Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A. and B.S.

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Major

Students pursuing an academic major through the Marlboro Institute complete an Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program of their own design around a coherent idea or set of questions. It is crafted to uphold Marlboro’s distinctive educational promise that students can craft their own education, engage in self-directed inquiry, and bring a big idea to life from conception to execution. Students will combine courses from across the College in an interdisciplinary studies program of their own design that culminates in a senior capstone project centered on a coherent idea or solution to a problem that sparks their interest and that integrates learning across their chosen disciplines. Building on Emerson’s strong foundation in the liberal arts, the IDS Major provides the support students need to carve their own interdisciplinary paths and to design and name their own unique program of study in close collaboration with faculty across the College. It emphasizes the values of self-directed learning, project-based inquiry, and creative and critical thinking desired by students and employers alike.

Upon completion of the IDS Degree, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate self-directed learning and self-advocacy by articulating and pursuing personally meaningful academic goals. 

• Integrate knowledge, methods, and practices from multiple disciplines by creating work that advances evidence-based inquiry and creative expression. 

• Engage collaboratively with peers, faculty, and community from across the College by contributing to shared learning experiences and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

• Cultivate project planning skills and adaptability by setting goals, managing timelines, and reflecting on challenges throughout the development of complex works.

IDS students are supported through a four-year curriculum tailored to self-designed, interdisciplinary, and project-based inquiry. Lower-level courses (MI 190  and MI 290 ) are oriented to intellectual exploration and academic flexibility, while upper-level courses (MI 390  and MI 490 ) are designed to support students as they execute their self-designed interdisciplinary majors, culminating in a yearlong capstone experience in the senior year. Each student will design a final learning outcome for their program.

Most IDS majors are awarded a B.A. degree. IDS students receive a B.S. when 50% of their coursework (excluding the required MI courses) are from a College program that awards a B.S. degree.