Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Major

The Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences major provides broad exposure to key areas of knowledge within the arts and sciences while stressing their interconnectedness. This degree is based on core courses in history, environmental science, literature/arts, social science, and an introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and allows students to maximize the potential of interdisciplinary studies while gaining the skills they need to be successful in a rapidly changing society and world.

Degree Requirements 

For the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences major, you need to complete 67 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.

For more information, contact an academic advisor.

You need to complete 22 core credits and 45 elective credits (15 credits from each of the three elective lists) to complete the degree Courses used toward your core requirement cannot be double-counted as elective credits.

Foundational/Core Courses (22 credits)

List A - 5 credits from one of the following courses:

List B - 5 credits from one of the following courses:

List C - 5 credits from one of the following courses:

List D - 5 credits from one of the following courses:

Required 2-credit course

Elective Courses (45 credits)

A minimum of 35 credits must be upper-division. A minimum of 20 credits must be at the 400-level.

  • 15 credits from Lists E/F - Scientific Thinking/Humans and Their Environment (at least 5 credits from each category)
  • 15 credits from Lists G/H - History or The Human Past/Society and Culture or The Human Present (at least 5 credits from each category)
  • 15 credits from Lists I/J - Literature/Visual and Performing Arts (at least 5 credits from each category)

List E - Scientific Thinking

List F - Humans and Their Environment

List G -History or The Human Past

List H - Society and Culture or The Human Present

List I - Literature

List J - Visual and Performing Arts

Degree requirements prior to Winter 2018.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences major, you will possess a broad-based and liberal arts education. You will be expected to:

  • understand the interdisciplinary nature of local, regional, national and global issues.
  • develop skills in written, oral and visual communication and interpretation vital to success in any field of knowledge or profession.
  • improve critical thinking skills that lead to the development of informed and involved citizenry.
  • improve the understanding of the methodologies used by the humanities, social sciences and the natural sciences, and of the ways these methodologies complement each other in the examination of complex ideas.

Career Options

Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences students pursue careers in a number of areas, including but not limited to education, business, government and the non-profit sector. Many students planning to earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in elementary education choose this major because it allows them to gain a broad base of knowledge useful for their future classroom curricula. Students may also pursue graduate studies in a range of disciplines.