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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 Jane R. Williams, Ph.D.
  • Program Advisor Diana S. Sims-Harris
  • Program Advisor Joseph L. Thompson

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 (IDS) 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 an academic advisor and faculty mentors, 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 College, the IUPUI Center for Research and Learning, 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 Service and Learning.

Though not meant to be a definitive list, examples of interdisciplinary majors with an emphasis in the sciences include:

  • Art Restoration and Preservation
  • Art Therapy
  • Chemical Science and Technology
  • Music Therapy
  • Physics of Music
  • Religion and Science
  • Science and Gender
  • Science, Technology, and Society
  • Scientific Writing
  • Urban Ecology

View the following information to learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies.