Interdisciplinary Pathways
The B.I.S. currently provides nine 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
- Public Management and Society
- Music and Industry
- Music and Wellness
- Public Service
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.
Public Management and Society
For students interested in careers related to addressing social and community issues and initiatives through nonprofit or public organizations. Students in this pathway will learn relevant concepts, theories, and techniques in courses in Sociology, Criminology, and Political Science.
Music and Industry
Designed for students interested in commercial or entrepreneurial music ventures, such as promotion, sale of services and products, and management (of oneself or others). Students in this pathway will ground themselves in Music and Business (Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship).
Music and Wellness
Provides a degree option for students interested in the role of music in active, positive and healthy lifestyles, therapeutic health, and social and emotional learning. Students will learn relevant concepts, theories, and skills in courses in Music, Health and Wellness, and Psychology.
Public Service
Offers a program of study focused on students interested in serving people and groups in our communities, states, and nation through local, state, and federal agencies, social and nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Students in this pathway will learn relevant concepts, theories, and skills in courses in Sociology, Criminology, and Political Science.
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