What is an Interdisciplinary Studies Major​?

Ramapo College undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdisciplinary Studies. The Interdisciplinary Studies program gives students the opportunity to design an academic major that draws on coursework from multiple disciplines–particularly when their interests cannot be fully accommodated through an existing degree program. It is a strong option for students who want to connect different areas of study and tailor their coursework to specific academic and career goals.

The Interdisciplinary Studies program is proudly housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. This breaks down traditional departmental walls. Students get full access to top-tier academic support, plus the ability to explore across departments to design their own path.

Interested students are encouraged to contact the Program Director to discuss possible areas of study and develop an academic plan.

Program Benefits

• Build a Major Around Your Interests. Combine coursework from different fields into a personalized plan that supports your passions and career goals.
• Strengthen Transferable Skills. Develop the high-demand ability to think across disciplines, solve complex problems, and communicate with diverse audiences—preparing you to stand out to potential employers and graduate schools.
• Efficient Degree Completion (Save Time and Credits). Create a cohesive pathway to graduation that maximizes the credits you have already earned. By working with your advisor to map your requirements, you can stay on track for graduation without taking unnecessary classes.

How It Works

• Step 1: Explore and Partner & Choose. Meet with the Program Director to discuss possible academic subject areas that align with your personal passions and unique career goals.
• Step 2: Design Your Plan. Create an individualized academic pathway, mapping out a flexible, approved plan of study drawing from courses throughout the College.
• Step 3: Synthesize Your Degree. Complete a senior capstone project that blends your chosen disciplines together, proving your cross-functional expertise to future employers.

Map Your Major

Below are some sample paths you can take. These pathways are only a starting point. Students are encouraged to create their own interdisciplinary combination based on their academic interests, career goals, and the questions or challenges they want to explore.

More Possible Paths

• Marketing + Environmental Science for corporate sustainability
• Psychology and Data Science for user experience research
• Music/Industry and Management for entertainment and arts administration
• Sociology/Criminology and Cybersecurity for digital forensics and fraud investigation
• Biology and Communication Arts/Digital Journalism and Writing for science communication and medical journalism
• Business Analytics and Civic and Community Leadership for jobs in nonprofits.

SEE ALL COURSES & DEGREE REQUIREMENTS >

FAQ

Success Story

Stefanie Viera ’25 customized her academic path by pairing a History degree with a self-designed focus in Human Rights. Ramapo’s small campus allowed her to build close relationships with faculty mentors, helping her secure the prestigious ELLA Fellowship to launch a community mentorship project. Her interdisciplinary foundation propelled her to incredible post-graduate success, earning both a Fulbright Scholarship to Colombia and a New York City Urban Fellowship. Stefanie’s journey shows how Ramapo’s interdisciplinary approach builds world-changing leaders.

Contact Us

Whether you are ready to get started or just have a few questions, we are here to help you build your plan.

Contact our Program Director, Professor Em Leskinen at eleskine@ramapo.edu to set up your initial one-on-one meeting.