Interdisciplinary Studies

The mission of the B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at ESU is to provide an innovative, individualized, and flexible Liberal Arts degree program that centers on integration of knowledge, personal and scholarly growth, and civic engagement to prepare students for graduate or professional education and address emerging workforce needs. The cornerstones of the Interdisciplinary Studies program are faculty and student collaboration, self-authoring curriculum, academic rigor, and interdisciplinary inquiry.

Instead of pursuing a major in one of the existing degree options, an Interdisciplinary Studies student takes a sequence of courses in two or three departments that are consistent with his/her educational goals within the 120-credit minimum. Students combine the coursework from the departments into a plan of study with the assistance of an adviser.

The program increases the breadth of knowledge that might not be possible with traditional majors and minors, providing students with a solid academic foundation for multiple careers and graduate programs.

A graduate with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree has a well-rounded educational background in two or more fields. Because of the broad scope of an interdisciplinary studies degree, graduates are able to obtain a variety of jobs, pursue an advanced degree, or pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies. The Interdisciplinary Studies student is a good fit for employers seeking applicants with a diversified background, an ability to integrate multiple perspectives, an ability to succeed in more than one field of endeavor, a demonstrated ability to be innovative and creative, and who has a global perspective.