Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S.

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The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers programs of study for students interested in integrating multiple disciplinary perspectives and applied fields to achieve a better understanding of multidimensional and dynamic phenomena, to accomplish creative works, or to solve complex problems.

Learning Outcomes:

Describe the defining elements of interdisciplinarity.
Distinguish between two or more disciplines in how they produce knowledge.
Demonstrate the ability to engage in perspective-taking.
Develop structural knowledge pertaining to a problem or theme.
Integrate knowledge and modes of thinking drawn from two or more disciplines.
Produce an interdisciplinary understanding of a complex problem or intellectual question.

Core Areas A-E: 42 Hours

Core Area F: 18 hours

XIDS 2000 - Intro Interdisciplinary Studies 3 Credit Hours
Foundations Course from Discipline 1 (3 hours)
Foundations Course from Discipline 2 (3 hours)
Area F electives (9 hours)

Major Courses: 24 hours

3000/4000 level coursework in Discipline 1 (9 hours)
3000/4000 level coursework in Discipline 2 (9 hours)
XIDS 3000 - Interdisciplinary Methods (3 hours)
XIDS 4000 - Interdisciplinary Methods (3 hours)

Total 120 Hours

Interdisciplinary Pathways

The B.I.S. currently provides eight interdisciplinary pathways:

Self-Designed Pathway
Film Pathway
Forensic Science & Investigation Pathway
Natural Resources Management Pathway
Data Science Pathway
Religion Pathway
Creative Writing Pathway
Materials Science

Self-Designed Pathway

Offers students a framework for designing a program of study around a question, problem, phenomenon, or creative endeavor that cannot be adequately addressed, understood, or accomplished within a single academic discipline. Students develop grounding in multiple disciplines and learn techniques to work across disciplinary boundaries.

Film Pathway

For students with a holistic interest in film, including theories a techniques for analyzing and creating films.  As Interdisciplinary Studies majors, Film Pathway students learn theories and methods enabling them to analyze and create film(s) by integrating insights and techniques from multiple Film disciplines, including Screenwriting, Art & Lens-Based Media, Performance, Production Design, Production, Critical Studies. Film Pathway students can also earn the Georgia Film Academy Film & Television Production Certificate within the major.

Forensic Science & Investigation Pathway

Offers an interdisciplinary program of study for students interested in applying science, social context, and rules of criminal procedure to the seizure and analysis of physical evidence. As Interdisciplinary Studies majors, Students in this pathway learn theories and methods enabling them to address forensic questions by integrating insights, methods, and techniques from multiple relevant disciplines, including Anthropology, Biology, and Chemistry, as well as Criminology.

Natural Resources Management Pathway

Provides a foundation for evaluating the ecological, physical, and social dimensions of the natural environment. Graduates can pursue careers as natural resources managers, conservation scientists, environmental consultants/scientists, watershed/wetland scientists, soil & water conservationist, park rangers, land reclamation inspectors, and many other related fields or pursue graduate studies. The pathway can be effectively combined with Minors in fields such as Biology, Geography, Geology, or Political Science, and Certificates such as Stream Restoration or Atmospheric Science.

Data Science Pathway

Offers a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge of Statistics and Computer science, with the goal of preparing students for exciting data-oriented career opportunities in a variety of industries. Students will build skills in statistical analysis and software development, by carrying out representative workflows of data exploration, visualization, modeling, and model evaluation and interpretation to solve real-world problems. Students will be exposed to contemporary programming languages and cloud-based technologies that enhance data science and machine learning capabilities.

Religion Pathway

Provides a degree option for students interested in the study of religious beliefs, practices, and social phenomena. As Interdisciplinary Studies majors, students in this pathway learn theories and methods enabling them to address questions about religion and spirituality by integrating insights, methods, and techniques from multiple relevant disciplines, including Anthropology, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

Creative Writing Pathway

Allows students to develop narrative tools and strong writing ability in concert with study in selected disciplines, including Art, Sociology, or Mass Communication. A strong foundation in writing and narrative strategies in specific academic and pre-professional contexts enables students to become resourceful, creative, and effective leaders, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and professional writers. Graduates can pursue careers in graphic novels and memoirs, narrative video games, policy analysis, social advocacy, communication strategists, social media managers, literary agents, and influencers, among many others.

Materials Science Pathway

Provides a foundation for study in the field of Materials Science. Through courses in Physics and Chemistry, research projects with faculty mentors, and internships with regional partners, students in this pathway will learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter, preparing them for careers in industries such as aerospace, automobiles, biotechnology, semiconductors, solar energy and utilities, as well as private and government research labs.