Interdisciplinary Studies

Good question!

If you answer "yes" to some of the following questions, then Interdisciplinary Studies might just be the major for you.

• Are you interested in a broad-based, interdisciplinary education?
• Do you seek the flexibility to design your own educational experience?
• Do your plans for the future include a professional program which requires certain prerequisites but no traditional major (a few examples include law and medical school, chiropractic training, and physician’s assistant programs)?
• Are you interested learning about a variety of subjects rather than being focusing on a single content area?
• Do you have a course of study in mind that WCU does not offer? Or a professional direction you want to shape with specific coursework?

Students in the three Interdisciplinary Studies tracks distribute their coursework among a variety of subjects. The programs also include 20 to 30 hours of upper-division electives. Within this framework, you can create an individualized curriculum suited to your interests and career goals. Here are a few of the possibilities:

• A student planning a career in art therapy might combine a minor in studio art with a second minor in early childhood or special education
• If international affairs is your cup of tea, you might combine minors in foreign language and international business
• Students working toward admission to Physician's Assistant programs might complete the necessary prerequisite courses, and minor in both biology and psychology
• Coursework in economics and a minor in Business and Technical writing would be a real plus for a future business reporter.

Interdisciplinary Studies students focus on a diversity of skills and abilities they develop while pursuing this major. Employers in today's job market are looking for job candidates who can work collaboratively, can think on their feet, look at a problem from different perspectives, analyze it and come up with solutions, communicate effectively in both oral and written form, and think critically. In short, the interdisciplinary philosophy of Interdisciplinary Studies prepares students to face the ever changing and ever challenging demands of today's workplace.

Students who wish to pursue graduate degrees or other post-baccalaureate degree opportunities might need to take additional coursework either within the undergraduate degree or later, in order to meet the admissions requirements for those programs.  When this is identified during advising sessions, the Program Advisor will assist the student in reviewing various options.

Intrigued?

Drop an email to Dr. Ann Lieberman Colgan, phone her at 610-436-3505, or schedule a meeting. We look forward to talking with you.