GC helped me develop a philosophy that integrated science, sociology, history, art, literature, biblical studies and theology into a coherent vision for serving the world. I have brought this powerful integration into my ministry.
Bachelor of Arts
Interdisciplinary Studies
Major
Design a major that fits you
If your goals take more than just what one major provides.
The Interdisciplinary Studies major at Goshen College is a Bachelor of Arts you design yourself, combining coursework from at least two academic disciplines into a single major. You build it with a faculty advisor, anchor it with a written proposal and finish it with a senior capstone that ties your fields together.
Is this major right for you?
This major is for those who feel passionate about more than one discipline. Maybe it is sustainability and business, healthcare and ethics or education and peacebuilding. Interdisciplinary studies makes it possible for you to follow a real question wherever it leads, and you want a degree that reflects your values, not just a checklist.
Can a self-made degree hold up in the real world? The answer is in the structure: a written proposal, faculty mentorship and senior capstone offers the same validity as any other named degree.
What you’ll study
You build your plan around three things: courses from at least two-three academic disciplines, a senior capstone project or thesis that integrates your fields of study and the CORE general education courses required by Goshen College.
The courses you take depend on the concentrations you choose. Recent paths have drawn on courses like Ecological Ethics & Environmental Movements, Digital Media Production and Culturally Responsive Health Promotion. Hands-on learning is built in too: internships, independent research, immersive off-campus courses and project-based work that connects your coursework to real settings, with your faculty advisor helping match each experience to your goals. View the complete program requirements in our catalog.
Ryan Ahlgrim ’79
Pastor, First Mennonite Church of Richmond
Paying for Goshen College
Interdisciplinary studies students are eligible for Goshen College’s academic scholarships which average almost $26,000 per student.
To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator, or explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages.
Common questions about the interdisciplinary studies major
You combine coursework from at least two academic disciplines into one major. You submit a proposal, work with faculty mentors to build a personalized academic plan, complete the college’s core general education courses and finish with a senior capstone project or thesis that ties your fields together. Your advisor guides every step.
Graduates go into nonprofit leadership, social entrepreneurship, public health, environmental advocacy, education and curriculum development and communications and media. You build the major around real questions, so you graduate with a focused combination of skills, and a degree that is also strong preparation for graduate study.
Yes. Hands-on learning is built into the major through internships, independent research, immersive off-campus courses and project-based work. At Goshen, 50% of students study abroad through hands-on learning programs, and your faculty advisor helps match these experiences to your individualized academic and career path.
Students have combined fields like health and communication, business and art, or global studies and psychology into custom majors tailored to specific career goals that don’t fit neatly into one of Goshen’s 45 existing majors. Request information for current or past examples that resemble what you’re considering.
Ready to get started?
Jan Kauffman
Associate Dean Student Success
