Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor’s program at Cornell University offers an academically flexible and intellectually rich environment for students who want to build a personalized curriculum that draws from multiple fields of study. The structure of the program allows learners to connect ideas across humanities, social sciences, sciences, and applied disciplines, helping them understand how different fields interact to address broad questions and societal challenges. With a strong emphasis on academic integration, students develop the ability to analyze complex issues from several perspectives, design meaningful learning pathways, and combine theories, methods, and insights that normally belong to distinct disciplines. This flexibility gives learners the freedom to shape an education that aligns with their intellectual interests and long term goals.
Throughout the four year program, students collaborate with faculty advisers who help guide the formation of individualized study plans, ensuring that each student’s academic trajectory remains rigorous, coherent, and purpose driven. Learners engage in coursework that spans multiple departments, participate in research opportunities, and develop skills in critical synthesis, communication, and analytical interpretation. The academic environment supports experimentation and curiosity, allowing students to examine cultural, political, scientific, artistic, and societal topics in ways that highlight the value of interdisciplinary thinking. This combination of intellectual freedom and structured academic mentorship prepares graduates for diverse futures in fields where adaptable, multi-angle problem solving is essential.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Interdisciplinary Studies
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Liberal Arts
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1
• Foundations of Interdisciplinary Inquiry
• Critical Reading, Thinking, and Communication
• Introductory Courses Across Multiple Disciplines
• Elective in Humanities, Natural Science, or Social Science
Year 2
• Intermediate Interdisciplinary Methodologies
• Research Approaches Across Disciplines
• Thematic Course Cluster Development
• Elective in Arts, Public Policy, or Scientific Reasoning
Year 3
• Advanced Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Research Seminar and Applied Analysis
• Integrative Project Design
• Elective in Cultural Studies, Economics, or Environmental Inquiry
Year 4
• Capstone Research or Integrated Thesis Project
• Professional Development and Academic Synthesis
• Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminar
• Elective Supporting Final Research Focus
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program enter a wide spectrum of professional environments where adaptability, broad perspective, and strong analytical reasoning are valued, frequently joining research organizations, creative industries, public service institutions, and corporate project teams. Because the program emphasizes intellectual flexibility, students build a skill set that supports careers in communication, management, cultural analysis, education, technology coordination, and community development, while also being well prepared for graduate studies in areas such as law, public policy, business, and social sciences. Their training in cross disciplinary evaluation, conceptual synthesis, and multi-perspective thinking enables them to contribute effectively to strategic planning, policy development, research design, content creation, and collaborative problem solving. With this broad foundation, graduates navigate diverse career paths with confidence, bringing a unique capacity to connect ideas, understand complex challenges, and create thoughtful solutions that reflect an integrated understanding of the world.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students who want a flexible academic path that encourages exploration, offering opportunities to develop advanced interdisciplinary insight and strong analytical capability supported by Cornell’s expansive liberal arts environment. Learners benefit from the freedom to design a curriculum that fits their interests while gaining exposure to rigorous methods across multiple fields, helping them cultivate intellectual adaptability, creative thinking, and informed judgment. Through personalized advising, integrative coursework, and research driven study, students learn to navigate complex questions, connect diverse forms of knowledge, and articulate well rounded perspectives that are highly valued in academic and professional contexts. Its structured four year format ensures meaningful academic growth, giving learners the tools to shape their own educational identity while preparing them for careers and graduate programs that require versatility, curiosity, and interdisciplinary depth.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
