Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

The DIY Major

TheInterdisciplinary Studies Program (IDS) is unlike any other degree program at Appalachian State University. IDS students design their own major. If you have a strong interest in integrating concepts and methods from multiple disciplines, come chat with us about options.

We are looking for students who are

• Self-driven
• Passionate about more than one discipline
• Interested in a major that is not offered at Appalachian State University

Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to get more than one point of view on the same topic by comparing, contrasting, and connecting information provided by separate disciplines. IDS majors work with an advisor to individually design a degree and to select courses that integrate several areas of study to achieve their academic goals.

Sounds Great! Now What?

• If you are thinking about changing your major to IDS and want to take an exploratory class, start by taking IDS 2002 Interdisciplinary Connections: Design (2 s.h.) During this class, you will learn more about how to design your own major, and what it means to create an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary degree. Once you complete this course, you will have an approved, self-designed program of study, which will show up in DegreeWorks as required courses in your major.

• Ready to change majors?, OK! Just fill out this web form requesting a major/minor/catalog year change.

• You can also read more about the IDS Program and some of its faculty and alumni.
  

• For more information on designing your own major, contact Mark Nunes at nunesm@appstate.edu.

 Examples of Majors Designed by Our Current IDS Students