BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Online
Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Online
Devise your own course of study from anywhere in the world through Naropa’s Online Interdisciplinary Studies Degree.
Program Overview
Naropa University’s interdisciplinary studies degree program allows students to bring as many fields of inquiry together to create a focused program of study that is an expression of their unique interests. Some current combinations include Buddhist doctrine and environmental justice; early childhood education, queer theory, and feminist practice; Afrofuturism and psychological theories on conditioning; Yoga studies, Art Therapy, and plant medicine; and painting and gender fluidity. The program asks that students approach their work in a transdisciplinary and integrative way, meaning that they seek to discover what comes from the blending of their multiple fields of inquiry and practice. Because INTD facilitates a self-authored program of study, our online interdisciplinary studies students will be bringing their distinctive geographies and life circumstances into their learning path. A community of online INTD students will create an intersecting net of distinctions in which geography is not an obstacle to overcome but a rich mixture in which we will learn from each other as we learn about each other.
Unique Study Program
Students work with faculty mentors to craft a unique program of study in the Gateway Seminar. Undergraduate online interdisciplinary studies majors can draw from all offered courses to build their distinctive program of study, for a minimum of 33 credits related to their areas of inquiry.
Mentorship
Naropa’s supportive community fosters a helpful environment for undergraduate students. In this context, dedicated faculty mentors actively guide and inspire students in both Gateway to Design Thinking and Integration Studio courses, facilitating a meaningful, focused, enriching, and self-authored academic journey.
Diversity in Learning
Naropa’s online BA in Interdisciplinary Studies is a flexible liberal arts degree. Instead of narrowly exploring one field, students will choose and learn from multiple disciplines, pursuing multiple areas of study without compromising the depth of their academic content.
Quick Facts
- Online degree
- 43 credit hours (of the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree)
- Transfer up to 90 credits and earn your degree in as little as one year
- 16 Fields of Study to Choose From
- 2 Senior Capstone Experiences
- Personalized Curriculum
- Flexible Degree
- Admissions open for 2025
Program Format
Naropa University’s undergraduate program is a four-year, fully accredited Bachelor of Arts Degree. Our Online Interdisciplinary Studies program invites students to design a unique program of study that integrates different disciplinary perspectives in the work of personal and social transformation. This is an online program, meaning all classes are completed remotely.
Course Spotlight
Feminist and Queer Theory Methods of Inquiry
This course melds feminist and queer scholarship with scientific inquiry, emphasizing their transformative potential. Students delve into contemplative insights and critical race perspectives on feminist epistemology. Through methods like memoir and observation, they explore diverse research techniques. Ultimately, they create work highlighting gender dynamics and challenging prevailing structures.
Course
Requirements
A Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree (120 credits) consists of a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major, as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing. The online interdisciplinary studies major is comprised of 43 credits.
Interdisciplinary Studies Major Requirements
Gateway: 3 credits
INTD-301e Gateway to Design Thinking (3)
In this project-based course, students join visionary creative thinking and dreaming with the hands-on conceptual and artistic work of designing individualized interdisciplinary programs that will guide their work at Naropa and beyond. We engage in design thinking, connecting our values, passions, and commitments to the lives and work of changemakers working in diverse fields. We examine and experiment with integrative mindsets, models, and practices in the context of a vibrant learning community—working alone and together to connect prior learning with future selves, integrating, honoring, and building capacity through joining head, heart, and hands. Students must be a declared INTD major.
Milestone: 33 credits
Students take a minimum of 33 credits from any offered Naropa courses to support their self-authored plan of study.
Up to 18 credits can be transferred in from other schools.
Of the 33 Milestone credits, a minimum of 12 upper-division (300 level +) credits are required. INTD-301e, COR-340e, and COR-440e do not count toward this total.
If a student revises their Learning Agreement, all previous credits taken will still count towards the 33 credit Milestone requirement total.
Capstone: 7 credits
COR-340e Capstone I (3)
In this collaborative learning environment, students explore personal and intellectual connections to what really matters in their lives and work as activists, artists, contemplatives, healers, scholars, and social innovators. They read and write extensively, weaving their own experiences, ideas, social locations, and authentic purpose with broader social, historical, political, artistic, scientific, and cultural contexts. They learn and practice research methods relevant to their disciplines and emerging capstone projects, developing skills and frameworks for understanding ethical issues specific to their scholarly, artistic, and civic pursuits. Students leave the course with a capstone project proposal, preliminary literature review, and oral presentation.
INTD-401e Integration Studio (1)
In this one-credit course, students will identify their interdisciplinary areas of inquiry and practice and explore ways of knowing, research, and engagement. Working closely with a faculty mentor and in collaborative practice with classmates, students will identify and synthesize multiple strands of inquiry for their unique plan of study.
COR-440e Capstone II (3)
Building on work produced in Capstone I, students implement an original project that reflects substantial research and work, which may include contemplative, community-based, creative, and social innovation components. This product could be a 25-30 page academic paper or its equivalent in creative or community-engaged projects (with a minimum 12-15 page text). The semester ends in celebration and ceremony, featuring student presentations of their work, which may include creative writing, dance-movement, film, music, theater, and visual arts as well as socially innovative curricula, programs, and models.
Total: 43 credits
Why Choose Naropa?
Introspective Education
A Naropa education is unlike any other. Being the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa offers students a more meaningful education through meditation and introspective work. A contemplative approach is present in every program at Naropa, along with traditional academic studies.
Online Accessibility
Naropa University’s approach to education strives to be accessible and inclusive to all. No matter where you are in the world, you can embark on a journey of academic excellence and self-discovery through the online interdisciplinary studies degree from Naropa.
Varied Career Opportunities
Upon completing their individualized course of study, online interdisciplinary studies majors are uniquely positioned to discover and create fulfilling careers in their chosen fields. Interdisciplinary studies graduates include healers, educators, creatives, social innovators, entrepreneurs, and more.
How this Program Prepares You
Varied Career Opportunities
After completing their individualized course of study, online interdisciplinary studies majors are uniquely positioned to discover and create fulfilling careers in their chosen fields. Graduates of this transformative liberal arts degree include healers, educators, creatives, social innovators, and more.
Expanded Learning
The online interdisciplinary studies program blends diverse perspectives and disciplines, culminating in an innovative final thesis. Through this program, students cultivate a forward-thinking and multi-faceted approach to address 21st-century challenges.
Versatile Scholars
Graduates of the Online BA in Interdisciplinary Studies will be prepared to ask the right questions and answer them with refined research and analysis. Moreover, they will be able to open their minds and approach issues from a variety of perspectives.
What You'll Learn
Graduate School and Career Readiness
Enter graduate school or the job market with flexible options.
Expanded Worldview
Develop a forward-thinking, multi-faceted approach to 21st-century issues.
Critical Thinking
Ask good questions, and answer them with refined research and analysis.
Integrated Learning
Blend varying viewpoints and disciplines into an innovative final thesis.
Holistic Education
Learn to open your mind and approach issues from a variety of perspectives.
Career Opportunities with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Online Degree
The online Interdisciplinary Studies degree enables students to study, explore, and research between and across disciplines. This major enables students to hold more flexible, spontaneous, and open-minded approaches to their career and educational future. Interdisciplinary Studies students are well prepared for graduate studies in many fields. Some of our graduates go on to pursue further education to become film producers, writers, editors, community organizers, social activists, educators, and entrepreneurs.
- Literature Teacher: Teach students about literary works.
- General and Operations Manager: Ensure efficient daily organizational functioning.
- Media Technical Director: Manage technical aspects for quality media production.
- Medical Manager: Oversee efficient healthcare operations.
- Natural Sciences Manager: Coordinate research in biology, chemistry, or physics.
- Community Service Manager: Plan and oversee programs for community well-being.
- Public Relations Manager: Cultivate positive organizational images through communication.
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologist: Provide therapy for mental and emotional well-being.
- Art Teacher: Nurture creativity and skills in students across various art forms.
- Education Administrator: Manage daily operations and curriculum in schools.
Hear from a Graduate
An interdisciplinary perspective is essential to my understanding of our species’ intersectionality with plants, animals, and the biological rhythms of our earth. Through interdisciplinary studies, I can explore diverse frameworks of knowledge and weave them together through my life, creating my own unique way of seeing the world.
Meadow Wittelsberger
FAQs About the
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Online
What can I do with an online interdisciplinary studies degree?
An online interdisciplinary studies degree provides versatility and opens up a wide array of career paths across different fields. The degree can serve as a foundation for further specialization through advanced studies or professional development in specific areas of interest. Graduates can go on to pursue further education to become community organizers, social activists, educators, entrepreneurs, and many more options.
Is the online degree in interdisciplinary studies a BA or BS?
Naropa University’s online degree in interdisciplinary studies is a Bachelor of Arts. The degree emphasizes a broad liberal arts education.
What is the difference between multidisciplinary studies and interdisciplinary studies?
Multidisciplinary studies and interdisciplinary studies are related concepts, but the difference revolves around their approaches to integrating knowledge from different disciplines. Multidisciplinary studies explore diverse disciplines independently, each contributing to its own perspective on the understanding of a particular topic. On the other hand, interdisciplinary studies integrate knowledge from different disciplines to create a more holistic understanding of a subject.
Learn More About the Program
Connect
with your counselor
Rachel Thompson
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
- 303-970-9831
- rachel.thompson@naropa.edu
- Schedule Appointment
Ready to Apply?
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Students
First-Time Students:
Candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or above and a strong history of academic success are welcomed to Naropa University with minimal eligibility requirements.
If your academic performance is below a GPA of 3.0, yet you are eager to experience the benefits of a Naropa education and envision making a positive impact in our growing community, we invite you to submit your application.
Transfer Students:
You can apply to Naropa as a transfer student and bring over 60 or more transferable credits from an accredited institution. Present an official academic transcript together with your regular application, and we’ll assist you with the entire transfer process.
Read through the entire admissions process for first-time and transfer students at our undergraduate requirements page.
International Students
Consider Naropa your second home. We extend a warm invitation to international students from all corners of the globe to join our vibrant community. Embracing inclusivity and diversity, we celebrate a varied student body that enhances the strength of Naropa.
Learn more about applying to Naropa as an international student.
Costs and Financial Aid
Discover information about undergraduate expenses and financial aid options in our tuition and financial section. Naropa is committed to ensuring education is within reach for as many students as possible. Gain insight into potential costs at Naropa by utilizing our Net Price Calculator.
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
