Choose your own adventure through interdisciplinary studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis

No matter the field, the need for flexibility and cross-training to face challenges from multiple perspectives is now more important than ever. As new occupations emerge and existing roles evolve, the workforce will require professionals with diverse backgrounds and multifaced degrees. Prepare to meet those needs with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from UMSL.

UMSL’s interdisciplinary studies degree provides you with a flexible, individualized program of study. Regardless of your interests, you can create a degree program that aligns with your goals through interdisciplinary studies in areas such as art therapy, gender studies, gerontology, international studies, nonprofit administration and more.

What is a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies?

UMSL’s interdisciplinary studies degree is geared toward students who have unique educational goals that cannot be met by any other UMSL major.

Our program allows you to sit in the driver seat and chart a path for yourself, combining your interests and passions with diverse and challenging coursework. This way, you’ll earn a degree that makes sense for you while excelling as a critical thinker in a constantly evolving, dynamic world.

To build the interdisciplinary studies degree program that’s right for you, you’ll work closely with UMSL advisers and faculty from various academic disciplines and develop a structured and well-designed individual degree proposal.

 

Program type:

Major, BIS

Format:

On-Campus

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Explore interdisciplinary studies at UMSL

For nearly two decades, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program at UMSL has helped students meet their educational goals, regardless of what they are. As a self-directed learner earning an interdisciplinary studies degree at UMSL, you’ll work with advanced technologies, learn to communicate effectively and much more. You’ll also:

  • Choose your instructors. When you pursue a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, you decide what you want to study. Our expert faculty will provide you with a well-rounded, practical education to best prepare you for success.
  • Take courses based on your interests and career goals. Working closely with advisors, you will build a program that meets your educational goals.
  • Find hands-on learning opportunities. All UMSL majors – interdisciplinary studies students included – are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, internships and more.

What can you do with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies?

Not only will your interdisciplinary studies degree help you develop proficiency in your subject area of choice, but it will also help build other important skills employers seek as well. When you earn your Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at UMSL, you’ll be able to:

  •  Communicate effectively and professionally.
  • Prepare persuasive, well-organized reports and documents.
  • Work with advanced technologies.
  • Engage in informed dialogue.
  • Conduct research in your area of academic focus.
  • Negotiate and work productively with advisors, mentors and colleagues to maximize your strategic impact.
  • Network with other professionals.
  • Undertake a variety of projects independently and develop coherent, innovative plans to launch them.
  • Design innovative approaches to solving problems and explore solutions that merge disparate ideas and concepts while encouraging collaboration and risk-taking.

Graduates with interdisciplinary studies degrees have a median annual salary of $55,000, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

No matter your career aspirations, interdisciplinary studies at UMSL can help you meet your academic and professional goals.



55,000

Median annual salary

Career Opportunities

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Human Resources
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Project Management

 

Plan of study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. 

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.