Interdisciplinary Studies

The interdisciplinary studies degree program at the University of Idaho allows you to customize a major that’s perfect for you. You’ll be in the driver’s seat, with the flexibility to reach beyond disciplinary boundaries to create a degree program tailored to your specific interests and goals. The self-designed Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies ensures that you graduate with the distinctive skills and broad knowledge you need for the career you want.

You’ll work closely with a faculty adviser to develop a coherent course of study that will meet both university requirements and your personal objectives. The curriculum will combine the elements of two or more departments, one of which must be in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. You will usually present your plan for approval during your sophomore year and no later than the end of your junior year.

Prepare for Success

Do you have clear educational and career goals? Do you want to pursue a specific career path that requires skills and knowledge from more than one department? The interdisciplinary studies program could be for you. To succeed, you must be goal oriented and self-driven, with the ability to work independently.

Your First Year

In your first year, you will complete University of Idaho core requirements. Upon completion of your core courses – usually during your sophomore year – you will work closely with a faculty adviser and program coordinator within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences to design a coherent curriculum that includes a minimum of 128 credits. The plan must be presented and approved before the end of your junior year or when at least 30 credits of the curriculum have yet to be completed. Learn more.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies will complete a foreign language requirement.

What You Can Do

A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is ideal for a student who has a specific career goal in mind. The degree allows you to take courses and to receive the unique training you need for this particular goal. Career opportunities are highly dependent on your selected curriculum. We will work closely with you to help you select the courses that will best prepare you for your future aspirations.

Opportunities

Where you go and how you use your interdisciplinary studies degree is up to you. Below are examples of how recent students have designed their interdisciplinary program to meet their career goals:

• A recent student identified a personal goal of working internationally on food and nutritional education. Given her goal, we helped craft a curriculum drawing from classes in family and consumer science, sociology and international studies to help her gain the knowledge and skill set to work internationally.
• Another student decided to pursue a career as a life coach, working with individuals and executives interested in organizing and improving their lives. To help her attain the skill set necessary for such a career, we identified courses in communication studies, sociology and business.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on learning is an integral part of your undergraduate experience at the University of Idaho. You will have many opportunities to expand your study and learning beyond the classroom into real-world settings.

Many departments have established service-learning programs, which give students valuable practical experience working with members of the community on actual projects. Faculty advisers will also work with you to help you find quality internship opportunities that will enhance your customized curriculum.

You may also take advantage of the many campus events. You’ll find insight by attending public lectures from speakers from across the world or by engaging in the many service opportunities on campus.