About the Department
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies provides a progressive, open model for an academic department that promotes creative and imaginative investigations of complex systems and problems. We support innovative scholarship and teaching that is responsive to changes in fields of study inside and outside of academia. We foster courses and programs of study that are engaged with the needs of global and local communities as well as social justice issues. We support new modes of teaching, learning, and research that cut across disciplinary boundaries and explore interstitial areas of concern.
"The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark." — Thomas Paine
Appalachian Studies
The Appalachian Studies academic program, in partnership with the Center for Appalachian Studies, broadcasts the value of a deeper understanding of global mountain regions both as cultural and environmental settings.
Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies (GWS)
GWS is an interdisciplinary academic field that critically engages beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and norms about gender, women and sexuality and their intersections with other axes of difference including race, ability, nationality and class.
Global Studies
Global Studies is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary academic program devoted to the understanding of historical, social, political, geographic, cultural and artistic dimensions of international, transnational and global processes.
Individually Designed (IDS)
IDS majors work with faculty to individually design a degree and select courses from across campus to achieve their goals. This degree is effective for students interested in emerging fields or who want to remain open to changing career plans.
Watauga Residential College (WRC)
WRC is a student and faculty community that fosters creativity, thoughtfulness and civic engagement through experiential, inquiry-based learning both in and out of the classroom. Watauga students live, share meals and take classes together in a unique hillside residence hall on campus.
Departmental News and Events
Grace Knapp '25 selected to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award
Nov 13, 2026
The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships is pleased to share that three recent Appalachian State University graduates have been selected to r...
App State researchers discover footprint of Revolutionary War-era Fort Defiance
Nov 10, 2026
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University excavation work at Fort Defiance has pinpointed the footprint of the Revolutionary War-era structure, hel...
From salon chair to theory: App State student uses feminist rhetoric to help people connect
Nov 6, 2026
BOONE, N.C. — Scissors snip close to an ear. A spray bottle hisses. Damp hair drifts onto the dorm-room tile, and the person in the chair laughs too...