Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ University offers a flexible, student-centered approach to higher education that allows you to combine courses from multiple fields into a coherent, purposeful degree. Whether your interests span social sciences, humanities, arts, communication, business, or health-related topics, this program supports you in crafting a customized course of study that reflects your passions, strengths, and career aspirations.
Through faculty mentoring, intentional course planning, and integration of knowledge across disciplines, you’ll develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in today’s workforce. This degree is ideal for students who want to bridge traditional academic boundaries, pursue emerging career fields, or prepare for professional or graduate study with a tailored foundation. With opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and community engagement, you’ll build a portfolio of experiences that advance your personal, academic, and professional goals.
Envision Your Future
Your interests, experiences, and ambitions are uniquely yours. Your education can be, too.
Whether you're pursuing a personal passion, exploring new career opportunities, or preparing for graduate study, an Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers the flexibility to chart your own course.
Explore the possibilities below and discover where your interests might lead.
Global Studies
Explore Latin American cultures, politics, literature, and communities through courses that connect global perspectives, cultural identity, and social understanding.
Some courses that might Inspire you:
ANSO 4400 — Latin America: Culture and Society
SPAN 4100 — Topics in Spanish: Hispanic Experience in the U.S.
GBLS 4400 — Afro-Latin Cultures of the Americas
Interdisciplinary Arts
Combine visual arts, film, performance, and storytelling to explore creative expression, cultural movements, and the role of art in society.
Some courses that may inspire you:
ART 1110 — Survey of Art History
FILM 1101 — Film Appreciation
MST 3750 — Media Storytelling
Social Justice
Examine equity, identity, ethics, and social change through interdisciplinary coursework in social work, sociology, criminal justice, and the arts.
Some courses that may inspire you:
SOC 2100 — Contemporary Social Issues
CJUS 3100 — Foundations of Social Justice
GNSX 3099 — Race, Gender, Justice and Identity
Social Sciences & Public Affairs
Develop an interdisciplinary foundation for exploring graduate study in sociology, public administration, social policy, and related fields.
Some courses that will prepare you:
POLS 3150 — Comparative Political Analysis
SOC 2100 — Contemporary Social Issues
CJUS 3100 — Foundations of Social Justice
Arts, Humanities, & Communication
Prepare to explore advanced study in communication, cultural studies, humanities, and arts-related disciplines.
Some courses that will prepare you:
ART 1110 — Survey of Art History
ENGL 4220 — Women in Latin American Literature
MST 3750 — Media Storytelling
Education and Interdisciplinary Studies
Build on your undergraduate interests through graduate programs in interdisciplinary studies, education, and other fields that value broad perspectives and analytical skills.
Some courses that will prepare you:
ANSO 4400 — Latin America: Culture and Society
GNSX 3099 — Race, Gender, Justice and Identity
SOCW 2100 — Introduction to Social Work
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to careers in nonprofit organizations, community outreach, advocacy, and programs that support diverse populations.
Some courses that might give you an edge:
SOCW 2100 — Introduction to Social Work
SOC 2100 — Contemporary Social Issues
CJUS 3100 — Foundations of Social Justice
Arts, Media, and Cultural Organizations
Combine communication, creativity, and cultural understanding to pursue opportunities in arts administration, media, cultural programming, and creative project coordination.
Some courses that might give you an edge:
MST 3750 — Media Storytelling
FILM 1101 — Film Appreciation
ART 3307 — Art Images of Social Justice Movements
Business Leadership and Public Service
Build adaptable skills in research, communication, and problem-solving for roles in project coordination, organizational operations, public service, and nonprofit leadership.
Some courses that might give you an edge:
POLS 3150 — Comparative Political Analysis
SOC 2100 — Contemporary Social Issues
CJUS 3440 — Exploring Ethics in the Justice System
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies are well prepared for careers that require adaptability, collaboration, and strategic thinking across departments and sectors. By integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, students develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that translate effectively into leadership, operations, and community-focused roles. Many graduates pursue careers in project management, human resources, nonprofit leadership, policy analysis, and organizational operations, while others continue on to graduate or professional study.
Career Options & Average U.S. Salaries:
- Project Manager – $95,000 (median)
- Human Resources Specialist – $64,000 (median)
- Market Research Analyst – $68,000 (median)
- Policy Analyst – $65,000–$95,000
- Operations Manager – $75,000–$115,000
- Program Manager (Nonprofit or Corporate) – $70,000–$100,000
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ University offers a range of financial aid options to help undergraduate students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.
Get Involved
IDSS Students are encouraged to join student organizations and clubs across disciplines — from sustainability to leadership and the arts — to build community and broaden perspectives, participate in interdisciplinary projects, research initiatives, or student conferences to apply integrated thinking to complex problems, engage in internships or community service placements that connect your customized academic focus with professional experience, and seek opportunities for mentored support through organizations like, American Association of Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) — Offers professional development for those interested in integrated approaches to lifelong learning and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) — Provides leadership training, networking, and recognition across diverse academic pathways.
Highlighted Faculty
Contact Us
- Division of Arts and Letters
- College of Arts and Sciences, E2578
- ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4101
- casinfo@govst.edu