Your student is unique . . . so are we

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree provides your student the opportunity to create a baccalaureate degree program that reflects unique interests and talents. Literature and history. Urban planning and nonprofit leadership. Communication and public administration. Business and dance. Why not?

Not every student enjoys being placed into a box. And many students do not fare well when forced into a box. The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree disassembles the boxes we have created at universities. For many students, the BIS is the path to success.

What is interdisciplinary studies?

American universities are usually organized around departments or schools that reflect “disciplines,” or traditions of scholarship in a specific area. During the 20th century, these disciplines grew more and more narrow. As an example, fifty years ago a department of English may have included studies in literature, composition, theater, communication, and journalism. Today, we are likely to find this one department broken up into five separate departments—one each for literature, composition, theater, communication, and journalism—and the student must select one of these disciplines as a major.

Through interdisciplinary studies, a student is given the opportunity to bridge disciplinary interests and integrate ideas in both classroom settings and applied contexts. This approach to learning prepares the student for a world that is not bound by disciplines or academic traditions. Thus, in interdisciplinary studies, a student can bridge and integrate disciplinary interests in Spanish and communication, business and art, or geography and political science, to name but a few of the possibilities.

Your students are our pride and joy. We have honor students, first-year students, re-entry students, transfer students, and students who have changed majors as frequently as they have changed hairstyles. As the research indicates, academic or career indecision is not related to achievement or intelligence, and it is within this context that each one of our students is given the opportunity to succeed. Our graduates, over 5,000 to date, have gone on to graduate school, law school, medical school, and successful careers in small businesses, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, educational systems, and international agencies.

We believe in creating a challenging but nurturing environment for students. Ours is a spirit of collaboration based on community building and personal responsibility. We assist students as they make academic choices based on personal and career goals, identify and integrate talents and abilities, and strive toward balance in their lives.

Our core faculty is a diverse group of scholars with broad interests in academia, community, and people. Each brings a unique perspective to interdisciplinary studies. Richard Bauer (PhD, Purdue University) natural sciences and mathematics ; Stephanie deLusé (PhD, Arizona State University) social psychology and interpersonal communication; Kevin Ellsworth (PhD, Arizona State University) democracy and global politics; Layne Gneiting (PhD, Arizona State University) communication, performance, and storytelling; Jessica Hirshorn (EdD, University of Houston) multicultural and international education; Mirna Lattouf (PhD, University of Arizona) religion, women, and Middle Eastern culture; Brian McCormack (PhD, Arizona State University) global politics and the power of naming; Kelly Nelson (PhD, Brandeis University) gender, sports, and culture; David Thomas (PhD, University of Southern California) studies organizational behavior and achievement; and David Wells (PhD, University of Southern California) political sociology and tax policy.

A professional academic advisor does not simply tell a student what classes to take. Advising is part of the educational process wherein we make choices, enhance development, and plan for the future. We are home of some of the most experienced and professional advisors at ASU: John Coughlin, Barbara DiAdamo, Paula Estrada Guzman, Suzanne Lewenstein, Scott Thorpe, and Gerald West. We pursue advising relationships based on mutual respect, guidance, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. As parents, you can help your students through this process by asking about classes they are taking, degree requirements, the full range of options, and internship opportunities.

In sum, we believe your student made an excellent choice in selecting interdisciplinary studies. We invite you to browse our website and learn more about our School of Letters and Sciences, University College, and Arizona State University. We have provided useful links below, and we have a list of frequently asked questions.

We will see you at graduation!

See also Useful Links for Parents