Program Overview
The bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies empowers students to blend multiple fields of inquiry into a cohesive and personalized course of study that reflects their unique passions and academic ambitions. Current interdisciplinary 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 emphasizes a transdisciplinary and integrative approach, encouraging students to explore innovative insights that emerge from the intersection of diverse disciplines and practices.
Flexibility
Naropa’s BA in interdisciplinary studies goes beyond a traditional arts degree, offering adventurous learners and seekers of deep knowledge transformative educational opportunities. Students design their own unique course of study tailored to their intellectual curiosities and career aspirations.
Educational Diversity
Mentorship
Quick Facts
- On-campus degree
- 43 credit hours (of the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree)
- Transfer up to 90 semester credits
- Choose from 16 fields of Study
- 2 Senior Capstone Experiences
- Personalized Curriculum
- Flexible Degree
- Admissions open for 2025
Program Format
Naropa University offers a fully accredited, four-year Bachelor of Arts degree program. The bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies empowers students to craft a customized program of study that integrates diverse disciplinary perspectives to foster personal and societal transformation.
Course Spotlight
Conflict Transformation: Theory and Practice
This course delves into theories and practices of conflict transformation across various settings, examining interpersonal dynamics and broader structural elements. Students explore their own beliefs about conflict, emphasizing cultural and religious influences. The curriculum scrutinizes efforts to address violence and trauma at both local and global levels. Additionally, it highlights intervention complexities and potential transformations. Students engage in producing digital narratives and acquire foundational mediation skills.
Degree
Requirements
A Bachelor of Arts 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 Interdisciplinary Studies Major has a total of 43 credit hours.
Interdisciplinary Studies Major Requirements
Gateway: 3 credits
INTD-301 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. Student 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-301, COR-340, and COR-440 do not count towards 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-340 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-401 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-440 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?
Opportunity to Choose
Students work with faculty mentors to craft a unique program of study in the Gateway Seminar. Undergraduate 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.
Commitment to Diversity
We prioritize diversity and use thoughtful learning to understand and embrace qualities that unite people from different backgrounds, aiming for a fair and unified society. Naropa University blends insights from various wisdom traditions while emphasizing inclusivity. This commitment to diversity enhances and shapes our educational approach across the university.
Contemplative Approach
If you are interested in an approach to learning that values contemplative inquiry and artistic expression as well as scholarship, community, and social action, then Interdisciplinary Studies might be the right major for you!
How this Program Prepares You
Multidisciplinary Insight
Students will have an in-depth focus on multiple disciplines and fields, which will give them the possibility to consider issues from multiple perspectives. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies will have the analytical skills needed to make insightful questions and analyses.
Career Readiness
While your studies span multiple disciplines, they are anything but generalized. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies acquire specialized knowledge and skills that pave the way for rewarding careers in community leadership, the arts, social entrepreneurship, and beyond. Step confidently into graduate school or the job market with versatile opportunities.
Holistic Education
Students of this program are adventurous spirits who crave deep learning and transformative experiences. Expand your horizons by cultivating an open mindset, enabling you to examine and address issues from a diverse array of perspectives with Naropa’s BA in Interdisciplinary Studies.
What You'll Learn
Integrated Learning
Fuse diverse viewpoints and disciplines into an innovative final thesis.
Broadened Perspective
Cultivate a progressive, multi-dimensional strategy for addressing 21st-century issues.
Analytical Insight
Pose insightful queries and respond with meticulous research and examination.
Graduate School and Career Readiness
Pursue graduate school or a career of your choosing with a flexible degree.
Depth of Knowledge
Students acquire an adequate understanding of their two or three chosen concentrations.
Career Opportunities with an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
Interdisciplinary Studies empowers students to delve across disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of 21st-century challenges. Equipped with interdisciplinary tools, students are primed to adapt and positively impact the world. This major nurtures flexibility and open-mindedness, paving diverse career paths. Graduates excel in various fields, from film production and writing to activism, education, and entrepreneurship.
- Literature Teacher: teach students about literary works..
- General and Operations Manager: ensure efficient daily organizational functioning.
- Media Technical Director: oversee and promote efficient recycling programs.
- 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
EdWord Galan hopes his business, A Trike Called Funk, “will help people see more nuance in the world and move away from polarities…and inspire others to tap into their own power…. One of the most effective ways to bypass intellectual and ideological differences is through interactions on a dance floor—when we’re out of our head, just having fun, enjoying life, and being in the moment.
EdWord Galan
FAQs About the
BA Interdisciplinary Studies
What can I do with a BA in interdisciplinary studies?
A BA in interdisciplinary studies offers flexibility, paving diverse career possibilities across different sectors. This qualification lays the groundwork for deeper specialization through advanced learning or professional growth in chosen fields. Alumni have opportunities to advance in roles such as community leaders, advocates, teachers, business innovators, and beyond.
Is 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?
The difference between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies revolves around how they merge insights from multiple disciplines. While multidisciplinary approaches examine separate disciplines individually, each offering unique perspectives on a topic, interdisciplinary studies blend insights from different fields to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
What is the difference between a BS and a BA in interdisciplinary studies?
The difference between a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in interdisciplinary studies centers on their core focuses and curricula. A BS emphasizes natural sciences, math, or technical areas, while a BA leans towards liberal arts, emphasizing humanities, social sciences, and languages for a comprehensive understanding.
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
Academic excellence and the willingness to carry out introspective work are highly valued at Naropa University. Learn more about admission requirements and the application process for first-time and transfer students.
Undergraduate Students
- Applicants boasting a GPA of 3.0 or higher: Applicants with a track record of academic excellence receive a warm welcome to Naropa University with minimal admission criteria.
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0: If you are enthusiastic about embracing the advantages of a Naropa education and aspire to contribute positively to our expanding community, we encourage you to apply even if your academic record has not been the strongest.
Transfer your credit
You can bring over credit hours you’ve acquired at other accredited institutions when applying to Naropa. Submit an official transcript to transfer 60 or more transferable credits. Read more about transferring and applying as a first-time student at our undergraduate admissions page.
International Students
We warmly invite students from around the world to become part of our dynamic community. At Naropa, we embrace inclusivity and diversity, valuing a diverse student population that enriches the university’s vitality. Learn more about applying to Naropa as an international student.
Costs and Financial Aid
Explore details on undergraduate costs and financial support in our tuition and financial aid section. Naropa strives to make education accessible to numerous students, with several grants and scholarship opportunities to finance your education. Estimate your expenses at Naropa with our Net Price Calculator.
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
