Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interdisciplinary Studies?
The School of Interdisciplinary Studies offers degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs are designed to give you the freedom to plan your degree to match your interests, experience and skills.
Often, positions and career paths do not line up exactly with a traditional “major.” For example, a student interested in advocacy work for children might wish to combine coursework in psychology and child development with coursework in economic and social policy. Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to focus your degree program individually to prepare you for a career or graduate/professional school. In this way, Interdisciplinary Studies incorporates diverse interests that do not fit into more traditional degree programs. In addition, it allows you to maximize credits earned at other institutions.
How does the program work?
All undergraduate degrees from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies require the following:
- Texas Common Core Curriculum (42 semester hours), as do all UT Dallas degrees.
- BIS 3320 – The Nature of Intellectual Inquiry.
- Completion of a minimum of 120 hours; 51 of these hours must be upper-level (3000-4000 level) courses.
You will work with an academic advisor in setting up a degree plan that best suits your goals and interests. You can select from one of our four bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
You may also be interested in our master’s program.
What types of concentrations are allowed when seeking a degree through the School of Interdisciplinary Studies?
Interdisciplinary Studies degrees are flexible and individualized. The possible concentrations are limited only by your interests, experience and goals. Some of the concentrations most frequently chosen are:
- Arts Administration and Management
- Business Communications
- Business Issues
- Communications
- Counseling
- Diversity
- Environmental Studies
- Health & Wellness
- Human Resources
- International Relations
- Pre-Law
- Public Relations
- Sports Management
- Urban Studies
- Women/Gender Studies
Can I explore a new career while working on my degree?
We offer several internship possibilities. Currently, we offer internships in the following areas or programs:
Who can assist me in decisions regarding my major, coursework and courses?
You will be assigned a knowledgeable IS academic advisor to guide you through decisions about degree plans, areas of concentration, graduation requirements, class scheduling and all other academic questions. Because Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs are flexible and individualized, our advisors give you special attention to help you navigate the program. Advisors are available in person and by phone or email during the work week and during selected evening hours.
How does a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies compare with a more traditional degree?
Interdisciplinary Studies degrees are flexible and individualized to your interests, experience and skills; your degree will combine courses from across the University. As a result, you may need to work a little harder to explain your distinctive degree. For example, a BAIS with a concentration in Business Issues is different and potentially less familiar to employers than a BS in Management. You should be prepared to briefly explain your degree program to potential employers and demonstrate that you possess the desirable and necessary skills needed to succeed. Interdisciplinary Studies degrees emphasize a diverse and multifaceted curriculum, which can make you a strong, well-rounded candidate adaptable to many positions.
What career fields have graduates from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies found success in?
Our graduates are employed in a variety of professional positions and settings; many also go on to post-graduate study. Currently, we have graduates working in law, dentistry, medicine, business, education, nonprofits, social advocacy, media and communications, politics, healthcare, and the arts to name a few. Many students who received their teacher certification from the Teacher Development Center (TDC) have gone on to become principals and executive directors. TDC graduates include a Teacher of the Year in Garland ISD, Teacher of the Year in Plano ISD, Milken Educator Award winner, Superintendent Service Award winner and a professor of Curriculum and Instruction in our Natural Sciences program.
What career fields have graduates from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies found success in?
Our graduates are employed in a variety of professional positions and settings; many also go on to post-graduate study. Currently, we have graduates working in law, dentistry, medicine, business, education, nonprofits, social advocacy, media and communications, politics, healthcare, and the arts to name a few. Many students who received their teacher certification from the Teacher Development Center (TDC) have gone on to become principals and executive directors. TDC graduates include a Teacher of the Year in Garland ISD, Teacher of the Year in Plano ISD, Milken Educator Award winner, Superintendent Service Award winner and a professor of Curriculum and Instruction in our Natural Sciences program.