Interdisciplinary Studies (BS)

online icon There is an Online Degree Completion (ODC) Option Available. Click to learn more.

FSU’s online degree completion programs allow you to complete your upper-division (junior and senior level) courses online. To be admitted to an ODC program, you must already have completed the University College Core Curriculum (General Education Requirements) or be dual enrolled with a partnering community college. A partnering community college is a community college in which there is a signed articulation agreement between FSU and the community college.

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies enables students to design individualized programs of study that uniquely combine courses from multiple disciplines based on personal interests, professional goals, and prior experience. The degree is structured to enable students to fully leverage prior college level coursework and approved military training, while ensuring that all students receive a solid foundation in core twenty-first century skills, such as critical thinking, statistics, innovation, communication, and teamwork in diverse environments.

Why Choose Interdisciplinary Studies?

The program provides you the opportunity to develop an individualized program of study (a Concentration) that is consistent with your personal interests, professional goals, and previous experience.


Interdisciplinary Studies is a Great Choice for Military-Affiliated Students

military student

Soldier icon For those who have served in the military, Interdisciplinary Studies can be an excellent way to maximize the credits you are able to apply toward your college degree

Fayetteville State University values your dedication and service. Make the most of your military training and experience. You may be eligible to complete the Interdisciplinary Studies degree online in as few as 2 to 3 semesters.

Eligible hours from your Joint Services Transcripts (JST) count toward your degree. All military training that has been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) may be used as part of your undergraduate degree plan. Using the hours from your JST, civilian transcripts, and CLEP or DANTES examinations, transfer up to 90 credit hours. ROTC classes can also be used as part of your concentration.

Ace Military Guide - Catalog Search

Use this link to find to find out how much college credit the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends be granted based on your occupation or based on your specific Joint Services Transcript. FSU will grant credit for any training that ACE indicates is college level.

Concentration examples from prior military affiliated students include:

  • Leadership
  • Criminal Justice & Military Intelligence Operations
  • Criminal Justice & Military Leadership
  • Language & Intelligence Studies
  • Education & History

Use your military education benefits. Contact our Military Liaison at our Fort Liberty Center for more information: (910) 672-2963, military@uncfsu.edu.


Your Concentration:

You will model your Concentration to fit one of the following designs:

A. Combination of existing programs - you may combine coursework from multiple existing majors or majors and minors to fit your personal or professional interest.
B. Thematic - you will develop a set of courses from multiple disciplines linked thematically that enable you to pursue an area of interest that is not addressed effectively by any existing major.
C. Applied/Technical - you can base your Concentration on an earned associate's degree or credit from military training and service.

Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it!
Ros Morrison
Interdisciplinary Studies Student
Read more

What you will learn?

In addition to your uniquely designed Concentration, you will develop professional skills by completing program core courses in logic, statistics, professional writing, ethics, global awareness, and a capstone course in leadership and management.

You will also be able to enhance your selected Concentration by selecting a range of appropriate elective courses. Ideally, you will use the electives to build on the Concentration. You may, however, use the required elective hours to obtain a minor.

Due to the unique nature of the program, you must work closely with the Program Director in developing your Concentration and in selecting your Elective classes. As such, the Program Director also serves as your Academic Advisor.

Program Requirements

To declare Interdisciplinary Studies as a major you must be a new student to FSU with no FSU GPA or be a current FSU student with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.

To be admitted to an ODC program, students must already have completed the University College Core Curriculum or be dual enrolled with a partnering community college.  

You must go online and complete/submit the Declaration/Change of Major request form.
You must also meet with the Program Director in order for the Declaration/Change of Major request form to be processed.

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree you must construct a course of study in consultation with the Program Director. That program must include a minimum of 120 credit hours, including:

1. The University College Core Curriculum (38 hours)
2. Interdisciplinary Studies Core Major Courses (18 hours)
3. Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration (42 hours)
4. Interdisciplinary Studies Electives (22 hours)


At least 24 credits in the program must be at the 300 or 400 level. You must earn a grade of C or better in all classes that serve major requirements including electives. A minimum of 30 credit hours must be earned at FSU.

Transfer credits may be applied to these requirements as appropriate with the approval of the Director.