2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Admission/Retention Requirements

Interdisciplinary Studies majors and minors bring together multiple subject areas under a single theme. Students can create their own major or minor, or select an established interdisciplinary minor in addition to their traditional major. Students may not apply directly to the interdisciplinary major sequences. Admission to these sequences may be requested after the completion of 15 semester hours of coursework. Students should work with their academic advisor to apply for minors.

Course Finder

Interdisciplinary Studies Majors

Degrees Offered: B.A. or B.S.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

Under the Major in Interdisciplinary Studies, a student may construct one of three individualized programs of study that differ from the University’s regular major programs. These options use existing University courses and lead to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Each sequence addresses a different set of educational objectives.

Human and Educational Services Sequence

This sequence recognizes work that students have completed in working towards a teacher education degree. Completion of this degree program does not allow for recommendation for teacher licensure. Students in this program will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree and have their transcripts noted: “Plan: Interdisciplinary Studies; Sub-plan: Human and Educational Services Sequence.”

View Human and Educational Services Sequence Requirements

Individualized Sequence 

This sequence allows a student to design, with the help of a faculty sponsor, a specialized program of study that is not offered by the University. This program is intended for the student whose specific interests do not fall within existing programs. Some topics recently chosen by students include East Asian Studies, Classical Civilization, Three-Dimensional Design, International Public Administration, and Theatre Management. The Individualized Sequence is often a second or auxiliary major but may be proposed as a primary major. Students who complete the Individualized Sequence will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and have their transcripts noted: “Plan: Interdisciplinary Studies; Sub-plan: Individualized Sequence; Theme: __” (the theme specified on the plan of study).

View Individualized Sequence Requirements

Liberal Studies Sequence

Liberal Studies provides opportunities for students to build a concentration of coursework to create a major of interest. It is intended for the student who is seeking a baccalaureate degree without the specialization of a traditional major. The student chooses the focus of the program by determining the departments or schools in which they wish to pursue advanced work and will work with an advisor to develop a plan of study to meet all degree requirements. Students who complete the Liberal Studies Sequence will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and their transcript will be noted “Interdisciplinary Studies; Liberal Studies Sequence.”

View Liberal Studies Sequence Requirements

Interdisciplinary Studies Minors

Minor in African-American Studies 

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in African-American Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of black politics and life in the United States. This program is designed to be of interest to students who want to explore the many contributions African-Americans have made to the political, historical, social, and artistic fabric of the United States. Students are required to take a core of two courses on African-American history and literature, as well as elective courses in the social sciences (History, Sociology, and Politics and Government) and in the humanities and fine arts (English, Music, and Theatre and Dance), and in interdisciplinary programs (including relevant course offerings in Interdisciplinary Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies).

18 credit hours required
Required core (6 hours)

Take 4 additional courses (12 credit hours) from the following 

Other courses approved by the minor advisor may be counted toward the minor. Topics courses (e.g., HIS 309, SWK 330, WGS 391) are commonly used as electives for the minor but must be preapproved by the minor director and advisor. 

Minor in African Studies 

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

A Minor in African Studies will complement a major in several disciplines. It is therefore designed as a multi-disciplinary program where the student will take courses in the social sciences, arts, and humanities (English; Geography; History; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Music; Politics and Government; Sociology/Anthropology; and Theatre and Dance). The Minor will provide students with a broad background in African history, societies, culture, and politics. The program is directed towards students with a view of visiting or working in Africa or those who are interested in government or public service careers.

21 credit hours required
Take 3 courses (9 credit hours) from the following (at least two disciplines must be represented)

Take 4 courses (12 credit hours) from the following

The following courses may also be taken if not completed as part of required core above

Notes

  • No more than 9 credit hours may be selected from the student’s first or second major department or school.
  • Other courses may be counted toward the minor if approved by the minor advisor.
  • African Studies minors are encouraged to study abroad in Africa. There are a number of study abroad programs in which students can participate that range in length from a summer to a semester, or an entire academic year. Interested students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs.

Minor in Children's Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in Children's Studies provides an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge of children and child culture through interdisciplinary exploration of child-related issues. This program is designed to be of interest to students who wish to pursue child-related emphases in their major disciplines, such as education, children's literature, child psychology, children's history and culture, pediatrics, juvenile justice, or social work with children, or for those who wish to learn more about the subject of childhood from multidisciplinary frames of reference.

The minor will also provide a foundation for those students who intend to go to professional or graduate school to pursue child-centered research interests.

21 credit hours required

FCS 112 or HIS 112 or SOC 112

Take 1 of the following

Take a minimum of 2 courses from Group A and a minimum of 2 courses from Group B
Group A—Humanities and Fine Arts

Group B—Social Sciences

Take an additional elective course (3 credit hours) 
Options for the elective can come from Group A, Group B, or, with permission of the minor advisor and arranged or offered through a department or school, the following categories of courses: 

  • 3 credit hours of an internship with a child-related agency
  • 3 credit hours of an independent study on a child-related topic
  • 3 credit hours of a special topics course on a child-related topic 

Notes

Students may count no more than 9 credit hours from their major’s department towards the completion of this minor.

Minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

Center for Civic Engagement

Illinois State’s core values are at the heart of the Civic Engagement and Responsibility minor. This interdisciplinary minor prepares students to enact social change and to develop an awareness of personal social responsibility that includes active engagement in their communities. Students in the minor collaborate with community partners to create a more just and equitable world. The minor gives students opportunities to sharpen their analysis of social issues, practice public problem solving skills, reflect on civic engagement experiences with an appreciation for individual and community strengths, and enact a commitment to ethical civic action. The minor is open to students of any ideological viewpoint and can be matched with any major to broaden their learning experience and career perspectives.

21 credit hours required
Required courses (9 credit hours)

Take 4 courses (12 credit hours) from the following (only one course at the 100 level can be taken)

Notes 

  • No more than two elective courses (6 credit hours) can be taken in any single department or school. 
  • Other courses approved by the minor coordinator may be counted toward the minor.

Concentration for Teacher Education Majors Interested in Urban Education

The Minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility also offers a special concentration for teacher education majors. You should consider this concentration if you have an interest in urban education and you want to collaborate with urban communities for advocacy and social justice.

The concentration includes courses that have a strong focus on diversity, anti-racism, and community-engaged classrooms. Many of these courses offer hands-on activities and assignments in urban schools and communities. The courses let you dig deeper and explore systemic issues of race, class, and privilege as you observe, interact, and apply your entire curriculum into your teacher identity and practice.

Teacher education majors interested in urban teacher preparation courses with designated sections can refer to UTP Passport (TeacherPipeline.IllinoisState.edu/National Center for Urban Education) for updated course information.

In consultation with their advisor, teacher education majors interested in urban teacher preparation are recommended to choose four courses (12 credit hours) from the following courses that have an urban education focus (only one course at the 100 level can be taken)

Minor in Cognitive Science

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

Programs must be planned in consultation with the director. Students are required to seek an advisor through the Director of Cognitive Science Studies. A planned course of study should be developed and approved by the Cognitive Science Studies director. In consultation with the director, the student will choose an emphasis that is outside the student’s major and will fulfill the requirements of that emphasis.

24 credit hours required
IDS 265

Complete 1 of the following emphasis areas

Computer Science

  • IT 168, IT 179
  • 2 courses (6 credit hours) from Groups A and/or B
  • 1 course (3 credit hours) from Group B
  • 2 elective courses (6 credit hours) from Groups C, D, E, or F

Linguistics

  • ENG 341
  • PHI 112 
  • 2 courses (6 credit hours) from Groups A and/or B
  • 1 course (3 credit hours) from Group C
  • 2 elective courses (6 credit hours) from Groups B, D, E, or F

Philosophy

  • PHI 112 
  • PHI 251 or PHI 253 or PHI 315
  • 2 courses (6 credit hours) from Groups A and/or B
  • 1 course (3 credit hours) from Group D
  • 2 elective courses (6 credit hours) from Groups B,C, E, or F

Psychology

  • PSY 231
  • PSY 138 (recommended) or ECO 138
  • 2 courses (6 credit hours) from Groups A and/or B
  • 1 course (3 credit hours) from Group E
  • 2 elective courses (6 credit hours) from Groups B, C, D, or F

Group A - Quantitative Skills

Group B - Computer Science

Group C - Linguistics

Group D - Philosophy
Courses with * may be used only when the topic is approved by a Cognitive Science advisor.

Group E - Psychology

Group F - Related Courses

Minor in Entrepreneurship

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in Entrepreneurship is a cross disciplinary approach to teaching basic entrepreneurial skills to undergraduate students from diverse major programs. The minor provides a hands-on, transformative approach allowing students to better practice their passions through private business endeavors. Students completing the Minor in Entrepreneurship are encouraged to participate in the Start-Up Showcase towards the end of their minor coursework.

18 credit hours required

  • IDS 113
  • MGT 128
  • MGT 328 (should be completed as the capstone course after completing all the required and elective courses

9 credit hours of electives (must be pre-approved by advisor). Electives may included discipline specific coursework, independent study, or an approved Professional Practice or Internship. A maxim of 3 hours may be taken as an Independent Study. 

Minor in Ethnic Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

Ethnic Studies is the study of race and ethnicity in U.S. and transnational contexts. Students and faculty in this area examine how people conceptualize social categories like race, indigeneity, culture, ethnicity, and nation. We also familiarize ourselves with the specific and comparative experiences (both historical and contemporary) of the major population groups that make up the United States and the globe. The program at Illinois State allows participants to examine regional, national, and global dimensions of these experiences. 

Students interested in pursuing a major in this area may arrange their program of study through the Interdisciplinary Studies Major program in consultation with the Ethnic Studies advisor. 

Minors are also available in three specific areas: African-American Studies; Latin American and Latino/a Studies; and Native American Studies. A list of affiliated faculty and more information is available through the Ethnic Studies website. Other affiliated programs include: African Studies, East Asian Studies, and Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies. 

18 credit hours required

Take 6 courses as indicated below from the following groups (at least 4 courses must be above the 100 level). With consent of the faculty advisor, students may use departmental or IDS 287, 298, or 398 courses for one course in Group II and/or one course in Group III.

Group 1 - Ethnicity - minimum of 1 course required
Other courses with appropriate content for Group I may be approved by the faculty advisor.

Group 2 - Race and Ethnicity in the United States - minimum of 3 courses required from at least 2 departments/schools
Other courses with appropriate content for Group II may be approved by the faculty advisor. Courses in non-English-language U.S. literatures and cultures, if appropriate to the minor and the student’s focus as determined by the faculty advisor, will be approved.

Group 3 – Global Contexts - minimum of 2 courses required 
Other courses with appropriate content for Group III may be approved by the faculty advisor. Courses in second-year language (and beyond) and courses in global English-language or non-English-language literatures and cultures, if appropriate to the minor and the student’s focus as determined by the faculty advisor, will be approved.

More than one decimalized variant of ENG 206, GEO 235axx, HIS 104, IDS 121, IDS 203, THE 271 and/or THE 275 may be taken for credit in the minor.

Minor in European Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in European Studies is interdisciplinary and international in scope. This minor will help prepare students for careers in multiple fields by providing a cohesive program of study in the arts, history, languages, and society of one or more European nations, or by providing a foundation for advanced study in one of several disciplines such as European Union Studies, Fine Arts, European Language and Literatures, European History, International Business, International Law, International Relations, or Journalism.

In this minor, students will complete six hours of core courses: IDS 112 (or HIS 101, HIS 102, or HIS 107) and IDS 212. Students are required to achieve proficiency in a European language other than English, equivalent to three semesters of university-level coursework. Students complete the minor requirements by selecting a minimum of six hours of electives from a list of approved university-wide courses. Study abroad in a European country is strongly recommended. The minor is versatile and can be customized to complement an individual student’s interests in various fields of study. At least four of the courses in the minor curriculum qualify for general education credit. This program will be supervised by the departments of History, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, and the School of Art.

24 credit hours required (6 credit hours at the 200 or 300-level)

  • IDS 212

  • Proficiency equivalent to LAN 111-115 required in a European language other than English (12 hours). A student who took foreign language courses in high school may be able to meet the requirement of completing one or more of the LAN 111-115 courses through proficiency credit awarded upon completion of high level LAN courses.

Take 1 of the following

2 additional courses (6 hours) in an area of concentration required from the list of electives, at least 3 hours at the 200 or 300-level

Notes

Study abroad in Europe is strongly recommended. A 2.0 major GPA is required to graduate with this minor. All required and elective courses must be completed with grades of C or better.

Minor in Food Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Food Studies minor at Illinois State helps you understand the biological, cultural, environmental, philosophical, and political aspects of food and food systems. This interdisciplinary field prepares you for food-related jobs in education, health sciences, government, the non-profit and advocacy sectors, and the food industry. Food Studies gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of courses. From agriculture to nutrition, this minor is tailored to each student to provide a unique experience for everyone. Learn about the food industry from every angle possible.

18 credit hours required
Take 1 of the following

Take 1 of the following Professional Practice courses from participating departments

  • 398
  • 398A01
  • 398A02

12 credit hours of electives from the following

Notes

No more than 9 credit hours may be counted toward the minor from the student's major department.

Minor in Social Aspects of Aging 

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

18 total hours required

6 credit hours of required courses

15 credit hours of electives courses approved by the Gerontology Committee include the following (other courses will be considered in special circumstances, subject to approval by the gerontology coordinator)

Minor in Global Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The minor in Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to enrich development of students as global citizens, and to prepare them for navigating an increasingly dynamic, complex and interconnected world. The minor helps students develop a global vision by promoting awareness of significant political, economic, and social interactions and impacts of those on the world. Critically examining contemporary global issues, events, processes and trends from multiple perspectives will improve adaptability and innovative problem solving, and prepare students for careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations where global knowledge, skills and commitment to diversity and sustainability matters. At the same time, a global education can help students develop greater self-awareness of their own identities and how they are connected to the larger world. The minor is highly individualized and can be tailored to enhance many major fields of study and other minor programs. 

21 hours required 

Take a minimum of 2 courses from Category A - Security and Governance
Other courses with appropriate content may be approved by the program advisor. 

Take a minimum of 2 courses from Category B - World Markets and Development
Other courses with appropriate content may be approved by the program advisor.

Take a minimum of 2 courses from Category C - Culture, Science and Technology
Other courses with appropriate content may be approved by the program advisor.

Take 1 additional elective course from any of the above categories 

Notes

  • No more than 6 credit hours can come from any one department. No more than 6 credit hours may be applied toward the student's major or another minor.
  • At least 6 credit hours must be above the 100-level. 

Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The minor in Interdisciplinary Studies offers students the opportunity to construct a program of study that allows them to attain specific educational goals that cannot be accommodated by existing minors at Illinois State University. 

The transcripts for students who complete the minor will read: "Plan: Interdisciplinary Studies Individualized; Theme: ______" (the theme specified on the plan of study).

  • A 3.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application
  • Approved plan of study from at least 2 academic departments/schools containing 18 credit hours
  • Submission of a portfolio of relevant coursework or culminating project documenting the accomplishment of learning objectives identified in the rationale submitted in support of the minor proposal

Admission to the minor in Interdisciplinary Studies may be requested after the completion of 15 semester hours of coursework and before the completion of 75 semester hours. Applicants should select an appropriate faculty advisor. The proposed plan of study must be approved by the faculty advisor and/or the Interdisciplinary Studies Minor advisor. 

Minor in Latin American and Latino/a Studies (LAL)

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The goals of the Minor in Latin American and Latino/a Studies are (a) to provide students with key concepts, information, and a foundation of knowledge rooted in several academic disciplines; (b) to examine the social, political, and cultural challenges of Latin America and the Latino/a populations in the global community; and (c) to foster a multicultural, pluralistic, and multi-lingual environment by focusing on the interrelations between the United States, Latin America, and its descendant populations.

This program is student centered and flexible. Students are expected to complete coursework in a variety of disciplines and departments. All individual programs of study must be planned in consultation with the Latin American and Latino/a Studies advisor. To ensure the integrity of the interdisciplinary of the minor, students must complete coursework from a minimum of three departments.

21 credit hours required
LAL 109 or SOC 109

Take 1 of the following (or if a student can show earned language credit in an indigenous language, those credits will be accepted)

Take 15 additional credit hours of electives from

Other courses with appropriate Latin American or Latino/a Studies content may be approved by the advisor

Notes

  • Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad in programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. See the Office of International Studies and Programs for information. 
  • Some courses are not available every semester.

Minor in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the politics, society, cultures and economics of the countries in the Middle East and South Asia. This program is designed to be of interest to students who want to explore the socio-political-economic dynamics of the countries located in the region and their roles in the world. It also examines the impacts of the global politics, especially the US foreign policies, on the socio-political environment of this region.

Students are required to take a core of three courses in history, politics, and geography, as well as four elective courses. Elective courses can be chosen from the social sciences (Criminal Justice Sciences, Economics, Geography, History, Politics and Government and Sociology), and/or from the humanities (English, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, and Philosophy).

21 credit hours required
GEO 235A04

Take 1 of the following

Take 1 of the following

Take 4 additional courses (12 credit hours) from the following

Notes

  • No more than 9 hours may be selected from the student’s first or second major department.
  • *Discuss with the advisor before taking these topics courses; only topics relevant to Middle Eastern or South Asian studies may count towards this minor.
  • Participation in Middle Eastern or South Asian universities through Illinois State University or alternative study abroad programs, while not required, is strongly encouraged. Students can accumulate up to 6 credit hours of electives.
  • Other courses approved by the director may be counted toward the minor. Refer to specific departments or schools for further course information including prerequisites.

Minor in Native American Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The minor in Native American Studies is designed to familiarize students with the histories, literatures, cultures, and futures of the indigenous citizens of North America. It will be of interest to students who wish to explore the unique political and social relationship that the First Nations and their members hold with the United States. It provides students with key concepts, information, and a foundation of knowledge rooted in several academic disciplines. Faculty from the departments of English, History, Sociology and Anthropology, and the School of Theatre and Dance participate in this minor. Students are required to take an interdisciplinary core of four courses from three different departments and Interdisciplinary Studies. Two electives from approved offerings by faculty in the field of Native American Studies may be selected as alternatives to the list of electives below.

18 credit hours required

Take both of the following courses

Take 1 of the following

Take 1 of the following

Take an additional 6 credits hours of courses from the following

In consultation with the director of the program, students may take an Independent Study (287); and/or Professional Practice (298/398) (may be on- or off-campus) and may apply up to 3 hours of either toward the minor

This program must be planned in consultation with the Native American Studies faculty director. With director approval, courses other than those listed above including courses in Native languages and other Native American Studies courses approved for transfer in from other accredited universities may be counted toward the minor.

A list of affiliated faculty and more information is available on the Native American Studies website: http://nativestudies.illinoisstate.edu. Departments participating in the minor are English, History, Sociology/Anthropology, and Theatre and Dance.

Minor in Peace and Conflict Resolutions Studies 

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses from eighteen departments. The Minor provides a comprehensive and in-depth approach to peace and conflict resolution theories and methods. Students are required to take an introductory course, as well as one course from each of four areas of inquiry (social justice, violence prevention and conflict resolution, environmental justice, and globalization), while also specializing in one of these areas with two additional courses. The minor's capstone experience is a professional practice.

The Minor allows students to examine the causes and prevention of war, as well as the nature of violence, including social oppression, discrimination and marginalization. They also learn peace strategies to overcome persecution and transform society to attain a more just and equitable international community. The inquiry encompasses micro to macro perspectives. At the micro end of the spectrum, students investigate non-violent ethics and conflict management; interpersonal communication and relations; intergroup relations; and diversity and gender issues. At the macro level, students explore the dynamics of international conflict, as well as approaches to peace and world order; ethnic and socioeconomic justice; multiculturism; renewable economics; and biodiversity.

Students are encouraged to consult with the program director and/or advisor regarding course selection.

21 hours required

  • IDS 111 (includes 12-15 hours of practicum experience)

  • Electives (18 hours): Choose three courses from one group listed below and one course from each remaining group

Group A: Social Justice

Group B: Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution

Group C: Environmental Justice

Group D: Globalization

Minor in Urban Studies

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

The Minor in Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary minor sponsored by the Departments of Geography, Geology, and the Environment, History, Politics and Government, and Sociology/Anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences.  The program is designed for students who wish to learn about urban places from a social science perspective, although the minor will also benefit those with majors in the arts and humanities, business, education, social services, technology, design, and other fields. This program will provide a foundation, especially to those who wish to pursue careers in urban-related areas such as public administration, planning, design, preservation, public history, the environment, community development, and social services or to those who wish to pursue graduate study in these areas. The program’s features include required coursework in urban geography, history, political science, and sociology or anthropology. Students may choose from a range of elective courses, independent study with urban studies faculty, and an optional internship.

21 credit hours required 

Take an additional 9 credit hours from the following 

Notes

  • Up to 3 credit hours of professional practice (398) or independent study (287) contributing to the minor and approved in advance by the urban studies advisor
  • Students may use up to 6 hours of courses from their major program to fulfill minor requirements
  • Students in majors outside the College of Arts and Sciences may, with approval from the urban studies advisor, apply up to 6 hours of courses from their college--including from their major program--in lieu of courses in the above list of electives

Minor in Water Sustainability

https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/ 

A Water Sustainability Studies minor provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on a critical and necessary global resource that impacts every aspect of our lives: water. Sustainable water management has profound implications for a variety of anthropocentric sectors, including agriculture and food security, energy, economic development, public health, and ecosystem services. Additionally, how we interact with water affects the health of other species, ecological communities, and entire ecosystems. As a result, this minor complements many major fields of study.

18 credit hours required

Required Course: 

Take 15 additional credit hours of electives (5 courses) from the following:

No more than 6 hours can come from any one department and no more than 9 hours can come from the major

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

The Minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies enhances any undergraduate major by offering students an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on diverse experiences of women in both national and international contexts.

View Women's Gender, and Sexuality Studies Minor Course Requirements