Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.

The Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A. program offers multiple ways for working adults to personalize their college experience and achieve their educational and professional goals. The program allows for students to transfer up to 75% of their credits, including Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Students will be able to customize their degree through the completion of NLU’s current course offerings, including available minors and concentrations. In addition, all students in this program will complete a culminating capstone course where they will connect their coursework to a research project that synthesizes their learning experiences and connects that learning to their future career objectives. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

The Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for the undergraduate program in Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies are directly aligned with the University Learning Outcomes. The PLOs reinforce NLU’s commitment to innovation and ensure that course offerings remain responsive and relevant to the adult learners’ needs.

At the completion of the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program, students will be able to:

PLO-1: INTELLECTUAL SKILLS. Evaluate their prior educational and professional experiences and create an educational path that will meet their interests and goals.
 
PLO-2: APPLIED AND COLLABORATIVE LEARNING. Synthesize learning from different fields of study, prior learning, and professional experiences in a way that advances personal and professional goals.
 
PLO-3: SPECIALIZED INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE. Build the analytical, information evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative communication skills necessary to advance in their field.
 
PLO-4: BROAD AND INTEGRATIVE KNOWLEDGE. Develop the skills and strategies needed to solve problems and embrace opportunities unique to their field.
 
PLO-5: CIVIC AND GLOBAL LEARNING. Investigate their world view and develop an appreciation for different perspectives as it applies to issues on a local, national, and global scale.
 
PLO-6: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS. Develop the interpersonal and leadership attributes aligned with their professional goals in order to successfully further their career path after completion of their college degree.

 

In addition to the Undergraduate College Admission Requirements, program requires:

• Transfer credit of at least 45 quarter hours 

Program Details:

• Requires 180 QH including 48- 60 QH of General Education for completion 
• Requires a minimum of 60 QH of upper division coursework at the 300 or 400-level
• Requires completion of the program Capstone course at NLU
• Students transferring less than 90 QH must complete a concentration or minor
• Requires a min GPA of 2.0 for graduation 
• Requires completion of a min of 45 QH of coursework at NLU upon matriculation 

Required Courses

General Education Requirements

Communications

The following courses are recommended:

ENG 101	Beginning English Composition	5
ENG 201	Intermediate English	5
ENG 203	Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: academic writing, oral communications, and any course in the area of communications.

 

Humanities and Fine Arts

Choose two courses from the list below:

ART 105	Race, Identity and Experience in American Art	5
ART 106	Race, Identity and Experience in American Art I	2
ART 107	Race, Identity and Experience in American Art II	3
HIS 103	History Across the Globe	5
PHI 107	Ethics, Logic and Critical Inquiry	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the following disciplines:  

• Humanities: foreign language, history, literature, philosophy, religious studies, interdisciplinary humanities and fine arts, interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences

• Fine Arts: visual arts (including art history, art appreciation, and studio arts, such as drawing, painting, digital art, or film), film and cinema studies, and performing arts (including music appreciation, music theory, and music performance, theatre appreciation and performance, and dance) 

 

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Choose three courses from the list below (one must be math and one must be a natural science):

MTH 101	Introduction to Mathematical Concepts	5
MTH 102	Statistical Foundations	5
MTH 105	Math for Educators I	5
MTH 115	Math for Educators II	5
SCI 101	Physical Science	5
SCI 102	Survey of Biological Science with Lab	5
SCI 225	Human Impact on Environment	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: 

• Mathematics: college-level and not developmental in nature
• Natural Sciences: physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, geology, physical geography, biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany and zoology; and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, and ecology and conservation
• Mathematics or Natural Sciences

 

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Choose two courses from the list below:

ECO 200	Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional	5
GEN 210	Think Global-Perspectives from the Field	3 TO 5
HIS 102	Civics and American Government	5
HIS 212	Think Global: Movements in US History and its Impact on Society and School	5
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology	5
SOC 101	Foundational Sociology	5
SOC 204	Contemporary Chicago	5
SOC 222	Culture and Identity	5
SOC 250	Cultural and Ethnic Movements in the United States	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, human geography, political science, psychology, sociology, interdisciplinary social/behavioral science, interdisciplinary humanities and social and behavioral science.

 

General Education Electives

Students must choose two courses from any general education field indicated above. 

 

Program Requirements 60 QH

Upper Division Courses - 55 QH

The Interdisciplinary Studies major requires completion of 300 and 400 level courses.

Capstone Course - 5 QH

Electives 60- 72 QH

Students transferring in less than 90 QH at the time of admission, including Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), must complete a minimum of one concentration or minor to reach 180 QH for program completion.