Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies gives students the opportunity to design their own degree path by combining courses across different disciplines to match their academic interests and professional goals. Working closely with faculty mentors, students build a personalized program grounded in critical thinking, research, writing, and interdisciplinary analysis.
Design your own degree. Combine multiple fields of study. Prepare for careers shaped by complex social and global issues.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.)
Program Delivery: On Campus
Next Term: Fall 2026
Why Choose Interdisciplinary Studies at MCLA?
MCLA’s Interdisciplinary Studies program allows students to create a customized major by combining coursework across different academic disciplines. Students work closely with faculty advisors, complete four IDST courses taught by interdisciplinary faculty, and build the rest of their program through coursework across campus.
Three Pathways, One Degree
Students can pursue a Self-Designed program, select a Pre-Designed pathway such as American Studies, or combine Interdisciplinary Studies with teacher licensure preparation through the Educator pathway.
MCLA’s Most Flexible Major
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed for students who want flexibility in building a degree path. It is particularly attractive for transfer students and students interested in combining multiple academic interests into one program.
Faculty Mentorship from Day One
Students work closely with an IDST faculty advisor to choose courses, define academic goals, and build a degree pathway across multiple disciplines.
Career Outlook and Program Value
Interdisciplinary graduates build adaptable skills that apply across research, education, nonprofit organizations, communications, public service, and graduate study.
Where This Degree Takes You
Interdisciplinary Studies graduates pursue careers and graduate study across a wide range of fields. Alumni outcomes include graduate study at Dartmouth College, environmental law pathways, social science research, education, and community development.
Career Opportunities
- Community Development Coordinator
- Policy Analyst
- Research Associate
- Program Coordinator
- Environmental Policy Specialist
- Urban Planner
- Academic Advisor
- Public Service Administrator
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Social Science Researcher
- Grant Writer
- Education Program Coordinator
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Skills You Will Develop
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FAQs
The Self-Designed pathway allows students to create a customized degree around a specific theme, issue, or combination of disciplines. Pre-Designed programs follow a structured interdisciplinary pathway, such as American Studies or International and Global Studies.
Yes. The Educator pathway combines Interdisciplinary Studies with teacher licensure preparation in areas such as elementary education, middle school education, and interdisciplinary concentration areas.
Graduates work in education, public service, nonprofit organizations, research, communications, community development, and related interdisciplinary fields. Others continue into graduate and professional programs.
Yes. The flexibility of the program makes it a strong option for transfer students who want to integrate previous coursework into a customized academic pathway.
Students work closely with an Interdisciplinary Studies faculty advisor to select courses, define a thematic focus, and build a coherent academic plan using coursework from multiple disciplines across MCLA.
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