Individualized Interdisciplinary Majors
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies enables any undergraduate student to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study that she or he has assembled to substitute for a traditional major. Each student works with two faculty advisors who help her or him craft a creative interdisciplinary degree proposal that links academic content knowledge with professional aspirations. Students also work with the IDS Committee whose members reflect cross-campus academic diversity. This program affords students the opportunity to pursue topics of study customized to meet their individual interests and needs.
Graduates will benefit by pursuing majors that make them aware of how seemingly disparate bodies of knowledge interrelate. This program enables students to integrate knowledge focusing on both contemporary and lasting human issues and problems. Students will develop both theoretical and practical approaches to topics. Interdisciplinary Studies majors can provide the groundwork for students who aspire to useful careers in such important fields as urban affairs, business relations, environmental protection, human development, and international relations, to name only a few.
Program quality is extremely high owing to the concentration of upper-level courses, close collaboration between student and advisors, the support of the IDS contact person and Committee, and a rigorous senior thesis. Interdisciplinary Studies students are among the brightest and most creative in the university. From fiscal year 1997 through 2005, graduate GPAs ranged between 3.21 and 3.33, impressive given the demanding course load. IDS graduates tend to pursue graduate studies or work in fields directly related to their courses of studies. Graduation rates are exceptional.
The Interdisciplinary Studies program serves local, regional, and national markets. Students who don’t find the traditional majors suitable to their needs, seek information about professional opportunities that likely exist for them in the larger community. Contacts with local, regional, or national professionals provide students with focused plans of study, many of which include an internship as a practical aspect of the degree program.
How to contact this program:
Office: Candelaria 1265
Hours: 8:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Contact Person: Sheri Manweiler
E-mail: Sheri.Manweiler@unco.edu
Phone: (970) 351-2045 (Contact Person)
Coordinator: Hedy Red Dexter
E-mail: hedy.dexter@unco.edu
Phone: (970) 351-2108 (Coordinator)
Other Interdisciplinary Majors
The following majors are standing options at UNC:
- International Studies
Office: Candelaria 1281 | Phone: (970) 351-2739 | Web site - Early Childhood Education
Office: McKee 216 | Phone: (970) 351-2908 | Web site - Liberal Arts (Elementary Education)
Office: McKee 227 | Phone: (970) 351-2929 | Web site
