog).

Curriculum

The 36 credit hours required for the Interdisciplinary Studies major include three core courses (9 credit hours) and one emphasis area (27 hours). 

Core Courses

• INDS 2101 Interdisciplinary Studies (3 hours)
• INDS 3101 Methods of Inquiry (3 hours)
• INDS 4701 Senior Capstone (3 hours)

Complete 27 credit hours in one emphasis area.

Emphasis Areas

An emphasis area within the Interdisciplinary Studies degree allows students to focus on a particular combination of disciplines tailored to their interests and career goals. 

Gender, Race and Sexuality (27 hours)
This emphasis addresses multiple forms of injustice and inequity through an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach. Students develop analytical, critical thinking, and advocacy skills that enable them to develop careers in solving vital social issues.

Complete 9 GRAS courses, selected from a range of disciplines, in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must engage with an intersectional approach to gender, race and/or sexuality.

Self-Designed (27 credit hours)
This flexible emphasis allows students to create a niche skill set tailored to their unique interests and career aspirations, which sets them apart in the job market.
 
Complete INDS 1101 Online Learning* (3 hours) and 12 credit hours in two disciplines (total 24 credit hours). Working with your advisor, identify a theme that draws upon your diverse coursework. The capstone project will explore and elaborate on this theme. 
*With permission from your advisor, you may substitute one more disciplinary course in place of INDS 1101. 

Sustainability (27 credit hours)
This emphasis gives students the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices across various industries.
 
Complete 18 credit hours in Sustainability Studies courses (SUST or other courses listed as part of the Sustainability Studies minor) plus 9 credit hours, selected in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must focus on sustainability.