Creative Problem Solvers, Leaders, & Innovative Thinkers

Flexibility for a variety of interests.

The faculty at Western Oregon University recognizes the importance of meeting the needs and interests of all students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “Interdisciplinary Studies”?

Students’ interests and post-graduation plans do not always neatly fit into traditional degree programs. They may wish to cross disciplinary lines in both content and ways of thinking. The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) degree offers these students an opportunity to construct individualized programs based on their interests and aspirations.

Why choose Interdisciplinary Studies?

Businesses and communities need leaders need creative problem solvers, leaders, and creative thinkers.
Interdisciplinary Studies learning outcomes are flexible enough to accommodate many combinations of academic interests.
The IDS program offers you an opportunity to construct individualized majors based on your own interests and goals.

What will my learning outcomes be?

Define your own learning goals.
Design an interdisciplinary program of study for achievement of those goals.
Differentiate the ways of knowing, the conventions, and methods used in your areas of study.
Explain appropriate theoretical and practical connections among the areas of study in your program.

How Do I Begin?

Work with an advisor.

With the help of an academic advisor, you’ll work together to develop your own degree plan. Check every term in your Degree Works advising tool and working with your faculty adviser to complete your academic goal.

Getting there with interdisciplinary studies

Complete General Education Requirements
Complete at least 27 credits in 2 or 3 focus areas, with at least 48 upper-division credits in the major
Complete the 1 credit IDS 499 Capstone Course
Complete 180 total credits, and 60 total upper division credits
You may transfer in course work from other universities. If you are using coursework taken from other colleges, work with an IDS advisor to confirm how they can be used in your program.

Capstone Course

IDS 499 Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone Portfolio (Credits: 1)
Course description: The IDS Capstone Portfolio is designed to allow students to compare, contrast, integrate, and synthesize within and across their areas of study, explore practical connections to the fields of study, and reflect on their educational experience. The course is a 1 hr/week seminar, is eligible for the RP grade option, and

IDS Scholarship Winners!

Jackson Lam

2026-27 IDS Scholarship Winner

Jackson’s focus areas are Humanities and Natural Science & Mathematics, and his career goal is to become an anesthesiologist assistant. Jackson plans on entering an MSA program after graduation from WOU.

Krystal Pearson