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Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

The B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies program allows you to earn a degree while customizing your courses to fit your precise career goals. This degree allows you to negotiate your class load to fit SDSU’s general education requirements and your own unique disciplinary interests and professional objectives.

In addition to completing the core and graduation requirements, the Interdisciplinary Studies degree is 43 credits mapped out according to your own unique plan of study. For example, if you have an interest in owning your own business, you can pursue coursework in consumer affairs, entrepreneurial studies, finance, leadership and communications to prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities a business owner faces.

While designing your course load, you will have the support and guidance of an academic advisor. Your advisor will help to ensure your courses fit all requirements—like 33 or more upper level (300-400) credits from two or more discipline areas. Your advisor will also help you select elective courses relevant to your interests to make sure you meet the 120 credits required for graduation.

When no single major fulfills your goals... The understanding of complex questions requires integrating insights from multiple perspectives, a skill that is the foundation of interdisciplinary studies and highly desired in today's workplace. Interdisciplinary studies isn't just an individualized major tailored to your unique career goals, it is a comprehensive way of thinking and problem solving that requires applying skills and knowledge gained from diverse fields of study. In this program, you can combine elements of traditional academic programs in business, the arts, humanities and sciences, in order to fulfill unique career and educational aspirations. You will work closely with a faculty advisor in order to design a rigorous course of study that achieves your own personal and professional objectives. Current or non-traditional students may also be able to integrate prior coursework into their plans of study. Graduates may pursue widely-ranging careers in management, non-profit work, entrepreneurial roles or a variety of additional options, including graduate school.

The Bachelor of Arts in English

Mission

The School of English and Interdisciplinary Studies' B.A. program prepares students to become innovative professionals and global citizens by teaching them to read closely and critically, write creatively and persuasively and explore the beauty and value of diverse literatures and cultures.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the English B.A. program, students will be able to:

  • Analyze texts closely and critically, using key literary terms and concepts to interpret how the specific elements of a text contribute to its larger meanings.
  • Identify significant texts, authors, periods, movements, genres, theories, and modes from literary history, recognizing how literary texts both reflect and shape historical contexts, aesthetic values and cultural ideals.
  • Apply key theoretical ideas, concepts and methodologies to the reading and writing of texts.
  • Write argumentative, creative and reflective texts that demonstrate focus, content, structure, evidence, style and grammar appropriate to their rhetorical contexts.
  • Conduct scholarly research that incorporates the use of library resources and discipline-specific databases; the evaluation and integration of secondary sources; and the documentation of primary and secondary sources using MLA style.
  •  Explain how literature both reflects and enriches the diversity of human experience through its exploration of the ways in which race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, ability and class shape identity and influence perception.

English Major Options

English Major

This major requires 39 credits in English and linguistics courses and is designed to give the student a broad overview of literature, writing and the language.

English Education Specialization

This major requires 36 hours in English and linguistics courses and is designed to prepare the student for a career in high school or middle school teaching. Students preparing for careers in secondary education will also complete the required education courses for teacher certification.

Writing Specialization

The English Major - Writing Specialization requires 39 hours of literature, linguistics and writing courses. Students receive a well-rounded background in literature, but with more intensive work in Creative and/or Professional writing. This program serves students seeking careers in creative or professional writing.

English Minor Options

English Minor

The English minor requires 18 hours, including 9 hours of British literature, 6 hours of American literature, 3 hours of a linguistics or writing course and an additional elective.

Professional Writing Minor

This interdisciplinary minor prepares students for success in a wide variety of fields, such as technical communicators; web authors, designers and content managers; publishers, publishing coordinators and publication managers; science and medical writers; information architects: usability specialists and researchers; communications specialists and grant and proposal writers. It requires a total of 18 hours.