F.A.Q.

Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Interdisciplinary Studies:

1. What is Interdisciplinary Studies?
2. How does the program work?
3. What types of Concentrations are there?
4. Can I explore a new career while working on my degree?
5. Are there counselors available to help me with my decisions?
6. How does a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies compare with a more traditional degree?
7. What types of careers have graduates followed with degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies?
   

1. What is Interdisciplinary Studies? (back to top)
   
   Interdisciplinary Studies is offered as a degree program at both the undergraduate and graduate level. These programs are designed to give students a great deal of freedom in planning their degrees to maximize the use of credits earned at other institutions, to accommodate students with diverse interests that do not fit into traditional degree programs, or to accommodate students who need to fulfill specific course requirements for programs they intend to follow upon graduation.
   
   
2. How does the program work? (back to top)
   
   The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies has the common General Education Core (42 semester credit hours), which is the same for all disciplines. One core course, BIS 3320, is required for the program. It is designed to explore the relationship between science and culture. Three required Interdisciplinary Studies courses draw upon the whole university curriculum and examine a specific topic from a variety of perspectives. Two foundations, which can be likened to minors, are required. Each foundation, which is drawn from one of the six schools at U.T. Dallas, has specific requirements and consists of 12 semester hours.
   
   The six schools from which the foundations are drawn are:
   
   Arts and Humanities, Computer Science, Behavioral and Brain Science, Management, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. The concentration is the portion of the program that provides students with opportunities to customize their degree plans. Students put together an 18-semester-hour program of courses that will best serve their unique interests. The degree program also requires 24 hours of electives.
   
   
3. What types of Concentrations are there? (back to top)
   
   Some of the concentrations frequently chosen are: Arts Administration and Management, Business Communications, Business Issues, Communications, Counseling and Mental Health, Diversity in America, Environmental Studies, Human Resources, International Relations, Law, The Organizational Society, Pre-Health Professions, Technology and Management, Web Page Design, Women's Studies, Gender Studies, American Studies, and Environmental Studies. Students may develop other concentrations.
   
   
4. Can I explore a new career while working on my degree? (back to top)
   
   An internship program allows students to gain valuable work experience, and simultaneously earn degree credit.
   
   
5. Are there counselors available to help me with my decisions? (back to top)
   
   The Interdisciplinary Studies program is part of a relatively small school and we pride ourselves on the attention given our students. Students are assigned experienced counselors who are available to advise them throughout the course of their university careers.
   
   Ideally, we like to see each of our students a minimum of once a semester and get to know them on a first-name basis.
   
   
   
6. How does a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies compare with a more traditional degree? (back to top)
   
   The value of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree depends upon what you choose to put into it. For example, a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Business Issues is not the same as a BS in Business Administration. If your prospective employer is only considering applicants with a BS in Business Administration, then you probably will not get the position. However, if the position is described in detail and you have taken courses that give you expertise, then apply and list your degree as a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Business Issues. Be sure to include in your letter how your courses will be of value to the employer.
   
   
7. What types of careers have graduates followed with degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies? (back to top)
   
   Currently, we have graduates working in law, dentistry, medicine, business, education, and graduate programs in humanities. Graduates are employed in a variety of professional positions. The type of position depends on the course of study followed while taking the Interdisciplinary Studies degree.