Interdisciplinary Studies
Introduction
Interdisciplinary Studies is an academic major at UMBC for students pursuing both BA and BS degrees. Courses from different disciplines, along with internships and independent studies, are combined in unique ways to create an individualized major. The student, INDS advisors and faculty advisors work collaboratively to develop a unique major. Recent examples include: Entrepreneurship in the Arts, Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Interactive Media, Neuroscience and Cognitive Studies, International & Global Studies: Management and Intercultural Communication, Arabic and Middle Eastern Cultural Studies.
For more details please see our website http://www.umbc.edu/inds/
A Student's To-Do List: What You Need to Know and Do Along The Way
By the end of your FIRST OR SOPHOMORE YEAR you should be able to:
Task/Knowledge
- Explore and describe what you are GOOD AT that you also like to do
- Explore and describe what you enjoy LEARNING
- Explore and begin to define WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO DO (e.g., accounting, medicine, engineering, teaching) and WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO DO IT (e.g., consulting firm, hospital, government agency, public school)
- Identify SKILL SETS needed for jobs in potential career fields
How to make it happen
- Meet with a Career Services Center (CSC) career specialist for assistance in developing short- and long-term career goals
- Use FOCUS and VAULT available on CCS’s website
- Take a variety of classes to clarify interests/skills
- Use Careerpath (www.umbc.edu/careerpath) to explore majors/career paths
- Visit University Counseling Services for self-assessment help
- Access resources in Academic and Pre-Professional Advising
Task/Knowlege
- Create a LIST OF CONTACTS who can assist you with career decision-making and implementation
- Begin a CONVERSATION with at least one of those contacts (email, letter, phone, in-person)
How to make it happen
- Learn how to conduct informational interviews
- Login to UMBCworks’ ProNet to connect with alumni and employer mentors
- Attend networking events (Career Week, Diversity Recruitment Banquet, etc.)
- Stop by to talk with faculty offices during their office hours
- Make a concerted effort to stay in touch with current and former employers, teachers/professors, co-workers, and advisors
Task/Knowlege
- Begin putting together a RESUME focusing on the strengths, education and experiences of relevance to your career goals
How to make it happen
- Access resume resources on the CSC and Careerpath websites
- Get your resume reviewed during CSC’s walk-in hours
Task/Knowlege
- Engage in an ON- or OFF-CAMPUS OPPORTUNITY that will help you gain career insight, make connections, and build relevant skills sets
How to make it happen
- Log-in to UMBCworks to update your profile; upload your resume; and search for job, research, internship/co-op, and service learning opportunities
- Obtain a part-time job related to your interests
- Attend Campus Jobs Fair and/or Summer and Part-Time Job/Internship Fair
- Connect with The Shriver Center coordinator for your major for relevant service learning, research, internship and co-op opportunities
- Visit the Study Abroad Office to explore international opportunities
- Join and contribute to an on- or off-campus club/organization
By the end of your JUNIOR OR SENIOR YEAR you should be able to:
Task/Knowlege
- Fine tune your career goals in terms of:
- FUNCTIONS (sales, community outreach, software development)
- INDUSTRIES (pharmaceuticals, non-profits, defense contracting)
- SPECIFIC COMPANIES (for example, Wyeth, Catholic Charities, Northrop Grumman)
How to make it happen
- Utilize FOCUS and VAULT on CSC’s website
- Meet with a CSC career specialist
- Gain insight, connections and relevant experience by getting an internship/co-op, working part-time, and/or volunteering
- Connect with professionals in your field (ProNet, Career Week)
Task/Knowlege
- Maintain/expand your LIST OF CONTACTS
- Conduct/continue CONVERSATIONS with these contacts
How to make it happen
- Continue to conduct informational interviews
- Utilize UMBCworks ProNet
- Join/be active in the professional organization for your field
- Attend networking events (job fairs, Evenings with Industry, Career Week)
- Develop and maintain contacts through work, internships, and volunteering
Task/Knowlege
- Conduct an EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW
How to make it happen
- Schedule a mock interview
- Access interviewing resources on CSC’s website
Task/Knowlege
- Develop a LIST OF TARGETED GRADUATE SCHOOLS
- Understand/engage in the GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS
How to make it happen
- Access the Graduate School Application Guide on CSC’s website
- Talk with faculty about your graduate education goals
- Visit CSC for help with statements and resumes
- Attend the Maryland Career Consortium Graduate School Seminar (fall)
Task/Knowlege
- Develop and implement a JOB SEARCH STRATEGY
- Develop and fine tune your NETWORKING SKILLS and develop your brand
How to make it happen
- Attend UMBC and other area job/career fairs
- Participate in UMBC on-campus interviews
- Attend employer events (i.e., Corporate Visibility Days, information sessions)
- Utilize your UMBCworks account – post your resume/search for jobs
Task/Knowlege
- Obtain a JOB OFFER OR GRADUATE SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE
How to make it happen
- All of the above! Be sure to complete the UMBC Graduating Student Report
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.
Other links you may find of use:
Resources
UMBCWorks
Search for jobs at UMBC. Click here»
Featured Alum Profile
Cathryna Brown, Interdisciplinary Studies 2007
Visual Communications Associate, Maryland Film Board
