Interdisciplinary programs offer you an opportunity to use the many resources available in the College by pursuing a degree that is administered jointly by various schools and departments within the university. You have the option of choosing an established undergraduate or graduate interdisciplinary degree or creating a self-designed program that fulfills your individual educational and professional requirements. Academic advisors and faculty members play an important role in advising you as you formulate and work toward completing an interdisciplinary course of study.
Self-Designed Interdisciplinary Degrees
BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
As a rule, final written application to the program and interviews should be made no later than the first semester of the junior year and no earlier than the second semester of the freshman year. Students must have at least a 2.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) to be accepted. The student must secure the advice and approval of three faculty members--one major advisor who must be a full-time faculty member and two sponsors--who represent the various disciplines involved in the interdisciplinary field.
For information about interdisciplinary minors, consult the Interdisciplinary Degree Programs section of the American University catalog.
MA or MS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Graduate students interested in constructing an interdisciplinary master's program must first be admitted to a school or college or teaching unit of the university. In applying for admission, prospective graduate students may inform the faculty and teaching units of their interdisciplinary goals. Graduate students interested in the program should complete a major program form available in the office of the dean of the College. All programs must have the approval of three faculty members, at least one from each of the two or more disciplines involved in the interdisciplinary field. For more information, consult the Interdisciplinary Degree Programs section of the American University catalog.
