The Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies Program

Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies is a great way to combine your various interests into one degree. Many employers and graduate programs care less about the exact subjects you studied and care more that you can express yourself well, think critically, work with others who are different than they are, and make connections among ideas. Interdisciplinary work is also a way to come up with great ideas that can improve the world.

Do you want to study two or more subjects and think about how they intersect? Do you have a burning question or a theme you would like to focus on that covers various course areas? Are you transitioning from one area of interest or work to another? Or, are you not quite sure what you want to study and want to be able to try a lot of subjects? If so, Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies (IMS) may be right for you.

Students in IMS work closely with their mentors to develop their degrees. They can help you think of the best ways to combine your interests, background, and experiences into a coherent degree path.

Students might earn an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA) Degree or Bachelor’s of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in IMS with a specific concentration that will allow them to:

• develop a concentration that covers two areas in which they have coursework, such as Business and Literature or Human Services and Psychology.

• concentrate in interdisciplinary academic fields such as American Studies, Indigenous Studies, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, or Environmental Studies.

• develop a concentration designed to cover a theme such as Social Justice, which might include courses in literature, social sciences and environmental science.

• answer a question such as “What is happiness?” through a variety of courses in cultural studies, psychology, history and the arts.

Each program should include courses from at least two content areas and at least one study that connects the various areas.

Students who are less sure of what they want to do and who prefer a degree without a particular focus may:

• earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in IMS with a concentration in General Studies.

Why choose a degree in Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies?

A degree in Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies can be an excellent foundation for:

• Teaching.
• Graduate work.
• Social services delivery.
• Journalism or creative writing.
• Advocacy in an area of interest.
• Communications.
• The Arts.
• Law.

Program Requirements>>

All program requirements are in the college catalog. Please visit the college catalog’s Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Studies: A.A., A.S., B.A., B.S. < SUNY Empire State College (esc.edu) web page for current program requirements.

Degrees Available

Degrees in Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies are offered at the associate and bachelor’s degree levels.

Contact Us

Administrative Assistant for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Coordinator for Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Studies

Nondegree Students

Taking individual courses as a nondegree student is also possible and will offer you the same range and depth of courses and rigorous standards as matriculated undergraduate students. Even if you’re not pursuing a degree, you can take courses to prepare for college-level study, stay current in your field or improve your job skills.