Bachelor of Science in
Interdisciplinary Studies
Developed to meet industry demand, this flexible program is designed to nurture critical thinkers who understand the connections between science, technology and humanity.
The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed for the student who has a variety of interests, or has perhaps examined multiple degree programs and discovered that several hold appeal. Embry-Riddle’s bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies is for students who want options and recognize the value in pursuing their varied interests.
Being a student at ERAU grants students access to state-of-the-art labs, cutting-edge technology along with dedicated, experienced professors.
Globally recognized, Embry-Riddle will open many doors toward internships, careers, and networking opportunities.
Depending on how students structure their Interdisciplinary Studies degree, they are provided the opportunity to gain the academic experiences and practical, hands-on learning necessary to compete for the most coveted positions with leading employers.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Interdisciplinary Studies at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Developed as a response to appeals from corporate leaders, the B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies program at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus empowers students to design a course of study that serves their unique needs.
Housed in the Department of Humanities and Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, this flexible degree program is suited to worldly thinkers who navigate the intersections between technology and humans.
The Interdisciplinary Studies program allows students to choose three minors or two minors and a breadth area. Their areas of study are complemented and strengthened by the core curriculum, which includes an Aviation/Aerospace Foundation, Management Foundation, Global Focus, Philosophical Perspectives, Enhanced Communication/Humanities, Research Methods, a Capstone Experience, General Education courses, and open electives. Students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a wide variety of professions that call for technical skills, creativity and leadership.
A typical first year will depend on the student’s choice of minors, but will emphasize General Education courses in Communication, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics, as well as core program courses such as Principles of Aeronautical Science, Introduction to Space Flight, and Principles of Management.
Depending on their choices, graduates can be prepared for careers in aviation, aerospace and related fields, business, the military, graduate studies, or law school. The Interdisciplinary Studies program seeks to produce graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit, who will cross boundaries, make creative connections, be flexible in a changing career environment, and become leaders in their chosen fields.
ERAU offers a combined program that allows well-qualified students the chance to begin graduate work toward their Master of Business Administration (MBA) while finishing their B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies.
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| Humanities - Lower level | 3 | |
| Social Sciences - Lower level | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Lower or Upper level | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper level | 3 | |
| Computer Science | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Interdisciplinary Core Requirements
| Aviation/Aerospace Foundation | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | |
SP 110 | Introduction to Space Flight | |
SS 130 | History of Aviation in America | |
Private Pilot Certificate | ||
| Management Foundation | 3 | |
BA 201 | Principles of Management | |
| Global Focus | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
BA 335 | International Business | |
BA 427 | Management of Multicultural Workforce | |
GCS 300 | International Conflict Resolution | |
GCS 302 | Gender Security | |
GCS 306 | Theories of Nations and Nationalism | |
GCS 326 | Russian-U.S. Relations | |
GCS 322 | Modern Russian History | |
GCS 333 | U.S. - Asian Relations | |
GCS 334 | Contemporary Africa and the World | |
GCS 336 | The Modern Middle East in World Affairs | |
GCS 337 | Globalization and World Politics | |
GCS 363 | Inter-American Relations | |
HU 300 | World Literature | |
HU 323 | Arab Culture | |
HU 341 | World Philosophy | |
HU 345 | Comparative Religions | |
HU 363 | Communication and Society | |
SS 325 | International Studies | |
| Study Abroad course (s) with permission of advisor | ||
| Philosophical Perspectives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Cannot duplicate courses from any other category | ||
HU 330 | Values and Ethics | |
HU 341 | World Philosophy | |
HU 345 | Comparative Religions | |
| Enhanced Communication/Humanities | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Cannot duplicate courses from any other core category | ||
| One course must be an Upper Level Communications course | ||
COM 319 | Advanced Speech | |
COM 320 | Mass Communication Law and Ethics | |
COM 322 | Aviation and Aerospace Communication | |
COM 325 | Mass Media and Current Events | |
COM 326 | Social Media Communication | |
COM 350 | Environmental Communication | |
COM 360 | Public Relations | |
COM 362 | Communication and Organizational Culture | |
COM 412 | Advanced Technical Writing | |
COM 415 | Nonverbal Communication | |
COM 460 | Crisis Communication | |
COM 399 Special Topics Communication | ||
COM 475 | Video Production | |
COM 499 Special Topics in Communication | ||
HU 300 | World Literature | |
HU 305 | Modern Literature | |
HU 310 | American Literature | |
HU 321 | Mythology | |
HU 325 | Exploring Film | |
HU 330 | Values and Ethics | |
HU 332 | Cross-Cultural Communication | |
HU 335 | Technology and Modern Civilization | |
HU 338 | Interdisciplinary Explorations | |
HU 341 | World Philosophy | |
HU 345 | Comparative Religions | |
HU 355 | Creative Writing | |
HU 363 | Communication and Society | |
HU 399 Special Topics in Humanities | ||
HU 415 | Nonverbal Communication | |
HU 499 Special Topics in Humanities | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
COM 270 | Communication Research Theory and Methods | |
COM 415 | Nonverbal Communication | |
HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | |
HU 415 | Nonverbal Communication | |
PSY 323 & 323L | Research Design and Research Methods Laboratory | |
MK 355 | Data Driven Decision Making | |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
CE 396/397 Cooperative Education | ||
HU 475 | Senior Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Interdisciplinary Studies Minor/Breadth Area Requirements
| Minors | ||
| Students must select two or three minor areas of study. If they choose two minors, they must also complete a breadth area. Required credits for minors vary. | ||
| Breadth Area | ||
| If students choose to complete two, rather than three minors, they must have a breadth area consisting of a coherent block of 15 credits, six (6) of which must be upper-level courses. Breadth areas must be approved by the IS advisor. | ||
| Total Credits | 45/54 | |
| Open Electives | 0-9 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 120 | |
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | 3 |
or SP 110
|
Introduction to Space Flight | |
or SS 130
|
History of Aviation in America | |
| or Private Pilot License | ||
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Mathematics (depends on Minors) | 6 | |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
or EGR 115
|
Introduction to Computing for Engineers | |
or BA 125
|
Foundations in Business Data Analytics | |
or CS 223
|
Scientific Programming in C | |
or CYB 235
|
Computer and Network Technologies | |
| BA 201 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| HU 14X Elective | 3 | |
| Lower Level Social Science | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 28.0 | |
| Year Two | ||
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
or COM 222
|
Business Communication | |
| Lower or Upper Level HU/SS Elective | 3 | |
| Physical & Life Science Electives with Lab (depending on minor) | 6 | |
| Upper Level HU or SS Elective | 3 | |
| Minor #1 course | 3 | |
| Minor #2 course | 3 | |
| Minor #3 course or Breadth course | 3 | |
| Global Focus Elective | 3 | |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics | 3 |
or HU 341
|
World Philosophy | |
or HU 345
|
Comparative Religions | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Enhanced Communication/Humanities Electives | 6 | |
| MK 355 | Data Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| Minor Area 1 | 6 | |
| Minor Area 2 | 6 | |
| Minor Area 3 or Breadth Area | 6 | |
| Global Focus Elective | 3 | |
| CE 396 Coop | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Minor Area 1 | 6-9 | |
| Minor Area 2 | 6-9 | |
| Minor Area 3 or Breadth Area | 6-9 | |
| Enhanced Communication/Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| HU 475 Senior Thesis (if unable to complete Coop/Internship) | 3 | |
| Open Electives (dependent on Minors or Breadth area) | 5-9 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 29.0-42.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 120 | |
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Summary
120 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Embry-Riddle’s Golden Eagles Flight Team Wins 15th National Championship
Embry-Riddle Earns $2.25 Million in NASA Funding to Build New Space Instruments and Conduct Space Weather Research
Embry-Riddle “Eagle3” Team Ranks Third in Nation in IEEE Coding Competition
Embry-Riddle Researchers Use Machine Learning to Tackle Monsoon Season
Research on Pilot Mental Health, Drone Swarms Top Student Showcase
‘Space Waves’ Offer New Clues to Space Weather, Embry-Riddle Researchers Report
Embry-Riddle Team More Than Doubles World Record for Amateur Liquid Rocket Flight
Pilot Moms Say You ‘Can’ Have It All at Women in Aviation Panel
- Embry-Riddle’s Golden Eagles Flight Team Wins 15th National Championship
- Embry-Riddle Earns $2.25 Million in NASA Funding to Build New Space Instruments and Conduct Space Weather Research
- Embry-Riddle “Eagle3” Team Ranks Third in Nation in IEEE Coding Competition
- Embry-Riddle Researchers Use Machine Learning to Tackle Monsoon Season
- Research on Pilot Mental Health, Drone Swarms Top Student Showcase
- ‘Space Waves’ Offer New Clues to Space Weather, Embry-Riddle Researchers Report
- Embry-Riddle Team More Than Doubles World Record for Amateur Liquid Rocket Flight
- Pilot Moms Say You ‘Can’ Have It All at Women in Aviation Panel
Spotlight
About Interdisciplinary Studies at the Worldwide & Online Campus
The B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies degree program at our Worldwide & Online Campus offers students a unique opportunity to design a curriculum that serves their needs and aspirations.
This flexible degree, designed in response to appeals from global corporate leaders, nurtures critical thinkers who understand the connections between science, technology, and humanity.
The flexibility of the program allows students to design their own degree programs, building on their individual strengths and interests. Depending on their choices, graduates can prepare for careers in aviation, aerospace, international business, communication, or other related professions. Graduates also emerge with a strong foundation for advanced degrees, graduate studies, or even law school.
This degree program participates in the Air University-Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC Category I). Students who have completed a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) associates degree are eligible.
CCAF graduates can complete a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies by taking no more than 60 semester hours beyond their CCAF degree.
The program requires course work in general education, a core curriculum, a minor, a specialty area, and open electives. The general education component provides a broad foundation of study, which leads to the core curriculum, focusing on a specialty.
Core courses aim to enhance communication and analytical skills, so students gain an understanding of art, literature, and history, which shapes an appreciation for the humanities.
Interdisciplinary Studies provides freedom for students to choose course work, which is primarily lodged in the selection of a minor course of study. Students are able to explore ERAU’s offerings in search of a scholarly education that will broaden their knowledge and worldwide ambitions.
In the capstone experience, each student will complete and document program outcomes. The Capstone Project will illustrate and provide evidence of a well-rounded education to domestic and international employers.
The program seeks students with an entrepreneurial spirit who will cross boundaries, make creative connections, be flexible in a changing career environment, and become leaders in their chosen fields.
At ERAU’s Worldwide & Online Campus, classes are taken online, at the student’s choice of place and time.
For students who choose to pursue their master’s degree, a 4+1 degree option is available.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. Included in the 120 credit hours must be 40 credit hours of upper-division courses (300-400 level).
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| Lower-Level Humanities | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Lower or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Computer Science | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| Communication Theory and Skills | ||
| Transfer English Composition or take: | 3 | |
ENGL 123 | English Composition | |
| Transfer in up to six (6) credit hours of writing, communication or speech courses or take two Speech/English courses | 6 | |
| Lower Level Humanities | ||
| Transfer up to three (3) credit hours of 100 or 200 level Humanities courses or take a Humanities course (Lower Level) | 3 | |
| Lower Level Social Sciences | ||
| Transfer up to three (3) credit hours of Lower Level Social Sciences or take a Social Science elective (Lower Level) | 3 | |
| Lower or Upper Level Humanities or Social Sciences | ||
| Transfer lower or upper Humanities or Social Sciences credit or select a non-duplicated Humanities or Social Science elective (lower or upper level) | 3 | |
| Upper Level Humanities or Social Sciences | ||
| Transfer up to three (3) credit hours of upper level Humanities or Social Science or take a Humanities or Social Science elective, (Upper Level) *International Relations minor students may be required to take a humanities course to satisfy this requirement. | 3 | |
| Computer Sciences | ||
| Transfer three (3) credit hours of 100 level or above computer science course credit or take one of the following courses to satisfy Computer Science requirements. The course used to satisfy the General Education Computer Science requirement cannot also be used to satisfy a Core/Major or Minor requirement: | 3 | |
CSCI 109 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | |
CSCI 123 | Introduction to Computing for Data Analysis | |
CYBR 235 | Computer and Network Technologies | |
| Mathematics | ||
| Take six (6) credit hours from any MATH series courses (excluding MATH 106) or transfer in direct equivalents. | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences | ||
| Transfer up to six (6) credit hours of physical/life science courses or take one or two Physical and Life Sciences courses (as appropriate to add up to a total of 6 semester hours). | 6 | |
Core Requirements / Categories
| Aviation Foundation | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
ASCI 202 | Introduction to Aeronautical Science | |
HIST 130 | History of Aviation in America | |
| Humanities | ||
| Transfer up to three (3) additional credit hours of humanities upper or lower -or- take a 3 credit hour upper or lower level Humanities course. | 3 | |
| Management Foundation | ||
| Transfer three (3) 100 level or above Management credit hours or choose one Embry-Riddle Management elective. | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research and Skills | ||
| Transfer a three (3) credit hour of a 100 level or above Research Methods course or take: | 3 | |
RSCH 202 | Introduction to Research Methods | |
| Transfer three (3) credit hours of 100 level or above Statistics course or select one from below: | 3 | |
STAT 211 | Statistics with Aviation Applications | |
STAT 222 | Business Statistics | |
| International Perspectives | ||
| Transfer three (3) upper level credit hour Government course or take a three 3 credit hour upper level Government course. | 3 | |
| Philosophical Perspectives | ||
| Transfer three (3) credit hours upper level Ethics course or take: | 3 | |
HUMN 330 | Values and Ethics | |
| Upper-Level Literature | ||
| Transfer three (3) credit hour upper level Humanities or Literature course or take an upper level Humanities or Literature course | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Communication | ||
| Transfer three (3) credit hour upper level Communications or English course or select an upper level COMD or ENGL course | 3 | |
| Senior Capstone | ||
| BSIS 473 | Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone | 3 |
| Total Core Requirements | 30 | |
View Minors
| Available Minors | ||
The Military Studies minor is available exclusively to BSIS students. BSIS students must select two or three minor fields of study. Required credits in each minor vary, depending on the minor(s) chosen. Examples of minors and required credits are shown below but can change. Please consult the Worldwide Minor Courses of Study page for up to date list. Courses taken in minors cannot duplicate (be double-counted for) requirements in other areas.
Students may select any combination of two minors, but are cautioned that some minor combinations will result in degree totals exceeding 120 credits. Additionally, students should work with their academic advisors to assure that university upper-level course graduation requirements will be fulfilled with their selected minors, or undertake additional coursework to fulfill the requirement.
| Total Credits (for first Minor) | 15/22 | |
| Total Credits (for second Minor) | 15/22 | |
| Specialization | 15 | |
| Specialty Area of related courses can be taken at ERAU or transferred from another college or university. | ||
| Open Electives | 0/9 | |
| Open Electives (Any shortages in the required upper level hours will be made up in this area). | 0/9 | |
| Total Degree Credits | (Minimum) 120 | |
| (at least 40 semester hours need to be upper level coursework) | ||
Footnote:
Minnesota student residents refer to State of Minnesota Course Requirement statement for Humanities requirements.
BSIS to MSHSR 4+1 Program: A Unique Opportunity
Students who are accepted into the 4+1 program, spend three academic years in undergraduate-level study, minoring in Homeland Security or Emergency Services, and then, at the beginning of their senior year (having earned at least 75 credit hours with a 3.00 CGPA), will take up to three graduate-level courses that will meet undergraduate and graduate program requirements (when a B grade or better is achieved). Upon completion of the BSIS requirements, students will be enrolled in graduate school and can complete their MSHSR degree in one year. In any graduate course taken by an undergraduate student, a grade of B or better must be earned. If a grade of C or F is earned in the MSHSR graduate courses taken for BSIS credit, the student will be removed from the 4+1 program, have credit awarded to the BSIS degree only, and may continue to complete the BSIS degree.
Students initiate program acceptance through their Academic Advisor or Campus Advisor; to help ensure program criteria are met. Student Advisor will complete the request for processing into the 4+1 program.
Get Started Now:
Summary
120 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn more about the benefits of an Online Degree
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Search Courses for this degree
Embry-Riddle All-Women Team Makes History at Aerospace Maintenance Competition
Four-Star General Inspires Worldwide Campus Spring Graduating Class
Embry-Riddle Partners with U.S. Naval Community College to Launch Uncrewed Systems Associate Degree Program
Eagle Earns NASA Fellowship for Contributions to Ongoing Gravity Research
Aviation Week Op-Ed: Advancing the Safety of All Who Fly
Embry-Riddle Teams Win Top Honors in Design/Build/Fly Competition
Two More Embry-Riddle Professors Named Fulbright Scholars
Researchers Work to Advance Urban Air Mobility, Supported by $1.4 Million NASA Grant
- Embry-Riddle All-Women Team Makes History at Aerospace Maintenance Competition
- Four-Star General Inspires Worldwide Campus Spring Graduating Class
- Embry-Riddle Partners with U.S. Naval Community College to Launch Uncrewed Systems Associate Degree Program
- Eagle Earns NASA Fellowship for Contributions to Ongoing Gravity Research
- Aviation Week Op-Ed: Advancing the Safety of All Who Fly
- Embry-Riddle Teams Win Top Honors in Design/Build/Fly Competition
- Two More Embry-Riddle Professors Named Fulbright Scholars
- Researchers Work to Advance Urban Air Mobility, Supported by $1.4 Million NASA Grant
Spotlight
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