Overview
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts major (IDSL) offers students the opportunity to build an individualized multidisciplinary course of study, enabling students to integrate two concentrations and pursue their educational vision. In collaboration with the IDSL program advisor, prospective students will create an individualized study plan and identify courses to meet their desired goals.
Customize Your Degree
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.
Concentration in Liberal Arts
This degree is intended for students who have a clearly defined educational goal that is best met by an interdisciplinary path. The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A. language requirements.
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S.
Concentration in Liberal Arts
Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts majors pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree must complete six to eight semester hours chosen from the following:
Any class (if not used to meet a Core Curriculum requirement) in ANSC, APST, BIOL, CHEM, COMS, CRJU, ECON, GEOG, GEOL, GEOS, INST, ITEC, MATH, PHYS, SOCY, SOWK, STAT, WGST, or 300-400 level course in: ENGL, HIST (300 –level only) , PEAC, PHIL, POSC, PSYC, RELN. Additional courses can be considered on an individual basis in consultation with the program director.
Why Study Interdisciplinary Studies at Radford?
- Flexibility of the program is aimed at creating a distinctive and specifically defined set of learning goals if you’re interested in multiple disciplines as a student.
- Our program is unique in its diversity of both the student population and options for designing a curriculum that works for you.
Careers and Internships
All IDSL majors are required to complete an Integrated Learning Experience. Students can choose to complete 3-credit hours in an Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST 498) or an Internship in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST 499).
The Internship Program is designed to provide the IDSL major with an opportunity to practice theory, methods, and skills learned in their coursework in an applied setting. Participation in this program will expose students to the qualifications and employment requirements of various public and private agencies and give you the experience to meet those requirements.
Featured Internships:
- AmeriCorps
- Beans & Rice, Inc
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia
- Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) at Radford University
- Free Clinic of the NRV
- Hall Community Services
- New River Community Action
- New River Community Services
- NRV Juvenile Detention Home
- Roots With Wings
- Women's Resource Center of the NRV
Admissions Requirements
Core Curriculum Requirements (43-45 credit hours)
In College Core B, all majors in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences programs are required to pass a second course in Social and Behavioral Sciences (i.e. CHBS majors cannot fulfill College Core B requirements without a Health and Wellness course).
Curriculum requirements may not be double counted toward the Liberal Arts Core, other concentrations, or B.S. requirements.
IDSL Major Requirements (49 credit hours)
One of the classes used to fulfill Interdisciplinary Studies major requirements may be used to fulfill Core Curriculum requirements.
IDSL Required Courses (13 credit hours)
- Written Communication: Professional Writing (ENGL 306) or Business Writing (ENGL 307) (3 credits)
- Oral Communication: Public Speaking (COMS 114) or Teamwork (COMS 240) or Interpersonal Communication (COMS 250) (3 credits)
- Research Methods: Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST 250) (3 credits)
- Immersion Experience: Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST 498) or Internship (IDST 499) (IDST 499)(3 credits)
- Senior Seminar: Senior Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST 497) (1 credit)
- IDSL Disciplinary Concentration Requirements (36 credits)
Students must complete 36 credit hours from two disciplines (one must be from the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences) with a minimum of 12 hours in each. Focus areas are defined as courses offered by an individual department or school. At least 50% of each concentration must be taken at the 300-400-level.
B.A. Requirements (6-12 credit hours)
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A. language requirements.
B.S. Requirements (6-8 credit hours)
Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts majors pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree must complete six-eight credit hours chosen from the following:
Any class (if not used to meet a Core Curriculum requirement) in ANSC, APST, BIOL, CHEM, COMS, CRJU, ECON, GEOG, GEOL, GEOS, INST, ITEC, MATH, PHYS, SOCY, SOWK, STAT, WMST, or 300-400 level course in: ENGL, PEAC, PHIL, POSC, PSYC, RELN or 300-level course in HIST. Note: Additional courses can be considered on an individual basis in consultation with the program director.
120 Total Credits Needed for Degree
Build a degree that works for you
In collaboration with the IDSL program advisor, you get to create an individualized plan of study and identify courses to meet your desired goals. The program is suited to students pursuing either the B.A. or B.S. degree.
