UMBC - Career Path

Introduction

Interdisciplinary studies welcomes students with diverse academic interests to explore the possibilities of bridging disciplines, widening perspectives, discovering connections and merging knowledge. Interdisciplinary studies is an innovative and integrative way for students to accommodate their individuality by combining different fields of study into one unique major.

Interdisciplinary studies at UMBC provides students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree by designing a course of study compatible with their specific educational and career goals. Individually designed majors are ideal for students who wish to be engaged in a collaborative academic environment and work closely with
faculty and staff. Degree proposals must be developed with faculty guidance, facilitated and supported by the Interdisciplinary Studies advisors, and approved by the interdisciplinary studies Committee (ISC).

Students are encouraged to declare interdisciplinary studies as a major in their freshman or sophomore year. In some cases, students in their junior year can be accommodated. The earlier students get involved with interdisciplinary studies, the more opportunities there are to explore ideas, share in interdisciplinary studies events and receive developmental advising as they explore their options.

A completed degree proposal is not required to declare the major.

Sample Interdisciplinary Studies Majors

American history and literature
Arabic and middle eastern cultural studies
Artificial Intelligence
Arts management
Bioengineering
Bioethics
Cinema studies
Community health
Criminal justice
Dramaturgy
Educational policy
Environmental writing
Evolution and literary theory
Forensic science
Graphic design and information systems
Integrative health studies
International and global studies
International security and counter-terrorism
Judaic studies
Math and science
education
Military studies
Music entrepreneurship
Music and world culture
Philosophy of science
Neuroscience
Religious studies and counseling
Scientific visualization and computer animation
Scriptwriting
Science writing
Sustainable development
Theatre and psychology

Since 1969, UMBC has offered students the opportunity to create their own individualized majors.
Interdisciplinary studies works closely with faculty across the university and encourages inquiry and integrative thinking.
Developmental advising is comprehensive in interdisciplinary studies, and many students are guided to design an interdisciplinary studies major along with another major, minor or certificate.

Year-by-Year Plan

Freshman Year:

Identify and clarify your interests, abilities, and values. Meet with a CSC Career Specialist to establish goals.
- Discuss requirements, prospective majors, and registration plans with an academic advisor.
Use the Focus career assessment program available on the CSC website.
- Become familiar with the library and it’s resources.
Clarify your interests and skills through classes, student organizations, community service and internships.
- Complete prerequisites and co requisites for courses in your major.
Identify potential majors that relate to your interests and abilities; discuss them with a Career Specialist.
Take advantage of Career Services workshops and events such as career fairs.
- Plan now to participate in a study abroad program as a junior or senior.
Establish relationships with faculty members, Career Specialists, and administrators who will assist you.
Establish a UMBCworks computer account.

Sophomore Year:

Narrow down your choices for a major.
- Declare or apply for progression to a particular major (if you are ready).
Attend Career Services major-related programs and fairs.
Obtain relevant work experience through an internship, part-time job, summer job or by volunteering.
- Establish relationships with professors in your major to gain insight into the department, course offerings, research opportunities or independent study projects.
Begin to identify what values are important to you in a job and career.
Develop some short-term and long-term educational goals by meeting with a Career Specialist.
Attend Career Workshops.

Junior Year:

Relate your values, interests, and abilities to possible career choices.
Develop your career goals by meeting with a CSC Career Specialist.
Thoroughly research the occupations, which you are considering.
- Plan the remainder of your curriculum with an academic advisor.
Use the Career Resource Center (MP212).
- Complete graduation application in the Office of the Registrar.
Attend Career Workshops/programs and check out the on-line career seminars.
Interview people in occupational areas that interest you about the nature of their jobs.
- Engage in or start planning appropriate research and independent study projects.
Continue to increase your abilities through meaningful extracurricular activities, internships, co-ops, work, and volunteer experiences.
Begin to research programs and entrance requirements if graduate school is in your future.
Explore the Graduate School Resource website.
Attend the Graduate School seminar and related programs.
If you are headed to graduate school, begin to draft your statement of purpose and prepare for required exams.
Seek a summer position that will give you direct experience in a field you wish to pursue after graduation.
- Prepare for graduate level standardized test such as the GRE, LSAT, and MCAT.
Attend job fairs.
Develop relationships with faculty and professionals.
Consult with your advisor to ensure you are on track for graduation.

Senior Year:

During late summer or early in the fall, check out the on-line on-campus interviewing seminar.
Participate in on-campus interviews, attend Information Sessions, and Corporate Visibility Days.
Sharpen your job-search skills early in the fall through the Career Services Center’s workshops/programs such as resume critiques, the mock interview program, and attending major-related career panels.
- Take graduate level standardized tests such as the GRE, LSAT and MCAT.
Have your resume critiqued by a CSC Career Specialist.
Utilize your on-line UMBCworks account.
- Finalize graduation plan with academic advisor.
Take advantage of on-campus and off-campus interviewing programs.
Network with professionals and alumni in your field about your job search techniques and opportunities.
Research companies of interest to you; utilize Vault (on-line career library).
Write letters of inquiry, visit employers, send follow-up letters and make phone calls.
If your interest is so directed, apply to graduate schools and take all required entrance exams.
Ask for letters of recommendation; check out Interfolio.com, an on-line credentialing service.
Contact graduate schools about visits.
Apply early for financial assistance.
Be sure you have fulfilled all requirements for graduation.
Attend career fairs to make contact with employers and to learn more about various career fields.
Use the Internet in your job search.
Continue to meet with a CSC Career Specialist on a regular basis.
Focus on the position you want, and go for it!
Share your post-graduation plans with CSC by completing the UMBC Graduation Report (available at www.careers.umbc.edu).

Career Boosters

Freshman Year:

Sophomore Year:

Junior Year:

Senior Year:

Curriculum

For official curriculum for this major, please visit the online undergraduate catalog. This site is your one-stop location for academic policies, major requirements, academic support services, and the first year experience.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Introduction

Year-by-Year Plan

Freshman Year:

Sophomore Year:

Junior Year:

Senior Year:

Career Boosters

Freshman Year:

Sophomore Year:

Junior Year:

Senior Year:

Curriculum

Other links you may find of use:

Featured Alum Profile

Sample fields in Interdisciplinary Studies