Interdisciplinary Studies

For the student wishing to explore more disciplines than would normally be provided by selecting a major and a minor field, the interdisciplinary major gives the option of broader coverage. Interdisciplinary studies employs a holistic approach that consciously applies a methodology from more than one discipline (integration) to examine a person’s work, central theme, issue, problem, topic, or experience. This may give the student a better basis for such careers as advertising, business, law, or the ministry. At the same time, the interdisciplinary major should not be viewed as an escape from choosing a major in a single academic discipline. The student should realize that, though the interdisciplinary major seeks to provide some depth in two or more academic disciplines, it will not give the same in-depth grasp of a discipline that choice of a major in a single field would.

Acceptance into the Major

Each student seeking a major in interdisciplinary studies must complete the application form, which can be obtained from the chairperson of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department. The application form will include a clear statement of the student’s goals and explanation of how those goals will best be fulfilled by an interdisciplinary major.

The student should understand both what an academic discipline is and what the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing an interdisciplinary major are. An academic discipline is a theoretical study that seeks to analyze a specific aspect of God’s creation or of humankind’s cultural response. It goes beyond merely introductory studies and is separate from those studies that are solely vocational in emphasis and from those that are simply tools to be used for analytical study.

Recent Senior Capstone Projects

• “The Healing of Damaged Emotions & How They Assist in Sanctification”
• “The Business of Division I Collegiate Athletics”
• “Faith-Based Affordable Housing Strategies”
• “White-Collar Crime”
• “The Healing of Damaged Emotions & How They Assist in Sanctification”
• “Comparative Study of the Spinal Cord and its Pathologies”
• “Building a Nonprofit Organization”
• “The Effect of Music upon Missions in Peru”

Where Our Alumni Are

Job Outcomes

• Youth minister, Orangewood Presbyterian Church
• Founder, Hilger Higher Learning
• Philosophy professor, Princeton University
• Foundation coordinator, Boston Red Sox
• Physical education teacher, Isaac Lane Elementary School
• Pitching coach, Jackson North Side High School
• Sports information director, Covenant College
• Benefits coordinator, Unum
• Marketing department, BlueCross BlueShield
• United States Navy Chaplain
• Professional violinist
• Business analyst/executive assistant Keval Health
• Human language technology, Department Defense
• Physician assistant—spine surgery; Virginia Orthopedics
• Currency trader & business lawyer
• Professor of medieval theology, St. Louis University
• U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Task Force