Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Lead Faculty:
Dr. Jacqueline Caesar
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) provides a broad, rigorous education that introduces students to essential knowledge, and connections across the disciplines and application of knowledge to life beyond the University. This degree gives students an enriched and provocative curriculum that prepares them for professional work in a changing cultural and economic environment.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of interdisciplinary theory and the
practice of critical thinking for the collection, validation, analysis,
and synthesis of historical data and new information
- Explain the integration of knowledge in a global context and
engage in collaborative research across disciplines
- Identify and appreciate the cultural perspectives of world views
- Use information communication technology for knowledge
sharing and the interdisciplinary approach
- Demonstrate a deep and flexible understanding of subject matter
Requirements
Degree RequirementsTo receive a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in interdisciplinary studies, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University and 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level. The following courses are specific degree requirements. If students intend to complete a teacher credentialing program, these courses will help prepare for the MSAT and Basic Skills requirement tests. In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation.
Preparation for the Major
(3 courses; 13.5 quarter units)
Requirements for the Major
(13 courses; 58.5 quarter units)
- COM 380 Democracy in the Info. Age
- SOC 336 American Film and Society
OR
- SOC 350 Cultural Diversity
- BIS 301 Intro to Interdisc. Studies
- BIS 401 Interdisciplinary Practice: In
4.5 quarter units in literature (LIT) are required. The following are
recommended:
- LIT 321 American Literature I
OR
- LIT 322 American Literature II
OR
- LIT 338 Shakespeare
OR
- LIT 345 Mythology
OR
- LIT 446 Studies in Poetry
OR
- LIT 450 Studies in the Novel
OR
- LIT 460 Gender and Literature
4.5 quarter units in social sciences (HIS, POL, SOC) are required. The
following are recommended:
- HIS 320 Culture of Global Capitalism
OR
- HIS 341 History Through Theater
OR
- HIS 410 California History
OR
- SOC 325 Popular Culture
OR
- SOC 344 Marriage, Sex and the Family
OR
- SOC 430 Culture, Technology & Society
OR
- SOC 445 Contemporary Social Problems
OR
- SOC 540 Power and Social Change
4.5 quarter units in behavioral sciences (HUB, PSY) are required. The
following are recommended:
- HUB 420 Human Communication
OR
- HUB 440 Organizational Development
OR
- PSY 426 History of Psychology
OR
- PSY 427 Biological Psychology
OR
- PSY 428 Developmental Psychology
OR
- PSY 429 Intro to Personality Theory
OR
- PSY 432 Social Psychology
OR
- PSY 433 Cognitive Psychology
Students should choose no fewer than 4.5 quarter units in natural science and 4.5 quarter units in mathematics. A third 4.5 quarter unit course (either SCI, BIO, EES, or MTH) must also be selected. Some of the mathematics courses may have more than one prerequisite. The following are recommended:
- SCI 300 Geography
OR
- BIO 330 Ecology
OR
- BIO 411 Biodiversity
OR
- BIO 450 Natural History of California
OR
- MTH 301 Fundamentals of Mathematics II
OR
- MTH 317 Mathematical Modeling
OR
- MTH 410 Technology in Math Education
OR
- MTH 411 Number Theory
OR
- MTH 412 History of Mathematics
OR
- MTH 417 Foundations of Geometry
OR
- MTH 418 Statistical Analysis
OR
- BIS 405 Genetic Anthropology
Nine quarter units from the humanities complex (ART, HIS, HUM, MUS, PHL, SOC, THR, GLS) are required. The following are recommended:
- ART 315 Film as Art
OR
- ART 323 Modern Art
OR
- ART 329 World Art
OR
- GLS 410 Gender and Global Society
OR
- HIS 345 Latin American Studies
OR
- HIS 348 Asian Studies
OR
- HIS 349 African Studies
OR
- HIS 370 History of the American S/W
OR
- MUS 326 American Music
OR
- MUS 327 World Music
OR
- PHL 320 World Religions
OR
- PHL 339 Study of a Major Philosopher
OR
- PHL 375 Environmental Ethics
OR
- PHL 337 Ethics
OR
- SOC 328 Intercultural Thinking
OR
- SOC 500 Cultural Pluralism in the USA
Capstone course
- BIS 499 Interdisciplinary Studies Proj
Upper Division Electives
(2 courses; 9 quarter units)
(2 courses; 9 quarter units)
Students can select any 300-, 400-, or 500-level courses in arts and sciences to complete the total of 76.5 upper-division units for the degree.
Students will need a Task Stream account for portfolio work. Please refer to your Faculty Advisor for more information (including fees.)
