Interdisciplinary studies major

The interdisciplinary studies major exists to further the school's mission of integrative learning in the Benedictine tradition. By studying multiple approaches to enduring and topical human concerns, our students learn the approaches, lexicons, and methodologies of discrete disciplines; at the same time, such comparative and interdisciplinary exploration encourages awareness of where different disciplines share assumptions and where they construct distinct heuristic processes.

The major is designed for students who seek to engage in rigorous intellectual training in understanding how varying methodologies and modes of inquiry raise different questions and serve different purposes. Students bring together knowledge of discrete disciplines to define and analyze problems or issues, envision solutions or responses, and thereby bridge disparate communities.

This major requires independence of thought and a strong work ethic. It is particularly useful for students who wish to engage in occupations that touch on multiple areas of human interest and/or activity. Students interested in domestic or international careers in fundraising, contractors, designers, architecture, grant writing, mediation, education, management or administration, for example, will profit from the major's emphasis on "ways of knowing."