B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Create your own course of study
The University of Mississippi's College of Liberal Arts offers the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students work with mentors to choose courses around a unifying theme or problem. Option A has maximum flexibility with those courses representing at least 2 disciplines, and Option B has those courses consisting of at least 2 minors and electives.
Key Benefits
Students create a flexible degree program that may fit many academic or career interests more precisely than a traditional B.A. degree.
Graduate Outcomes
Built on top of the rigorous and extensive general education foundation of the B.A. degree in the College, students may find this program especially well-suited to their interests. No matter what courses are put together, students can expect to gain the kind of skills critical to a liberal arts education - skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with a diverse group of people.
Experiences Offered
Join some of the 76 student organizations in the CLA for professionalism, community service, and fun. Work with faculty or the Career Center to arrange an internship experience. Join a faculty travel course in the US or abroad to take your learning on the road.
Specializations
Course Requirements
A B.A. in interdisciplinary studies consists of a 42-credit-hour approved plan of study including a 6-credit-hour core of IDS 101 and IDS 499. The IDS 499 capstone may be substituted with an approved capstone or project from a department or an approved internship. The 42-credit-hour plan of study must include at least 27 hours at the 300 level or higher and 30 hours from the College of Liberal Arts. Students choose between two options to complete the degree. Option A: Students construct a 42-credit-hour plan of study around a unifying theme or problem consisting of at least two disciplines with no more than 21 credit hours in the same discipline. Option B: Students construct a 42-credit-hour plan of study around a unifying theme or problem consisting of two minors and complementary courses appropriate to the theme. One of the minors must come from the College of Liberal Arts. At least 12 hours in each minor must be at the 300 level or higher.
Emma Willoughby
"I was originally interested in medical school, but my science courses lacked world context. I began to wonder how economics, gender, race, geography, and political systems affect health outcomes and health inequalities."
After studying international health policy from London School of Economics, and working with the Center for Obesity Research at the UM Medical Center, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in health policy.