Interdisciplinary Studies

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The Interdisciplinary Studies is a flexible, cutting-edge program designed with twenty-first century learners in mind. It is ECSU's first fully online program and allows students who cannot enroll in an on-campus program to benefit from the world-class education that ECSU offers. Interdisciplinary Studies encourages students to think "outside the box" of a more traditional degree, to transcend the traditional disciplinary boundaries of academic disciplines. Using the methods, theories, and content knowledge of multiple disciplines, students develop the in-demand skills: nimble and flexible problem-solving, effective communication, as well as critical information gathering and analysis.

Students pursuing a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies may choose from one of four concentrations available, including Global Studies, Community Services, Security Studies, and Individualized. Not all disciplines are offered regularly online, so it will be important to develop a plan of study with your advisor.

Program Mission and Outcomes

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies program is for students to develop coherent and rigorous academic programs that address broad or complex questions by integrating multiple intellectual traditions, epistemologies, and disciplinary approaches.

Students will identify, synthesize, and apply the intellectual foundations and theories of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Students will develop and apply interdisciplinary research skills.
Students will identify, evaluate, critique, and compare the methods and epistemologies of their disciplines.

Plan of Study

B.A., Interdisplinary Studies

CONCENTRATIONS:
Global Studies
Security Studies
Community Services
Individualized

The Association for Interdisciplinary Studies, founded in 1979 is “the U.S.-based international professional association devoted to interdisciplinary studies.” It “promotes the interchange of ideas within a diverse community of scholars, teachers, administrators, and the public regarding interdisciplinary and integration.” ECSU is an institutional member of the AIS needs to be renewed. Students are also encouraged to participate in relevant disciplinary professional associations based on their interests and goals.

Because the major allows students to develop a plan of study that suits their professional and academic needs and involves coursework across multiple disciplines, career pathways will vary significantly from student to student. The degree prepares students for a diverse array of jobs and professions, particularly ones that require effective oral and written communication skills, integrative thinking and problem solving, and effective research skills.

Salary Information

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree program alone does not lead to professional licensure in any field. Additional testing and coursework is almost always required.

According to the American Community Survey (ACS), graduates of Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor degree programs are most likely to pursue the following careers (average annual salary is listed in parentheses):

Teacher/educator ($30,216-44,102)
Counselors ($44,736)
Social workers ($40,610)
Human resources workers ($70,422)

Interdisciplinary Studies students are eligible to join the ECSU chapter of Alpha Iota Sigma, the Interdisciplinary Studies Honor Society. The purpose of AIS is to “recognize and advance the academic scholarship and achievements of interdisciplinary students.”

100% online and NC Promise eligible

Options for both new students as well as transfer and degree completion students from many other majors

Students will identify, synthesize, and apply the intellectual foundations and theories of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Students will develop and apply interdisciplinary research skills.

Students will identify, evaluate, critique, and compare the methods and epistemologies of their disciplines.

Association for Interdisciplinary Studies

Alpha Iota Sigma Honor Society