Interdisciplinary Studies

 

The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies is for students whose educational goals can best be met by integrating courses from several fields of study. This major is unique because it is individually designed; students work with faculty advisers to design their curriculum around a chosen theme. Your program might encompass the natural sciences, social sciences, cultural studies, fine arts, technical and professional fields, or a combination of these. Interdisciplinary Studies is available by formal application only.  Please contact Dr. Aparna Katre  to gain access to the application. 

Learn more about the exciting work of current IS majors! For more information about Interdisciplinary Studies, or for questions about the application process, contact Dr. Aparna Katre or schedule an appointment.

Student Learning Outcomes

Although each Interdisciplinary Studies major's curriculum is individualized, all students in the program will develop their ability to: 

  1. Describe the value and limitations of discipline-based inquiry
  2. Analyze a range of cultural products and processes using interdisciplinary methods
  3. Collaborate in problem-solving by asking productive questions, listening to peers, and sharing ideas through discussion
  4. Integrate insights from multiple disciplines
  5. Write focused, persuasive essays that address a complex problem
  6. Relate interdisciplinary studies to individual values and goals

Applying to the Program

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Application Details

Unlike many majors at UMD, Interdisciplinary Studies is available through a formal application process as each student works with faculty to design and propose an individualized program of study. Recent creative and successful program titles have included the following:

  • Law & Society
  • Classical Heritage
  • Ancient Studies
  • Marketing Communications
  • Fashion Design, Development & Expression
  • Peace Studies

Students must declare this major before completing 70 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.50. Exceptions include returning students, transfer students admitted with 70 or more credits, and active military or veteran students, who may declare the Individualized Plan track of the major before completing 90 credits. Students who have more than 70 completed credits are advised to meet with their advisor or a professional advisor to discuss alternative options.

The Interdisciplinary Studies (I.S.) proposal should be thought out carefully with as much expert consultation as possible. The program consists of a list of courses which constitute the major (36 credits minimum at the 3xxx level or above, including 3 different areas of study), a Statement of Purpose which supplies the rationale for the proposed program, and all faculty supporting documents. NOTE: At least 12 credits within the proposal must be from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences course offerings, though proposals can also include courses within other UMD collegiate units. The proposal should incorporate at least three different areas of study (i.e. PHIL, ART, and GEOG).

Upon approval, the application becomes an individualized Course of Study for a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.An Interdisciplinary Studies major application includes the following documents:

  • A completed application form
  • A Statement of Purpose (at least 250 word document)
  • Supporting statements from all listed faculty advisors (at least 250 word document from each advisor)
  • A transcript or APAS report

The Interdisciplinary Studies Committee scrutinizes applications carefully, because these become curricular contracts for highly individualized courses of study. Each application is unique and the following tips may help you:

  • Set up a meeting with IS Program Director Dr. Aparna Katre. They will be your primary contact person as you navigate this process.
  • Allow plenty of time. Most students need a few weeks to get the application ready. Read the instructions and form carefully, trying to fill in the blanks mentally and noting things you have to learn.
  • Get lots of faculty advice. Make (and keep!) appointments with faculty members whose expertise aligns with your proposed major. Faculty members know about their own disciplines and departmental requirements, but each one may not be well informed about other components of your proposed major. If you think a person would be a good advisor, ask if they would be willing to be one of your advisors.
  • Draft your Statement of Purpose and bring it to your meetings with faculty. The  Statement of Purpose  is where a student addresses the purpose of the major being proposed. Be concise (250 word maximum) and to the point, and after you have written your statement, ask, "Did I make a convincing case for this particular major?"
  • Get to know the UMD Catalog. Theoretically, any course at UMD is available for incorporating into an Interdisciplinary Studies major, but in actual practice there are real limitations from prerequisites, availability, and your own knowledge of what's out there.
  • If you choose a course with prerequisites, these should be listed on the Lower Division/Prerequisite page of the application. Sometimes prerequisites can be waived by the instructor or department for I.S. Majors. If you do this, list the appropriate persons on your application form as Consulting Advisors-and get their signatures before submitting the form!
  • Make an appointment to discuss your draft proposal with the Director and, after discussion, revise your proposal if necessary.
  • Proofread and correct the entire application. Is your Statement of Purpose up to date? Are the course numbers correct? Any spelling errors? Did you name your advisors? Did you date the application?
  • When satisfied with the application, get all advisors' signatures (both principal and consulting).
  • Include advisor statements.
  • Make a copy for your files and submit the original application to the Director.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  You will receive an email notification of the status of your application.

Download the Interdisciplinary Studies B.A. formal application

Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Project

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Senior Project Details

The Senior Project (course IS 3093) is the capstone of the I.S. Major's course of study. It should provide evidence of integration of knowledge and skills derived from courses in different disciplines. The I.S. Committee and the I.S. Director do not require that the Course of Study proposal specify the nature of the Senior Project at the time of application; the Project ordinarily develops from course work, from discussions with the advisor, and from the special interests of, and opportunities for, the student.

The norm for a Senior Project is 2-4 credits. Ordinarily this will represent an academic paper of 15-30 pages in length with a full bibliography. However, there can be many variations from the norm. Some Senior Projects have been internships, others have been portfolios or exhibits while others have been field studies. The more credits a student registers for, the more involved the senior project. It is recommended that the upper end of the credit limit is for projects that take the student off-campus for a substantial part of an academic term (internship, tour, archival research, etc.).

Regardless of the nature of the Senior Project, it should always include these two components:

  1. A bibliography of relevant library resources demonstrating general knowledge of the topic, and
  2. A written paper, report, journal, self-analysis, etc.

A copy of the Senior Project must be filed with the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dr. Aparna Katre.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

I.S. students are responsible for keeping advisors informed of their progress toward completion of their Course of Study. Students are also responsible for procuring and completing collegiate and all-university requirements. Students may request a change in advisor at any time, although a new advisor must be approved by the Director. Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this major are encouraged to inform the Director at the start of the program. Adaptation of methods. materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.