A woman makes a presentation at the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute.

Undergraduate programs

Interdisciplinary studies

B.A.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies at SMU empowers students to design a degree that reflects their unique interests, goals and ambitions. By combining foundational coursework with customizable concentrations, students develop the ability to think across disciplines, solve complex problems, and become ethical leaders in a rapidly changing world. This program is ideal for students who want to connect ideas across fields, explore multiple areas of study and apply their learning to real-world challenges.

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

11:1

student-to-faculty ratio across disciplines

49%

projected job growth for interdisciplinary degree holders through 2034

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)

Program options

Students complete two concentrations from the following list, allowing them to build depth while integrating knowledge across disciplines.

Organizational dynamics

Explore how organizations, businesses and teams operate and evolve, with an emphasis on communication, leadership, strategy, decision-making, and organizational change.

Social and behavioral sciences

Examine human behavior, social systems and communities through the lenses of psychology, sociology, education, politics, culture and human relationships.

Humanities

Develop a deeper understanding of the human experience through culture, ideas, history, language and meaning.

Science and technology

Discover new worlds of scientific, technological, mathematical and engineering perspectives to understand complex systems, solve problems and address emerging challenges.

Arts and design

Develop creative and expressive approaches to understanding and engaging the world through visual and performing arts, design, music, media and related disciplines.

Applied disciplinary studies

Connect interdisciplinary learning to professional and experiential contexts through coursework in career development, research, advocacy, trial practice and internships, among others.

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Tuition and financial aid

2 out of 3 first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships with an average total of $45,383.

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for undergraduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

The Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies develops adaptable, ethical leaders who engage the world by thinking creatively and acting with purpose.

Featured courses

UNIV 2349

Asset-Based Human Development

Explores human development through strengths-based frameworks.

UNIV 3307

Change Makers: Social Justice and Civic Leadership

Examines leadership through the lens of social impact and civic engagement.

UNIV 4302

Integrative Leadership in Practice

Capstone course applying interdisciplinary learning to real-world challenges.

Outside the classroom

Student success

The B.A. in interdisciplinary studies is designed to cultivate transferable, career-ready skills that prepare graduates to navigate complex professional environments. Career paths may include:

  • Business and organizational leadership
  • Nonprofit and social impact work
  • Communications and media
  • Public service and policy
  • Graduate or professional school

To prepare for these and other fields, students develop inclusive and ethical leadership skills through coursework and applied experiences that emphasize integrity, accountability and the ability to lead in diverse settings.

By learning how to communicate collaboratively, lead effectively and engage in interdisciplinary and creative thinking, students are equipped to articulate ideas effectively, mobilize teams toward shared goals, advocate for positive outcomes and approach challenges from diverse perspectives to generate innovative, evidence-based solutions.

The B.A. in interdisciplinary studies was developed in accordance with the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) Career Competencies, providing a direct bridge between academic learning and the professional skills employers value most.

Across industries, employers increasingly seek professionals with strong communication, leadership and project management skills. There is also high demand for individuals skilled in marketing, relationship management, technology and critical thinking. Through interdisciplinary coursework, real-world experiences and human-centered and analytical skill sets, the B.A. in interdisciplinary studies produces graduates who are adaptable, collaborative and well-positioned for these and other roles in both emerging and evolving sectors and industries.

Frequently asked questions

An interdisciplinary studies degree is a flexible degree option that combines multiple disciplines into a cohesive academic plan.

Students work closely with an advisor to select two areas aligned with their goals.

This program is built around workforce-aligned competencies to meet proven labor-market demand for flexible, interdisciplinary thinkers. 46,000 Dallas-Fort Worth job postings in the past year alone aligned with this degree’s pathways! Employers hiring in business, nonprofit leadership, marketing, human resources and operations explicitly seek the integrated skillset this degree cultivates.

Yes! All students interested in pursuing the B.A. in interdisciplinary studies must first meet with an academic advisor to ensure this program is a right fit for you and your goals.