Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree honors students' previous educational journeys while providing a coherent end to their education that builds on their previously learned skills and offers opportunities to build technical and cross-curricular skills. This degree is designed for anyone with college ambitions, including students who have never been to college and those who have earned credits at other institutions.

Program Overview

The Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for employment promotions, a new career, and graduate education. The program offers students the opportunity to sharpen durable skills such as:

• Written and spoken communication
• Ethical behavior
• Technology fluency
• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Critical thinking
• Disciplined inquiry
• Information literacy

Program Structure

The program design consists of two parts: 21 Interdisciplinary Studies requirements and 19 elective courses. The General Education courses provide a well-rounded foundation of durable skills, while the number of free elective credits allows students to pursue their interests and build technical skills across the curriculum.

General Education Requirements

A minimum passing grade of 'C' is required for the following courses:

• ENG 121 English Composition I
• ENG 122 English Composition II
• ENG 131 Public Speaking
• ENG 310 Research Writing
• MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics
  • CTA 206 Computer Applications
  • CTA 210 Intro to Technology
  • CTA 326 Integrating Excel into Business Problem Solving
• HIS 381 Contemporary Global Issues
• OR POL 300 American Politics
• PHI 100 Introduction to Critical Thinking
• PHI 300 Ethics for Life
• PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
• OR SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
• Economics Elective
• Natural Science Elective
• Humanities Elective (6 credits): Select 2 Humanities courses from the following:
  • ART
  • BBM 319
  • COM 245
  • CUL
  • DRA
  • DSN 110
  • ENG 360
  • ETN
  • HIS 230
  • HUM
  • IDS
  • LIT
  • MUS
  • PHI
  • SPA
  • TEC 215
  • VFP 311
  • VFP 312
  • VFP 313

Interdisciplinary Studies Core Requirements

A minimum passing grade of 'C' is required for all core courses, except MAT 308, which requires a minimum passing grade of 'C-.' The core requirements include:

• IDS 440 Cooperative Education for Interdisciplinary Studies
• IDS 441 Cooperative Education for Interdisciplinary Studies (or a class towards a minor, a certificate, or a dual-credit advantage program)
• IDS 495 Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Seminar
• FIN 101 Financial Literacy
• History Elective
• MAT 308 Inferential Statistics

Electives/Minors

The Liberal Studies Bachelor's Degree Program requires a minimum of six credits of Cooperative Education. Up to 15 Cooperative Education credits may be earned. Students are encouraged to pursue cooperative education and internship experiences, as well as minors, certificates, and Dual-Credit Advantage classes.

Program Competencies

The program competencies for the Interdisciplinary Studies program are aligned with the NACE Career Readiness Competencies and the Wilmington University Graduation Competencies. Having completed the IDS B.S. program, students will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to:

• W Worldview and Ethics
• I Information Technology
• L Leadership and Professional Development
• M Making Decisions and Problem Solving
• U Utilizing Oral and Written Communication