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Interdisciplinary Studies ,BA

Interdisciplinary Studies, BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Interdisciplinary Studies

Fast Track, Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary, Transdisciplinary, customize, individualized, tailor

Become a master interdisciplinarian. Prepare for the future you envision by integrating two concentration areas you are passionate about.
Program description ▲

The Bachelor of Arts program in interdisciplinary studies, one of the top ranked in the country, offers students the freedom to select two areas of study, referred to as concentration areas, from a rich menu of almost 200 options.

The core curriculum provides students with the intellectual tools to integrate their concentration areas, engage in transdisciplinary problem-solving, and prepare for careers and graduate programs that increasingly cross disciplinary boundaries. An interdisciplinary studies student could choose to integrate concentrations such as business and project management, psychology and social welfare, communication and justice studies, public administration and ethics, digital culture and computer gaming, or many other distinct combinations.

Interdisciplinary studies is an approach to answering questions, solving problems and addressing contemporary social issues from multiple perspectives. Interdisciplinary studies students take an active role in designing their educational plans and defining their career goals. The degree program emphasizes written communication, versatility, self-assessment and critical thinking --- essential skills for today's dynamic world.

Students who are interested in the online program for interdisciplinary studies should visit the ASU Online website for more information.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Polytechnic campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options▲
This program allows students to choose a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor. Fast track options appear at the top of the major map.

This program also allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements▲

There are no additional requirements for current ASU students to change their major to interdisciplinary studies; however, students interested in this major are highly encouraged to meet with an advisor.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online▲
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities▲
Global experience

Studying and interning abroad can be one of the most valuable tools for interdisciplinary studies students. Study abroad programs enable students to develop a valuable intercultural communication skill set that can give them an advantage in a future-focused workforce.

The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

Career opportunities▲

The flexibility of the interdisciplinary studies program enables graduates to take many exciting career paths after they leave ASU. While some complete graduate or professional degrees, others immediately enter the job market. For example, one graduate combined business and communication and now owns a small business; another integrated sociology and family studies to further a career in law enforcement; another studied philosophy and economics to prepare for law school; another combined biology and chemistry in preparation to pursue a master of pharmacy degree; and yet another studied Spanish and religious studies and now works as an employee trainer for a major company.

Possible career opportunities include:

  • archivist or curator
  • climate change analyst
  • compliance manager
  • computer network support specialist
  • editor or web developer
  • environmental restoration planner
  • general and operations manager
  • regulatory affairs manager
  • higher education professional
  • wholesale and retail buyer (except farm products)

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
6.3%
$63,080
3.1%
$65,390
7.5%
$52,560
5.2%
$130,000
6.6%
$140,040
6.1%
$67,440
3.2%
$49,980
4.0%
$130,600
9.1%
$74,240
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Professional licensure▲

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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