What is INDS?

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: Neuroscience and Illness, Cultural Psychoneuroimmunology, Women and Criminal Law, Political and Economic Affairs in Latin America, Entrepreneurship in the Arts, Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Interactive Media, Management and Intercultural Communication, Cultural Foundations in Holistic Health, Social Entrepreneurship, and STEM Education.  

Our mission includes:

• a self-designed degree program for undergraduate students with a clear purpose for integrating disciplinary perspectives and applied fields.
  
• a writing intensive curriculum that seeks to develop skills in critical thinking, analytical writing, research methods, and oral presentation culminating in a Capstone Project.
  
• a showcase for interdisciplinary and integrative student research guided by faculty mentors.
  
• a contributor of research and workshops to the international Association for Integrative Studies.
  
• a forum for faculty collaboration across disciplines in campus-wide panel discussions, joint mentoring of student researchers.
• a monthly meeting of the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee (ISC). The ISC is charged with review and approval of all degree proposals and determination of INDS policy.
  
• a Council of Majors that participates in service, social, and educational programs for the university community and beyond.
  

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