Departments & Programs
Interdisciplinary Studies
School of Science, IUPUI
Science Building, LD 222
402 N. Blackford Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3276
Phone: (317) 274-0625; Fax: (317) 274-0628
- Director Kathleen A. Marrs, Associate Dean and Associate Professor
- Director Joseph L. Thompson, Executive Director of Academic and Student Affairs
- Program Advisor Matthew M. Rust, mmrust [at] iupui [dot] edu
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interdisciplinary Studies Program is to provide an opportunity for IUPUI students to construct individual majors that are science-based, interdisciplinary, and not represented by existing major programs. Instead of a prescribed area of study as with standard majors, the interdisciplinary studies major will accommodate a variety of plans of study, with courses drawn from many subject areas in the sciences and beyond. The Interdisciplinary Studies degree program provides an academic structure that encourages creative and motivated undergraduates to design unique science-based interdisciplinary majors. In collaboration with a faculty mentor, students will create plans of study that demonstrate coherence, rigor, rationale, and vision. The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies requires a capstone project or internship experience, including a strong writing component. Particular plans of study may take advantage of the IUPUI Honors Program, the IUPUI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, the Consortium for Urban Education to include relevant courses taught at five other Indianapolis colleges and universities, or may include specialized service learning experiences in consultation with the IUPUI Center for Public Service and Leadership.
Each individualized major student, in consultation with the program advisor, will select a faculty mentor that best fits the student’s interests. Once assigned, the student will work with the faculty mentor to develop a plan of study outlining the proposed curriculum, which will be submitted to a faculty committee for approval. As progress is made on the approved curriculum, the student will be expected to maintain a journal of this progress. The journal will be reviewed periodically by the program advisor, faculty mentor, and faculty committee to ensure progress is made and to provide guidance for course enrollment.
Though not meant to be a definitive list, examples of interdisciplinary majors with an emphasis in the sciences include:
- Art Therapy
- Art Restoration and Preservation
- Geochemistry
- Chemical Science and Technology
- Music Therapy
- Neuroscience
- Physics of Music
- Scientific Writing
View the following information to learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies.