BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Overview
The BA and BS in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasize a broader learning experience and wider perspective than most traditional undergraduate majors. As an I.S. student, you can #DesignYourDegree to fit your career and academic goals. Dive into crucial subjects like gender, diversity issues, and environmental studies, or craft a program specifically to pursue your chosen profession.
Program Options
BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies enable students to participate in an integrative, academically sound, and goal-oriented education directly relevant to their academic interests and career aspirations. Both programs require 120 hours, 45 hours of which must be upper-division courses. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours at UT Dallas to earn a degree.
Both the BA and BS in Interdisciplinary Studies include two foundation areas and a multidisciplinary concentration, in addition to core curriculum requirements and electives. The foundation areas are designed to provide an intellectual base in two academic schools related to the student’s concentration. The concentration component permits a multidisciplinary investigation of an area, problem, or theme meaningful to students’ educational or career goals.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) is a liberal arts-style degree plan that allows students to accomplish a range of goals, including incorporating differing fields of interest into a college degree, transferring with diverse credits, or completing a degree that requires new skills important in the workplace. It is appropriate for those students who seek a thorough grounding in the traditional arts and sciences from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Some examples of common concentrations are given below, or you may work with your advisor to design your own.
Examples of Common Concentrations
- Arts Administration and Management
- Business Communications
- Business Issues
- Communications
- Counseling
- Diversity
- Environmental Studies
- Health and Wellness
- Human Resources
- International Relations
- Pre-Law
- Public Relations
- Sports Management
- Urban Studies
- Gender/Women’s Studies
The Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS) emphasizes a flexible, individualized approach to academic paths in math and science. The BS in interdisciplinary studies is a rigorous science-based degree intended for students who are interested in environmental studies, pre-medicine, or other science-related fields.
Honors
Students must fulfill the requirements for the major and earn at least a 3.9 cumulative GPA as well as a 3.9 GPA in courses used to complete the major. Additionally, students must devote six semester hours to a capstone project approved by the program head. This might consist of an internship, thesis, portfolio project, or upper-level research seminar (or some combination thereof).
Fast Track
The Fast Track Program permits qualified undergraduate students to begin work on the MAIS (Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies) degree before completing their bachelor’s degree.
See more information on our Fast Track Program page.
Program Highlights
The BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to develop essential skills such as writing, analysis, critical thinking, and research across disciplines. Students explore fields such as business, humanities, communications, science, and culture. Graduates are prepared for advanced study in their area of concentration and may go on to careers in communications, media, academia, and beyond.
Internships
Get real-world experience and leadership opportunities by enrolling in an internship. For more information, visit the School of Interdisciplinary Studies Internship page.
Faculty
Dr. Tonja Wissinger
Interim Dean & Professor of Instruction Program Head, Interdisciplinary Studies
“The IS bachelor’s degrees are probably the most flexible programs at UTD. In collaboration with their academic advisor, students can create a degree plan tailored to their academic interests and career aspirations.”
Professional Paths
A degree in Interdisciplinary Studies can prepare graduates for a wide range of careers including management, journalism, human resources, and more. An I.S. degree is an excellent preparation for advanced study in an area related to your concentration, or the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Our alumni work in a range of fields including education, business, social work, and the arts.
- Science Writing
- Sports Management
- Human Resources
- Communications
- Social Media Management
- Business Development
- UX Design
- Social Work
- Climate Journalism
- Counseling
- Political Organizing
