Interdisciplinary Studies Information

The IDS undergraduate major is for students whose academic interests do not lie within one of the traditional majors. It is a program of study consisting of integrated coursework across disciplines to formulate a thematic study. You may select a pre-established thematic study such as Medical Sciences, Cultural Studies, Legal Studies, and Youth and Community Outreach, or you may design your own.

A self-designed major must be substantially different from a regular departmental major or major-plus-minor at Arkansas State University. The thematic study must also have a clearly stated goal with a sound rationale for all courses to be taken in the major. You may find it helpful to look at relevant majors in the bulletin or on websites from other universities as a model for their desired program.

The IDS major requires at least a 2.5 GPA to be considered for admission. In order to apply, students must:

1. Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor or the program director in the Department of Nontraditional Studies, and
2. Submit a completed IDS program application.
   
   

Students are not officially in the program until their proposed plan of study has been approved and their major has been changed.

In Interdisciplinary Studies, you’ll explore a central theme from the perspective of different disciplines—two or more and courses (45 credits) integrated into one learning experience.

Unlike other majors, interdisciplinary studies students do not take courses for the thematic study labeled with the name of the major area (Interdisciplinary Studies). However, you have the academic depth to take courses from several disciplines of study offered by the university. Your major, therefore, allows you to integrate knowledge and insight from different perspectives. You have the freedom to craft a higher education degree that truly fits your academic, personal, and career interests.

For example:

• A creative student who has a passion for dance and excels in communication may discover a unique way to align those skills with his or her passions by integrating music and communication coursework with the career aspirations to practice Educational Dance Theory or become a Dance Movement Therapist.
• A creative student who has a passion for design and excels in computer graphics may discover a unique way to align those skills with his or her passions by integrating graphic design, kinesiology, and computer programming with the career aspirations to practice computer gaming.
• A creative student who has a passion for horses and children and excels in animal science may discover a unique way to align those skills with his or her passions by integrating psychology and animal science with the career aspirations to practice equine therapy.

More Examples of Possible Thematic Studies:

• Child Health and Development
• Art Therapy
• Medical Sciences
• Social Ethics
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Aging Studies
• Cultural Studies
• Environmental Studies

The IDS major consists of a thematic study of 45 hours of which 36 of those hours must be 3000 or 4000 level. Students must earn a C or above in all thematic study courses. There is a core course load of 18 hours. These courses represent the foundation of the major. Additionally, you must enroll in at least 6 hours of foreign language or (3000/4000) level cultural studies courses.

Study abroad is encouraged as an option to meet this requirement. You must also complete 13 hours of elective courses. These courses may complement the major. An IDS major must also fulfill all university requirements (FYE, general education, etc.).

Yes. Transfer students are encouraged to consult with the Department of Nontraditional Studies.

The IDS major is not for everyone. To design an individualized course of study requires a great deal of effort and planning. The IDS major in itself requires a large amount of self-discipline, critical inquiry, and creativity. The major is for students who desire a challenging and unique undergraduate educational experience while maintaining academic excellence.