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McBride House 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430
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What is an Interdisciplinary Studies Major鈥�?
Ramapo College undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdisciplinary Studies. The Interdisciplinary Studies program gives students the opportunity to design an academic major that draws on coursework from multiple disciplines鈥損articularly when their interests cannot be fully accommodated through an existing degree program. It is a strong option for students who want to connect different areas of study and tailor their coursework to specific academic and career goals.
The Interdisciplinary Studies program is proudly housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. This breaks down traditional departmental walls. Students get full access to top-tier academic support, plus the ability to explore across departments to design their own path.
Interested students are encouraged to contact the Program Director to discuss possible areas of study and develop an academic plan.
Program Benefits
- Build a Major Around Your Interests. Combine coursework from different fields into a personalized plan that supports your passions and career goals.
- Strengthen Transferable Skills. Develop the high-demand ability to think across disciplines, solve complex problems, and communicate with diverse audiences鈥攑reparing you to stand out to potential employers and graduate schools.
- Efficient Degree Completion (Save Time and Credits). Create a cohesive pathway to graduation that maximizes the credits you have already earned. By working with your advisor to map your requirements, you can stay on track for graduation without taking unnecessary classes.
How It Works
- Step 1: Explore and Partner & Choose. Meet with the Program Director to discuss possible academic subject areas that align with your personal passions and unique career goals.
- Step 2: Design Your Plan. Create an individualized academic pathway, mapping out a flexible, approved plan of study drawing from courses throughout the College.
- Step 3: Synthesize Your Degree. Complete a senior capstone project that blends your chosen disciplines together, proving your cross-functional expertise to future employers.
Map Your Major
Below are some sample paths you can take. These pathways are only a starting point. Students are encouraged to create their own interdisciplinary combination based on their academic interests, career goals, and the questions or challenges they want to explore.
The Mix: Combine courses like data science, public health, sociology, and political science
Career Paths: Public Health Analyst, Community Health Program Coordinator, or Healthcare Policy Advocate.
The Mix: Combine courses like Computer Science + Graphic Design + Media Studies
Career Paths: Digital Product Designer, Creative Technologist, Web Application Developer
The Mix: Combine courses like law & society, psychology, and social work
Career Paths: Victim Advocacy, Rehabilitation Services, Juvenile Justice, Legal Aid Case Manager, Policy Advocate / Lobbyist
More Possible Paths
- Marketing + Environmental Science for corporate sustainability
- Psychology and Data Science for user experience research
- Music/Industry and Management for entertainment and arts administration
- Sociology/Criminology and Cybersecurity for digital forensics and fraud investigation
- Biology and Communication Arts/Digital Journalism and Writing for science communication and medical journalism
- Business Analytics and Civic and Community Leadership for jobs in nonprofits.
FAQ
RCNJ鈥檚 Interdisciplinary Studies major is an excellent option for:
- Students who want to design a personalized academic pathway by combining courses from multiple disciplines.
- Transfer students and adult learners who want to maximize previously earned credits and apply them toward a cohesive degree.
- Self-motivated students who are eager to build adaptable problem-solving, communication, critical-thinking skills valued by employers.
Current and prospective students with an interest in the Interdisciplinary Studies major are welcome to speak with the Director at any time.
- Step 1. Declare the Major and Connect with the Director, Professor Em Leskinen. We encourage students to contact the Interdisciplinary Studies Director to explore the program before declaring. Once you are ready to enter the program, complete the online Major Declaration form. After declaration, the Director will contact you to schedule an initial meeting to discuss your academic interests, career goals, and the disciplines you want to combine.
- Step 2. Match with an Academic Advisor. The Director, in consultation with the program’s Advisory Board, will help identify and connect you with an Academic Advisor who specializes in your areas of interest. The Director may also recommend an existing major or minor if it aligns well with your goals.
- Step 3. Complete the Interdisciplinary Major Planning Worksheet. Working with your Academic Advisor and Program Director, you will map out your specific course plan and complete the Interdisciplinary Studies Major Planning Worksheet.
- Step 4. Review and Final Approval of the Planning Worksheet. The Director will review your plan and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Honors will provide the final formal approval.
Success Story
Contact Us
Whether you are ready to get started or just have a few questions, we are here to help you build your plan.
Contact our Program Director, Professor Em Leskinen at聽eleskine@ramapo.edu to set up your initial one-on-one meeting.
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