Interdisciplinary Studies

100% Online Bachelor's Degree

Chart Your Own Course

The Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies in the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at East Tennessee State University offers a B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies degree program.

The program of study is framed within a liberal arts context. This combines lifelong learning and intellectual flexibility with professional preparation and career skills. Students have opportunities to apply what they've learned in an outside setting. All programs include a capstone or closing project that equips students with the skills necessary to apply what has been learned to an internship, service learning project, or independent study opportunity.

With Interdisciplinary Studies, students will receive:
- A flexible and customized program of study
- An interdisciplinary perspective 
- The skills needed for a changing work environment 

Customize Your Degree

The B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies meets the needs of students whose academic interests are situated between two or more disciplines and gives students the opportunity to integrate personal and professional growth by means of the exploration of multiple subjects, perspectives, and methodologies in a variety of fields.

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers three paths: Integrative Studies, Professional Studies, and an Individualized Track. The degree can be completed on-ground, hybrid, or 100% online, with part-time and full-time options available. Each track offers ample opportunity for students to tailor their studies to their specific needs and desired skillsets.

As an online Interdisciplinary Studies student, you'll take an active role in designing your own education plans. The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizes written communication, versatility, self-assessment and critical thinking - essential skills for navigating today's dynamic world - while providing the flexibility you need for the education you want.

  • Integrative Studies
    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Professional Studies
    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Individual Track
    Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

  • See some different ways you can customize your degree
    Career goal: Corporate Trainer 
    You could study: Human Resources, Sociology, Management 
    Career goal: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative 
    You could study: Allied Health, Health Administration, Marketing 
    Career goal: Social Services Worker
    You could study:     Public Health, Trauma and Resilience, Family Studies 
    Career goal: Sports Marketing
    You could study:     Marketing, Sport Management, Entrepreneurship



 

The sinkos


“Our goal was to obtain our degrees because we felt it represented ‘unfinished business’. From admissions processes including previous credits, advisor's guidance, and course content, we have learned so much. The ETSU online program of study enabled us to achieve our goals without compromising other aspects of our retired lifestyle. We even incorporated travel experiences into our course work! These programs go above and beyond in helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.”

Michael & Debbie Sinko

Steps to Apply 

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose  Interdisciplinary Studies and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today!

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Cost

TN Residents *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA *Other USA States  eRate (Out of State, 100% online) All International
$441 per credit hour $469 per credit hour $569 per credit hour $507 per credit hour $1202 per credit hour

- Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students
- This amount may not include program-specific fees

*First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only
**Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs.

The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?
    The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed to allow a student's intellectual exploration and career preparedness to intersect. With flexib​le scheduling and a curriculum designed to encourage critical thinking skills, this online program is ideal for students who are may have professional, familial, or other obligations outside of school. 
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?
    The Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers three path​ways: Integrative Studies, Professional Studies, and an Individualized Track. The degree can be completed on-ground, hybrid, or 100% online, with part-time and full-time options available. Each track offers ample opportunity for students to tailor their studies to their specific needs and desired skill sets.
  • Is this program accredited?

    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).



  • What are the job prospects with this degree?
    This degree program is designed to heighten your proficiency with technology, writing, and presentations, making graduates from this program valuable across multiple fields.
  • Does a student need to have a background in this field? What are the prerequisites?
    This degree program allows students to combine a number of disciplinary courses into their programs of study and to develop background and preparation in particular areas of interest.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 
    All pathways within this degree can be completed on-campus, hybrid, or 100% online, with part-time and full-time options available. 
  • Does this program require an internship or field work? 
    While an internship is not required, students have the option to enroll in an internship for academic credit. If a student chooses to accept an internship, they will work with their academic advisor to coordinate. Student​s are responsible for securing the internship ​through ETSU Career Services. 
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?
    Yes. The degree can be completed fully online at either a part-time or full-time pace. This makes the program ideal for those with familial or professional obligations.
  • Is there a plan of study/course schedule I can review for the full-time and part-time options?
    Each student’s degree plan is unique, and each student's program of study will be different. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to an advisor to discuss their options. 
  • How many spaces are available for each cohort? 
    This program does not operate in a cohort model, ​so there are no limits to the number of students who can enroll in this program per academic year.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?
    The Michael and Julia Collins Scholarship provides financial assistance to post-traditional students with financial need who are pursuing the BSIS. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships. Learn more on their website.