Interdisciplinary Studies

Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Interdisciplinary Studies Program offers a unique degree that provides students the flexibility to customize their degrees in an academic program by selecting Areas of Concentration and Enhanced Electives that combine basic skills with specific areas of study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
The Program is popular with upperclassmen due to their ability to successfully transfer to the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program with minimal interruption to their undergraduate studies. Students that enroll in the Program are provided with an enhanced broad-based liberal education that meets high academic standards while also enjoying the flexibility to adapt and combine courses from established traditional curricula.

What types of jobs are available to a graduate with a bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies?
Employment opportunities are generally good for applicants possessing a bachelor’s degree. Those opportunities are enhanced exponentially when followed by a graduate degree in an area of interest. The same advantages hold true for those students who have obtained an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree and for those who decide subsequently to pursue graduate studies. Many of our students have found that they are more marketable due to the fact they also hold a degree with a concentration in a specific area while oftentimes possessing enhanced electives. Students are encouraged to visit the SUNO Career Counseling and Placement Office to maximize their career opportunities.

Can an Interdisciplinary Studies degree graduate pursue post-graduate studies?
Many students continue their education beyond the undergraduate degree by enrolling in graduate school, where they focus on a specialized area of study. All students are encouraged to pursue their educational goals to advance their career potential.

Can an Interdisciplinary Studies Program student take courses online or, in the evening?
Yes, there are a variety of courses available through e-learning and are offered during the evening to meet the needs of the non-traditional student within various academic departments. These classes are also available to students enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program.

Can a transfer student from another university or another program of study use the equivalent courses offered through this program of study?
Yes, in many cases a student may transfer to SUNO utilizing the General Education courses that he/she has successfully completed during the first and second year of studies. However, to assure maximum student success with course transfers, student academic transcripts are evaluated by the University Transcript Specialist at SUNO prior to their entry into the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Courses that are approved and accepted for transfer to the University are subsequently credited; thereby eliminating the need for the student to repeat the course.

Goals

Provide students with an enhanced, academically challenging and comprehensive liberal education from established traditional undergraduate curricula;
Provide a flexible course of study that will establish an interdisciplinary approach to the development of students;
Provide a supportive environment that will instill an understanding and appreciation of the social, political, cultural and economical forces which shape communities at the local, state, national and international levels;
Provide students with quality counseling and advisement;
Provide students with academic support programs that will enhance their successful matriculation;
Provide a sound undergraduate foundation that will prepare students for the workplace and for graduate education.

Graduation

By enrolling in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, students may pursue a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree that consists of a non-science concentration in the following areas:

African American Studies
Art
English
Health Information Management Systems
Humanities
Political Science
Social Science

Students electing a concentration in any of the areas above will complete a total of 120 credit hours.

45 of those credit hours are required at the 300 and 400 levels;

15 credit hours @ the 300 level,
15 credit hours @ the 400 level
and the remaining 15 credit hours are based on the student's choice of a combination of 300 or 400 level courses, or students may choose 30 credit hours out of the 300 level and 15 credit hours out of the 400 level.

All areas of concentration require 30 credit hours with a grade of C or better.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program here at SUNO offers a unique degree that gives students the flexibility to customize their degree in an academic program by selecting Areas of Concentration and Enhanced Electives that combine basic skills with specific areas of study.