Major
	Interdepartmental Studies (BA) from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Four-year Graduation Plan
	Yes, for the Individualized Plan of Study Track
Honors
	Yes
Links
	Web Site Courses General Catalog

The University of Iowa offers majors in many subjects. It's also an ideal place for interdisciplinary work—study that draws on several fields. If you discover that your interests don’t fit into a traditional major, you should consider the interdepartmental studies major, which allows you to create a course of study that complements your educational and career goals.

• Why Choose Interdepartmental Studies at Iowa?
• Course Work
• Careers
• Scholarships

Why Choose Interdepartmental Studies at Iowa?
Interdepartmental studies provides an alternative to traditional majors. You can build a unique major from several departments or follow one of two preapproved plans of study: business studies or health science. Whatever your choice, you'll become an active partner in designing your course of study.

Course Work
Students majoring in interdepartmental studies earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The BA requires a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including credit for the major, which will depend on which track you choose: the individualized plan of study track requires at least 36 s.h.; the business studies track requires 35–40 s.h.; and the health science track requires 37 s.h. Each track gives you flexibility in choosing course work.

Individualized Plan of Study Track

The individualized plan of study track allows you to create a one-of-a-kind major that is not already offered at Iowa. If you choose this track, you'll design a major around your goals and interests, integrating courses from departments across the University. Examples of individualized majors that students have designed include aging studies, children's studies, diversity studies, environmental issues, health issues, and international business.

The individualized plan of study track typically attracts students who are self motivated and goal oriented. If you choose this track, you must research your educational goals thoroughly so that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your education and can articulate it.

You’ll need to submit a plan of study to the interdepartmental studies faculty advisory committee before you declare the major with the individualized plan of study track. Your plan of study should include:

• An essay clearly explaining the area of intellectual focus
• The reasons for preferring interdepartmental studies to other departmental programs
• A discussion of how advanced courses relate to each other, to personal interests, and to the central focus of the plan of study
• A description of academic goals for the bachelor’s degree
• A transcript of college course work completed to date and advanced-level course work planned for all remaining semesters

Contact the interdepartmental studies coordinator, who will be your academic advisor, as early as possible.

Business Studies Track

The business studies track is a preapproved study plan that provides a foundation in business and gives you a choice of emphasis areas: workplace practices and perspectives, values and ethics, or arts management. The arts management emphasis requires an internship. The other two emphasis areas include an optional practicum—a hands-on project or experience. You also may propose a self-defined emphasis area. You'll be advised at the Academic Advising Center.

Business studies track students complete these courses:

• Calculus and Matrix Algebra for Business
• Principles of Microeconomics
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• A course in statistics
• A course in accounting or entrepreneurship
• Two elective courses in business
• Five or more emphasis area courses

Health Science Track

The health science track is a preapproved study plan that provides a foundation in the general health sciences and gives you a choice of emphasis areas: multidisciplinary science, entrepreneurship, aging, sexuality studies, or global health. Each emphasis includes an optional practicum—a hands-on project or experience. You also may propose a self-defined emphasis area. You'll be advised by the Academic Advising Center.

Health science track students complete these courses:

• Chemistry I–II
• A basic biology course
• A course in mathematics or statistics
• A social science course (anthropology, psychology, or sociology)
• A science elective (anatomy or biology)
• A course in equity issues, health, human development, or physiology
• A course in nutrition
• Five or more emphasis area courses

For More Details

See Interdepartmental Studies in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major and for information about graduating with honors.

Careers
Students who create individualized plans of study at Iowa stand out when they apply for jobs, because their major emphasizes a unique set of strengths and interests. In addition, employers often are impressed by their enthusiasm and self-directed nature.

Graduates in the business studies and health science tracks have career options in a variety of settings, including retirement homes, hospitals, health clubs, government agencies, insurance companies, and performing arts companies.

Many interdepartmental studies majors go on to graduate study.

Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.