Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)
Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States Arizona, Phoenix, USA Visit web page

Interdisciplinary Studies, BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Interdisciplinary Studies, BA LSBISBIS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

Available online

Additional information

Program description

Arizona State University's BA program in interdisciplinary studies, one of the top ranked in the country, offers students the freedom to select two areas of study, referred to as concentration areas, from a rich menu of almost 200 options.

The core curriculum provides students with the intellectual tools to integrate their concentration areas, engage in transdisciplinary problem-solving, and prepare for careers and graduate programs that increasingly cross disciplinary boundaries. An interdisciplinary studies student could choose to integrate concentrations like business and project management, psychology and social welfare, communication and justice studies, public administration and ethics, digital culture and computer gaming, or many other distinct combinations.

Interdisciplinary studies is an approach to answering questions, solving problems and addressing contemporary social issues from multiple perspectives. Interdisciplinary studies students take an active role in designing their educational plans and defining their career goals. The degree program emphasizes written communication, versatility, self-assessment and critical thinking --- essential skills for today's dynamic world.

Those interested in the online program for interdisciplinary studies may visit the ASU Online website for more information.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Polytechnic campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to choose a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor. Fast track options appear at the top of the major map.

This program also allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Liberal Studies, MLSt
  • Organizational Leadership, MS
  • Project Management, MPM

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Studying and interning abroad can be one of the most valuable tools for interdisciplinary studies students. Study abroad programs provide students the opportunity to develop a valuable intercultural communication skill set that can give them an advantage in a future-focused workforce.

Career opportunities

The flexibility of the interdisciplinary studies program allows graduates to take many exciting career paths after leaving ASU. While some complete graduate or professional degrees, others immediately enter the job market. For example, one graduate combined business and communication and now owns a small business; another integrated sociology and family studies to further a career in law enforcement; another studied philosophy and economics to prepare for law school; another combined biology and chemistry in preparation to pursue a master of pharmacy degree; and yet another studied Spanish and religious studies and now works as an employee trainer for a major company.

Possible career opportunities include:

  • archivist or curator
  • climate change analyst
  • compliance manager
  • computer network support specialist
  • editor or web developer
  • environmental restoration planner
  • general and operations manager
  • regulatory affairs manager
  • higher education professional
  • wholesale and retail buyer (except farm products)