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Interdisciplinary Studies
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Credits:
120
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Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Program Description
Develop knowledge and workplace skills across a variety of academic fields. If you haven’t decided on a major—or have broad academic interests and want to continue enhancing your knowledge throughout your life—the interdisciplinary studies degree is a strong option to consider. This flexible bachelor’s program allows you to explore your interests and offers a wide selection of liberal arts courses and concentrations to choose from. Classes are available days, evenings, weekends, and online.
What is Interdisciplinary Studies?
Interdisciplinary studies refers to the study of more than one academic discipline or profession. Interdisciplinary degrees, like the one offered at Cambridge College Boston, give you maximum flexibility to design a program that fits your particular career objectives and personal interests. While offering a variety of focus areas, the program also provides foundational communication, critical thinking, math, and computer science skills that will help you succeed in almost any field.
Cambridge College Interdisciplinary Studies Highlights
Advance your career and explore new opportunities with our most flexible degree option. Whether you’re attending college for the first time, or returning to complete your bachelor’s degree, the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Cambridge College will take you where you want to go.
- Flexible options. Design a program of study to fit your needs. As an interdisciplinary studies major at Cambridge College, you’ll get to choose from a wide range of open electives and concentration areas.
- Undergraduate research. The degree in interdisciplinary studies includes a capstone research project that gives you the opportunity to explore a topic of interest and create an original piece of research that contributes to the field.
- Day, evening, weekend, and online classes. Designed for adult learners, Cambridge College offers flexible course schedules to help you balance work, family, and education. Talk to one of our academic advisors to start planning a course of study that works for you.
- Exceptional value. Our low tuition rates make Cambridge College one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States.
- Experienced faculty. At Cambridge College, you’ll learn from the best, working alongside expert faculty who have extensive professional experience in their respective fields of study.
- Diverse students. Gain diverse perspectives collaborating with students from all over the world at one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in America.
- No SAT or ACT tests required. Get started on your interdisciplinary studies degree quickly and efficiently. We offer an easy online application and do not require SAT or ACT tests for admission to our undergraduate programs.
It’s common to start college undecided about your major. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80 percent of college students change their major at least once. The average student changes majors three times.
Choosing an interdisciplinary studies major is a great way to get started on your degree while gaining a well-rounded education that will advance your career.
- Addiction Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- Accounting Concentration: Learn more.
- Education Concentration: Learn more.
- Expressive Therapies Concentration: Learn more.
- Family Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- General Management Concentration: Gain a broad understanding of business management, including marketing, sales, ethics, nonprofit management, and an introduction to human resources. Learn more.
- Health Care Management Concentration (undergraduate): Develop a practical understanding of health care administration including economic, financial, and regulatory concepts within health care systems. Learn more.
- Holistic Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- Hospitality Management Concentration: Learn the fundamentals of management for the hospitality industry, with a focus on restaurant front of the house and back of the house management, and on hotel management. Learn more.
- Information Technology and E-Business Concentration: Learn about managing the information systems of an organization, including infrastructure design, server management, security, e-business strategy, and marketing. Learn more.
- Juvenile Justice Studies Concentration: In addition to providing a background in youth services and current theories of adolescent development, this concentration explores the impact of community disadvantage, child abuse, and neglect on behavior. Learn more.
- Legal Studies Concentration: Designed for students who are interested in pursuing a law career, this concentration provides foundational knowledge of various aspects of law school and the legal profession. Learn more.
- Organizational Psychology Concentration: Learn more.
- Peace and Justice Studies Concentration: This concentration focuses on ways to promote the fair and equitable provision of justice as the path to a more just and humane world. Learn more.
Interdisciplinary Studies Program Learning Outcomes
These are some of the diverse skills you will gain with a major in interdisciplinary studies:
- Critical thinking, logic, and analysis
- Mathematics and quantitative reasoning
- Written and oral communication
- Information literacy and computer sciences
- Understanding of the scope and relevance of the arts and humanities throughout history and within contemporary society
- Integration of scientific thought and analysis
- Understanding of intercultural and intra-cultural concepts within the social sciences
What Can You Do With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
Employers are looking for creative problem solvers and strong communicators. People who can embrace change and lead with ethics and integrity.
Earning an interdisciplinary studies degree prepares you for these needs, and shows employers that you can approach situations from a variety of viewpoints. In many ways it’s an ideal degree for today’s ever-changing work environment.
Our graduates go on to a wide variety of careers, often working in schools, community organizations and services, government agencies, and businesses. Many continue on to graduate study in fields ranging from education to law to business management.
Start planning your degree in interdisciplinary studies to find out where it can take you.
I have been able to reach all of my educational goals as a full-time student, with schedule flexibility, while maintaining a full-time career and supporting my family. I do not believe I could achieve all that I have in this time frame at another, less accommodating institution.
Domenic D’Orsi
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
Example Interdisciplinary Studies Courses
Required courses provide a practical focus to the curriculum, with courses that build academic skills and broad-based knowledge across the sciences, humanities, and general studies. Examples include:
- Foundations of Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- College Writing
- College Mathematics
Download the Interdisciplinary Studies program sheet.
Interdisciplinary Studies Scholarships and Financial Aid
Get financial assistance to help pay for your degree. In addition to scholarship opportunities, you might also be eligible for federal and state grants, loans, and other types of financial aid.
The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about applying for financial aid.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring undergraduate degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
General Education
42
Credits
WRT101-102 and MAT101-102 may by waived if equivalent courses have been accepted in transfer. Credits will be replaced with open electives. WRT201 required if both WRT101-102 are waived; not required for students completing WRT101-102 at Cambridge. WRT090 and MAT100 required if assessment indicates need.
Principles and Processes of Adult Learning
LRN 175 • 3 credit(s)
Students explore theories of adult learning. They clarify the fit between their academic program and their learning and career needs, and see how their prior learning fits in. They assess their academic skills of critical thinking, mathematics, writing, and computer literacy. Students become independent learners who can effectively manage the structures, processes and expectations of undergraduate education.
College Writing I
WRT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Through challenging readings, class discussion, small group collaboration, and different forms of writing, students learn the skills and process of “thinking on paper.” They learn to construct an argument or discussion that supports a clear thesis and present it effectively in a well-organized essay that observes the conventions of written English. They write academic papers that analyze and synthesize the issues suggested in two or more readings. Critical reading, critical thinking, research skills, and forms of documentation are also introduced.
Foundations of Critical Thinking
CTH 225 • 3 credit(s)
We learn to engage in reasoned thinking. We learn to formulate hypotheses; conceive and state definitions, and understand logical consistency and inconsistency. We explore the differences between claims of fact, value, and policy; what constitutes credible evidence; the nature of assumptions. We learn what constitutes a persuasive argument as opposed to an emotive and propagandistic one, and critically examine them. Students learn to present clear, well thought out critical arguments in writing and oral presentations. We look at the relationships among thinking, writing, speaking and listening, laying a strong foundation for improving our capacity to write, speak, and listen well.
College Mathematics I
MAT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT100 If assessment indicates need. This course introduces students to the value of mathematics for students’ career and educational goals. Students will acquire mathematical study skills, gain strategies for problem solving, and develop a sound foundation for future mathematics coursework. The course is structured towards engaging students in active, applied, and real-life learning in order to facilitate mathematical problem solving and conceptual understanding.
Introduction to Computer Applications
CMP 130 • 3 credit(s)
Assessment available. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the personal computer, Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, the Internet, and an overview of Word, Excel and Power-Point uses. Students begin with the basics of each application and progress through intermediate level.
Digital Literacy
CMP 230 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP 130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor.
Digital literacy is the ability to find, use, and share information using technology in order to excel in a digital world. Students will practice using a range of digital tools, including tools for searching and evaluating information and for creating and communicating digitally. Students will learn to select and use appropriate digital tools for a variety of settings including the classroom and workplace. Ethical and effective use of information will contribute to students’ identities as effective digital citizens.
College Writing II
WRT 102 • 3 credit(s)
WRT102 acquaints students with the academic research paper as both process and product. The course begins with an intensive review of the strategies and techniques for writing an academic essay that are covered in WRT101 and then moves to selecting and narrowing a topic, preliminary research, and establishing a focus for a 12-15 page argument research paper. The final paper includes an abstract, an introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references. Students learn how to write an annotated bibliography and use APA documentation for in-text citations and references.
College Mathematics II
MAT 102 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT101 If assessment indicates need. Challenge exam available. This course develops students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving around issues of both mathematical content and process. Students will acquire a conceptual and practical understanding of and familiarity with numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and basic data analysis and probability. The course focuses on supporting students’ understanding of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representations. A key feature of the course is active student involvement to support communicating mathematics in everyday and academic contexts.
Distribution Requirements
Arts & Humanities - 6 credits
Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits
Social Sciences - 6 credits
Open Electives
36
Credits
Choose electives and/or concentrations to support your academic interests and professional goals. (Course prerequisites must also be met.)
Liberal Arts Major
42
Credits
Upper-level courses (300 level and above) distributed by area:
Arts, Literature, or History - 6 credits
Philosophy or Religious Studies - 3 credits
Sociology or Psychology - 6 credits
Natural or Physical Sciences - 6 credits
Electives in Interdisciplinary Studies or other - 12 credits
Foundations of Interdisciplinary Studies
IDS 200 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: WRT 101 or CTH 225 or permission of instructor. Learning about interdisciplinary studies is a multi-step process that involves self-reflection, self-assessment, goal setting, research, inquiry, and metacognition. This course is designed to introduce students to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and to concepts and methods of interdisciplinary study more generally. Emphasis is placed on generating ideas and questions through critical inquiry and from multiple perspectives. Key ethical issues in socio-cultural power structures will be addressed.
Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies
IDS 300 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: IDS 200 and WRT 102 or WRT 201. Using an interdisciplinary approach to a complex topic, students will continue to learn to generate ideas and questions to become critical interdisciplinary thinkers. Emphasis is placed on critical inquiry and approaches to the topic from multiple perspectives. Key ethical issues in socio-cultural power structures will be addressed.
Action Research Capstone
IDS 490 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: 90 credits minimum, including WRT 101, WRT 102, IDS 200, and IDS 300. The Capstone is an action research project and portfolio completion that is the culminating academic activity that helps to synthesize students’ learning in the undergraduate interdisciplinary program. Students will identify an issue, consider multiple perspectives, and advance a creative, interdisciplinary intervention, solution, or response to the issue identified. Those who take an additional term to complete the Capstone must register for IDS 491 and pass before graduating.
Program Chair
(617) 873-0624Rebecca.Heimel@cambridgecollege.edu
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0624Rebecca.Heimel@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0428barbara.reid@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0453lucilia.valerio@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
781-821-2122Thulani.DeMarsay@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(800) 877-4723 x1236James.Lee@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0708Jesse.Mellor@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0705Roxanne.Reddington-Wilde@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0675Mark.Rotondo@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0395Catherine.Seo@go.cambridgecollege.edu
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No SAT or ACT tests required.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Undergraduate Studies
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits:
120
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Cost per credit hour:
$502
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$2,290 (Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
Student
Success
Saran Day
Ready to Apply?
We can help you with any aspect of the application process. Call us at 1-800-829-4723. Start your journey now!
Have Questions?
An admissions counselor will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
- Email Admissions
- Request Information
- Call 1-800-829-4723
