Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)

This program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences/History, Politics and International Relations 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.

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. 

Business Communication (27 credit hours)
The integration of business and communication courses prepares students for the complex dynamics of the modern workplace, giving students an understanding of business strategies and the ability to communicate effectively.
 
Complete 12-15 credit hours in business or management and 12-15 credit hours in communications, media studies, or professional writing (total 27 hours), selected in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must focus on business communication.

Criminal Behavior (27 credit hours)
The integration of law, crime, and psychology gives students a multifaceted understanding of crime and criminal justice.
 
Complete 12-15 credit hours in psychology and 12-15 credit hours in criminology and criminal justice or legal studies (total 27 hours), selected in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must focus on criminal behavior.

Humanities (27 credit hours)
An interdisciplinary study of the humanities fosters empathy, ethical reasoning, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical and interpretive skills, preparing students to  dissect complex problems, identify underlying patterns, and devise innovative solutions.
 
Complete 9 credit hours in at least three of: English, global languages, history, or philosophy (total 27 hours), selected in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must reflect a topic in the humanities and an approach appropriate to the humanities.

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.

Social Science (27 credit hours)
An interdisciplinary study of the social sciences develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills about human behavior, social dynamics, and the mechanisms of social change. 
 
Complete 9 credit hours in at least three of: psychology, political science, international relations, anthropology and sociology, legal studies, or criminology and criminal justice (total 27 hours), selected in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must reflect a topic in the social sciences and an approach appropriate to the social sciences.

Social Welfare (27 credit hours)
This emphasis develops students' understanding of social systems, individual and community needs, and strategies for promoting social justice and equity
 
Complete 9 credit hours in at least three of: psychology, anthropology and sociology, criminology and criminal justice, legal studies, or educational studies (total 27 hours), selected in collaboration with your advisor. The capstone project must focus on social welfare.