Interdisciplinary Studies – Individually Designed

This self-designed degree is perfect for students interested in multiple disciplines, or whose career dreams don't fit the traditional division of academic subjects at the university.  The Interdisciplinary Studies (BA) – Individually Designed degree lets you assemble courses from two or more disciplines and make connections among them. You'll gain a breadth of knowledge unparalleled by most academic majors, while also attaining depth in a particular area through a required minor.

This liberal arts degree is especially effective for students interested in emerging fields or who want to remain open to changing career plans. Many students select this major because they see a societal problem they want to help solve, or they are interested in an academic program not currently offered at Appalachian – or one not easily pigeon-holed in one discipline. Professors teaching the course Interdisciplinary Connections: Design (IDS 2002) will guide you in putting together a clear, defensible statement of your goals and developing a contract that consists of 24 semester hours from your selected disciplines.

Examples: New Media Arts (combining Art, Graphic Design and Computer Science); Food Studies (combining Nutrition and cultural studies coursework); Semiotics (combining film studies coursework, Communication, Art and Psychology); or Expressive Arts (combining Dance, Art and Psychology).

• Attorney
• Clothing designer
• Director of theater programs
• Environmental consultant
• Engineer
• Court reporter
• Communications officer
• Writer
• Government affairs coordinator
• Teacher
• Audio recording engineer
• Yoga instructor
• Youth advisor
• Park ranger
• Chaplain
• Nutritionist
• Web project manager
• Psychotherapist

• Complete an application (apply using the Common Application)
• Provide your official high school transcript(s)
• Provide your official or unofficial college transcript(s) for any completed college coursework*
• Submit $65 application fee (or approved fee waiver)
• Submit official or self-reported SAT (school code: 5010) or ACT (school code: 3062) scores (or apply with a test waiver)
• Complete your FAFSA (application opens Oct. 1; school code: 002906)