Interdisciplinary Studies
The interdisciplinary studies major is designed to open up to interested students the rich and challenging world of the liberal arts with its myriad perspectives. Exposure to a broad spectrum of related disciplines will help students integrate their knowledge and experience, deepen their understanding of the intellectual and creative achievements of the past, and promote attitudes of curiosity and critical reflection toward expressive forms of culture and civilization. The program is committed to the belief that only through the exchange of ideas can the challenges of life become occasions for understanding.
The program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Interdisciplinary Studies requires a minimum of 30 credits. Majors will be assigned to an advisor who will provide them with the recommended sequence of courses in their focus areas and with recommended general education courses.
Except for transfer students for whom the block transfer policy applies, interdisciplinary studies majors must complete all general education requirements.
New Jersey Teaching Credentials
The New Jersey certifications below are available for students earning the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies:
- Early Childhood Education (P–3) with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement
- Elementary Education (K–6) with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement
- Teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement
For required professional courses in education and other education requirements, please refer to the School of Education section of the catalog.
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for Interdisciplinary Studies, the student will receive a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and will have given evidence of the following outcomes and goals:
- The analysis of human experience from multiple disciplinary perspectives as evidenced by student portfolio.
- Application of research methods and tools from at least one discipline within a capstone project.
- Writing and speaking proficiently in informal (classroom) and formal (presentations) settings.
- Application of the skills of the interdisciplinary studies major to a profession through completion of career modules and directed internship opportunities.
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
- One course in exploring the interdisciplinary studies and a final senior seminar in interdisciplinary studies.
- 18 semester hours in courses at the 200 level or above in one of the following disciplines: American studies, business (including accounting, economics, and information systems), criminal justice, English, history, integrative health, religious studies, Spanish.
- 6 semester hours in courses at the 200 level or above from any of the disciplines listed above or from world languages and cultures and philosophy. These courses will be selected under advisement to round out the major concentration.
- A full academic year within the program is required prior to enrolling in IDS401 Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| GEN101 | Pathway to the Bridge 1 | 2 |
| EN111 or EN221 |
Academic Writing and Research I 1 or Honors Argument: Rhetoric & Research |
3 |
| Quantitative Analysis 1 | 3-4 | |
| Mod. Lang. or V&P Arts 1 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 14-15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| GEN199 | WI:Discovering Self in the Universe 1 | 3 |
| Literature or Nat. Science 1 | 3-4 | |
| Mod. Lang. or V&P Arts 1 | 3 | |
| IDS201 | Exploring Interdisciplinary Studies 2 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Literature or Nat. Science 1 | 3-4 | |
| Social Science 1 or History 1 | 3 | |
| IDS Focus Area 2 | 3 | |
| IDS Focus Area 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PL245 | Philosophical Inquiry (or Religious Studies) 1 | 3 |
| Social Science 1 or History 1 | 3 | |
| IDS Focus Area 2 | 3 | |
| IDS Focus Area 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PL245 | Philosophical Inquiry (or Religious Studies) 1 | 3 |
| Social Science 2 1 | 3 | |
| IDS Focus Area 2 | 3 | |
| IDS Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
Ethics |
||
| Shaping Lives: Women & Gender | ||
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
Ethics |
||
| Shaping Lives: Women & Gender | ||
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
| IDS Focus Area 2 | 3 | |
| IDS Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
Ethics |
||
| Shaping Lives: Women & Gender | ||
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| IDS401 | Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 119-122 | |
| 1 | General Education |
| 2 | Major |
A study of key ideas of interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on writing research essays in the disciplines. Students will explore their area of concentration as it relates to career. The course will enable students to recognize and analyze works in various disciplines; and to understand and appreciate the role that the humanities play in human culture. This course can be substituted for a research course from the area of concentration.
This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the African American experience – from the Middle Passage/enslavement period through the 21st century. Using various texts and other media sources, we will engage in dialogue on race, ethnicity, and nationality and how if affects the Black community in the United States. We will explore the relationship between “African American” and “Black” identity and the controversy around the interchangeable use of the terms. The students will also learn about the founding of several organizations (e.g., NAACP, SNCC, SCLC, Jack and Jill of America, Black Panther Party, etc.) and their role in constructing the African American experience. Finally, we will examine the movements that shaped Black America (e.g., Black/Afro-American studies protests, the civil rights movement, the Black liberation movement, #BlackLivesMatter, etc.)
The seminar ranges across the spectrum of human experience, utilizes a variety of theoretical and artistic approaches, and its topics vary from semester to semester. Student are expected to actively engage the material, to present their own research, and to use the class meetings as a forum for thoughtful conversation and their inquiry. Students will write an extended research paper in the area of their concentration and present it to the class. This course may be substituted with a seminar from the area of concentration. Offered on an as-needed basis.
An in-depth program of study based on a specific area of interest or an interdisciplinary investigation under the direction of a faculty member. Intended for the advanced student in the interdisciplinary studies program. Offered on application.
Kathleen A. Froriep, Associate Professor; Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program; Director of the Applied Arts and Sciences Program; Hazlet Site Coordinator
Ph.D., Capella University
B.A., M.A., Monmouth University