Program Overview

Program Overview

The BA and BS in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasize a broader learning experience and wider perspective than most traditional undergraduate majors. As an I.S. student, you can design your degree to fit your career and academic goals. Dive into crucial subjects like gender, diversity issues, and environmental studies, or craft a program specifically to pursue your chosen profession.

Program Options

• BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies: The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies enable students to participate in an integrative, academically sound, and goal-oriented education directly relevant to their academic interests and career aspirations. Both programs require 120 hours, 45 hours of which must be upper-division courses. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours at UT Dallas to earn a degree.
  • Both the BA and BS in Interdisciplinary Studies include two foundation areas and a multidisciplinary concentration, in addition to core curriculum requirements and electives.
  • The foundation areas are designed to provide an intellectual base in two academic schools related to the student's concentration.
  • The concentration component permits a multidisciplinary investigation of an area, problem, or theme meaningful to students' educational or career goals.

Degree Types

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS): a liberal arts-style degree plan that allows students to accomplish a range of goals, including incorporating differing fields of interest into a college degree, transferring with diverse credits, or completing a degree that requires new skills important in the workplace.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS): emphasizes a flexible, individualized approach to academic paths in math and science. The BS in interdisciplinary studies is a rigorous science-based degree intended for students who are interested in environmental studies, pre-medicine, or other science-related fields.

Concentrations

Examples of common concentrations include:

• Arts Administration and Management
• Business Communications
• Business Issues
• Communications
• Counseling
• Diversity
• Environmental Studies
• Health and Wellness
• Human Resources
• International Relations
• Pre-Law
• Public Relations
• Sports Management
• Urban Studies
• Gender/Women's Studies

Honors

Students must fulfill the requirements for the major and earn at least a 3.9 cumulative GPA as well as a 3.9 GPA in courses used to complete the major. Additionally, students must devote six semester hours to a capstone project approved by the program head.

Fast Track

The Fast Track Program permits qualified undergraduate students to begin work on the MAIS (Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies) degree before completing their bachelor's degree.

Degree Programs

• BA in American Studies
• BS in Healthcare Studies
• BA/BS in Education
• BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
• MA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Minors

• Minor in American Studies
• Minor in Environmental Studies
• Minor in Exercise Sciences
• Minor in Healthcare Studies
• Minor in Gender Studies

Program Highlights

The BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to develop essential skills such as writing, analysis, critical thinking, and research across disciplines. Students explore fields such as business, humanities, communications, science, and culture. Graduates are prepared for advanced study in their area of concentration and may go on to careers in communications, media, academia, and beyond.

Internships

Students can gain real-world experience and leadership opportunities by enrolling in an internship.

Faculty

The Interdisciplinary Studies program is led by experienced faculty, including the Interim Dean & Professor of Instruction Program Head, Interdisciplinary Studies.

Professional Paths

A degree in Interdisciplinary Studies can prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

• Science Writing
• Sports Management
• Human Resources
• Communications
• Social Media Management
• Business Development
• UX Design
• Social Work
• Climate Journalism
• Counseling
• Political Organizing

The Interdisciplinary Studies programs are designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing students to create a degree plan tailored to their academic interests and career aspirations.