Interdisciplinary Studies: Design Your Own Major - B.A.
The Interdisciplinary Studies: Design Your Own bachelor's degree program provides opportunities for students who want to design their own program of study by connecting courses across disciplines. Guided by a team of faculty advisers, students acquire expertise in multiple disciplines and are prepared to navigate and excel in a variety of work environments.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
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Demonstrate knowledge of individual disciplines and the ability to integrate concepts and skills from multiple disciplines to create innovative frameworks.
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Synthesize multiple perspectives and apply interdisciplinary methods to explore complex issues and contemporary problems.
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Communicate interdisciplinary ideas and concepts in ways that demonstrate awareness of perspective, audience and disciplinary conventions.
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Engage in reflective learning practices and leverage insights to inform future inquiry.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Design Your Own Major
A four-year program leading to the bachelor of arts degree
Credits Major Courses | ||
| 33–39 semester credits of 2 or 3 distinct academic disciplines *,**,*** | 33-39 | |
| One research course | 3 | |
| IDST1001 | Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies | 1.5 |
| IDST3100 | Interdisciplinary Project Development | 1.5 |
| IDST4900 | Interdisciplinary Studies: DYO Capstone Project | 3 |
| Applied/Experiential Learning | ||
| Choose 12 credits from the following: **** | 12 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Internship | ||
| Directed Experiential Education D | ||
| Undergraduate Laboratory and Field Research | ||
| Undergraduate Research Experience | ||
| Honors Directed Academic Experience | ||
Study Abroad | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| FYS1020 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| A&S Core Experience | ||
| Communications Foundation Courses | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Integrative Learning | 6 | |
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 6 | |
Two courses from different disciplines: ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, PHIL or REL | ||
| Math | 6 | |
| A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| Science | 3 | |
One course from BIO, CHM, PHY or SCI | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
Two courses from different disciplines: ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC, RES or SOC | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
Two courses with an EASC attribute | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 18-24 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 18-24 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0 | |
| * | If the major consists of 2 distinct academic disciplines, student must complete between 15–21 semester credits (5–7 courses) in each discipline. If the major consists of 3 distinct academic disciplines, students must complete between 9–15 semester credits (3–5 courses) in each discipline. No more than 21 semester credits may be taken in any one discipline. |
| ** | Of the 33–39 semester credits (11–13 major courses), 15 semester credits (5 courses) must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, not including the IDST4900 Interdisciplinary Studies: DYO Capstone Project. |
| *** | Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites. |
| **** | In lieu of an internship, directed experiential education, research course, or study abroad, students may use the Applied/Experiential Learning credits towards a minor. |
D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS).
# In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For Accelerated Master's program students, up to three graduate-level courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
NOTE: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math course(s).
Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000 level courses
In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international options for major, minor, arts and sciences, and elective credit at many affordable price points for students during the academic year, break periods, and summer. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied and scholarships are available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go?