Humanities
Interdisciplinary Studies
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdisciplinary Studies
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The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for current TLU students or students who previously attended TLU and have not yet completed their degree.
Are you a former student interested in being readmitted to complete this program? Fill out TLU's Readmission Application to begin the enrollment process.
What is Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)?
TLU's Interdisciplinary Studies major allows students to combine coursework from different disciplines to create a focus tailored to their particular goals. If you’re a person who is interested in many different fields of study, IDS might be a good fit.
So I can Take Whatever Classes I Want?
Not exactly. IDS majors must fulfill the Core, Distribution, and Competency requirements, just like all TLU students. They must also complete a total of 124 credit hours in order to earn a degree, just like all students. However, IDS majors choose 33 hours of upper-division coursework (meaning courses numbered 300 and above) in at least two academic areas—for instance, Math and Chemistry—and complete a 3-credit Senior Thesis course designated for IDS majors. While most degree programs stipulate the upper-division courses you must take, IDS offers a little more flexibility in creating your own degree plan. You must complete at least 12 hours of upper-division coursework in one academic area and at least 9 hours in a second area.
Courses & Careers
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How do I Decide Which Courses to Take?
As soon as you decide to pursue the IDS major, you’ll complete a Degree Program Outline. The purpose of this form is to help you identify your goals and the specific upper-division courses that will help you reach them.
You’ll need to enlist the help of a faculty member from each of your major areas as you complete this form; they will know which classes are best aligned with your goals and when those courses are likely to be offered, allowing you to create a degree plan that can be completed within your remaining time at TLU.
You’ll submit this completed form to the IDS program director for approval. Then your formal degree plan—which lists all courses you’ve taken at TLU—will be submitted to the registrar’s office.
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What About the Senior Thesis Requirement?
You will enroll for IDST 431 as an independent study, working with the program director or another faculty member who agrees to supervise your thesis project.
Your thesis project must focus on a project that illustrates an intersection between/among your major fields of study and fulfill the learning outcomes for IDS majors. Your completed project must be submitted to the IDS program director as well as your faculty supervisor.
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What can I do With a Degree in IDS?
The answer to this question will be different for every IDS major, since each student will have different goals (as stated on the Degree Program Outline.) It’s a good idea to talk with faculty members in your major areas about potential career paths.