Online Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

Build a bridge to success with a BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Design your future with the online interdisciplinary studies degree at Point Park University. As a student in this unique program, you’ll have the chance to actively create your own curriculum, tailoring your education to best fit your professional goals. Ideal for those striving to work in specialized fields, or those who have previously earned college credit and want to complete a bachelor’s degree, the flexible online Bachelor of Arts or Sciences in Interdisciplinary Studies degree will provide you with the skills you need for success.

Point Park University’s Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum

A well-rounded program of study developed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the fully online interdisciplinary studies degree combines two to three disciplines of your choosing. As a student you’ll take a required core curriculum and work with a personal advisor who will help you accomplish your academic goals. Toward the end of the program, you will also be required to complete a culminating real-world project that intersects theory and application in your field of interest to propel you professionally and personally.

Transform Your Experience into College Credit

Point Park University offers robust Prior Learning Assessment and Advanced Standing/Experiential Learning Credit opportunities. Students can transfer credits from qualifying experiences including other college institutions, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST exams) or UEXCEL exams, Advanced Placement (AP) credit and experiential learning assessment portfolio submissions.

Experiential learning credits are not considered current coursework for financial aid, and their applicability will vary by graduate degree program. In addition, experiential learning credits through portfolio submissions are capped at 18 credits.

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

  • Next Start Date: July 2, 2023

Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years
Credit Hours: 120
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $495
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

  • Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years

  • Credit Hours: 120

  • Course Length: 8 Weeks

  • Cost Per Credit: $495

  • Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Tell me more about Point Park University’s Online Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Course Offerings

Admission Requirements

Course Description
This course introduces students to the different kinds of communities that people construct for themselves (e.g. social, political, artistic, etc.) and the values and dynamics that define such communities (e.g. cooperation, civility, tolerance, responsibility, etc.). The notion of what it means to be a responsible member of the community will actively be explored and discussed by engagement and analysis of multiple communities: the classroom community, the Point Park University community, and the Pittsburgh community. Students will also examine the responsibilities they have to their personal academic development.

Course Description
This course included communication theory as well as speech preparation, delivery, and communication technology. Student learning focuses on researching, composing, and delivering formal and impromptu speeches and presentations. Topics include research, analyzing and adapting audiences, message construction, outlining, delivery of messages and effective use of visual aids and technology. This course will develop each student’s ability to communicate effectively with respect to audience and purpose. The major emphasis is on the preparation and delivery of presentations ranging from one-on-one pitches and small group discussion to large audience speeches.

Course Description
Students will write argument-based assignments leading to an independently researched project based on academic and professional goals. Students will be required to 1.) find and integrate a variety of sources, 2.) read and analyze these sources, 3.) develop strong thesis statements that reflect perspectives on topics or issues, and 4.) construct persuasive arguments that engage with the viewpoints of experts and commentators. As the term progresses, students will have the opportunity to re-think or revise the ideas and perspectives they explored in earlier writing assignments by engaging with peer feedback and revising earlier drafts. Placement recommendations will require students to take ENGL 101 as a three credit course OR in conjunction with an additional credit of lab or studio instruction. Students who earn F or NP grades in ENGL 101 will be required to re-take the course in conjunction with a one-credit Writing Studio course.

Choose two of the following courses:

  • ECON 201 – Principles of Macroeconomics
  • GCS 175 – Intro to Global Cultural Studies
  • HIST 201 – Western Civilization I
  • HIST 202 – Western Civilization II
  • PADM 210/POLS 204 – Public Administration
  • POLS 205 – World Geography
  • POLS 250 – Intro to Study of Gov’t Systems
  • PHIL 215 – World Religions

Choose one of the following courses:

  • NSET 110 – Intro to Natural Sciences I
  • NSET 111 – Intro to Natural Sciences II

Choose one of the following courses:

  • MATH 150 – The Mathematical Experience
  • MATH 175 – Elementary Statistics
  • MATH 180 – College Algebra

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ENGL 250 – World Lit: Drama, Poetry, Epic
  • ENGL 251 – World Lit: Novels

Choose two of the following courses:

  • PSYC 150 – Psychological Foundations
  • PSYC 214 – Psychology of Emotion
  • SOC 150 – Sociological Foundations

Choose one of the following courses:

  • BMGT 271 – The Money Thing: Life and Finances During and After College
  • BMGT 234 – Ethical Leadership
  • CMPS 330 – Electronic Commerce
  • ECON 202 – Principles of Microeconomics

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ART 100 – Intro to Visual Arts
  • COMM 290 – Seminar in Media Studies
  • COPA 250 – Exploring the Arts

Choose one of the following courses:

  • CMPS 114 – Problem Solving with Information Technology
  • JOUR 103 – Graphic Design I

  • HUMA 495 Senior Seminar Thesis Project

Discipline 1 – 18 credits

Discipline 2 – 18 credits

Discipline 3 OR General Electives – 33 credits

The department requires combining 18 hours in 2-3 disciplines. Students must submit a proposal combining 2-3 disciplines with 18 hours of coursework in each. Courses are normally on the 200 to 300 level. The student must receive the approval of the director. After completion of coursework, the student must complete a senior thesis, project or community service as directed by the department director.

Choose any combination of:PHIL 100+ level-6 credits OR Choose any combination of: HIST 300+ level- 6 credits OR HIST 201 – Western Civilization to the Sixteenth Century
This introductory survey course will familiarize students with major themes and historical events in the Western World from the Ancient World to the 1500s. Students will analyze the major forces, ideas and institutions which influenced the peoples of the world and look at the foundations of Western cultural expansion outward. In this course students will learn to think critically about historical events and how they are interpreted to better understand the relationship between historical events and contemporary interpretation of those events. Students will locate and evaluate primary and secondary texts and use them to write critically about history. HIST 202 – Western Civilization since the Sixteenth Century
This introductory survey course will familiarize students with major themes and historical events in the Western World from the 1500s to the twenty-first century. Student will analyze the major forces, ideas and institutions which influenced the peoples of the world and examine the impact of Western cultural imperialism. In this course students will learn to think critically about historical events and how they are interpreted to better understand the relationship between historical events and contemporary interpretation of those events. Students will locate and evaluate primary and secondary texts and use them to write critically about history.

Approved Credit
Approved Credit in the Liberal Arts may be substituted for Humanities and Human Sciences and/or Cultural Studies General Requirements

Interdisciplinary Degree Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it still pays to earn a degree…a lot. Even in a roller coaster job market, those with a Bachelor’s degree still reign supreme in earnings and employments than those with no degree or an associate degree and their unemployment rate was less too.

MEDIAN YEARLY EARNINGS

  • Bachelor Degree $67,912 
  • Associate Degree $48,776 
  • HS Diploma $40,612 

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

  • Bachelor’s Degree 5.5%

  • Associate Degree 7.1%

  • HS Diploma 9%

bls.gov Obtained 3/2021

Next Steps

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Official Transcripts

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