Interdisciplinary Studies, BA
Customize an education plan built entirely around your career goals and the future you're working toward. You can bridge two specific areas of interest through curated concentrations that combine learning with capstone experiences.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Interdisciplinary Studies degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in interdisciplinary studies, one of the top ranked in the country, you select two areas of study --- known as concentration areas --- from a broad selection of nearly 200 options.
The core curriculum provides you with the intellectual tools to integrate your concentration areas, engage in transdisciplinary problem-solving, and prepare for careers and graduate programs that increasingly cross disciplinary boundaries. As an interdisciplinary studies student, you could choose to integrate concentrations such as business and project management, psychology and social welfare, communication and justice studies, public administration and ethics, digital culture and computer gaming, or many other distinct combinations.
Interdisciplinary studies is an approach to answering questions, solving problems and addressing contemporary social issues from multiple perspectives. You take an active role in designing your educational plan and defining your career goals. The program emphasizes written communication, versatility, self-assessment and critical thinking --- essential skills for today's world.
If you are interested in the online program for interdisciplinary studies, you should visit the ASU Online website for more information.
Why study interdisciplinary studies at ASU?
The interdisciplinary studies program includes an internship with IDS 484, adding career-ready practical experience before graduating.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| IDS 301 Becoming Interdisciplinary |
| IDS 401 Integration: Experiential Learning |
| IDS 140 The Nature of Knowledge Systems |
| IDS 310 Integration: Cultural Contexts |
| IDS 201 Intellectual Fusion |
| IDS 311 Integration: Global Contexts |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Integrate perspectives from two or more disciplines to analyze a complex problem.
- Communicate complex and integrative ideas effectively across disciplinary, professional, or stakeholder contexts.
- Propose evidence-based approaches to complex, real-world problems.
Integrate perspectives from two or more disciplines to analyze a complex problem.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
There are no additional requirements for current ASU students to change their major to interdisciplinary studies; however, students interested in this major are highly encouraged to meet with an advisor.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying and interning abroad can be among the most valuable experiences for interdisciplinary studies students. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, interdisciplinary studies students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts recommends these programs for students majoring in interdisciplinary studies, as well as ASU Global Career Accelerator.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Trainer | 10.8% | $69,280 | Learn more |
| Designer (General) | 1.2% | $64,950 | Learn more |
| Event Planner | 5.8% | $61,160 | Learn more |
| Human Resources Manager | 5.5% | $149,280 | Learn more |
| Marketing Manager | 6.9% | $166,790 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| Real Estate Agent | 1.7% | $52,830 | Learn more |
| Sales Manager | 4.5% | $148,270 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this interdisciplinary studies degree prepares you for
The flexibility of the interdisciplinary studies program enables graduates to take many exciting career paths after they leave ASU. Some go on to graduate or professional programs, while others immediately enter the job market. For example, one graduate combined business and communication and now owns a small business; another integrated sociology and family studies to further a career in law enforcement; another studied philosophy and economics to prepare for law school; another combined biology and chemistry in preparation to pursue a Master of Pharmacy; and yet another studied Spanish and religious studies and now works as an employee trainer for a major company.
Possible career opportunities include:
- archivist or curator
- climate change analyst
- compliance manager
- computer network support specialist
- editor or web developer
- environmental restoration planner
- general and operations manager
- higher education professional
- regulatory affairs manager
- wholesale and retail buyer (except farm products)
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
