Mercy College

What you'll study

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed to allow students to construct a coherent programme from multiple departments. Students complete a core of general education requirements and then design a concentration (or two) drawn from areas such as sociology, psychology, English, history, communications, business, criminal justice, health studies or education. Typical components include:

• Core skills: critical thinking, academic writing, research methods, quantitative reasoning and information literacy.
• Foundational theory: interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge, ethics, and cultural perspectives that provide a framework for integrating multiple fields.
• Concentration coursework: 3–5 courses from one or more disciplines chosen with an advisor to form a cohesive thematic focus (for example, community health and policy, media and culture, or education and social services).
• Capstone or senior project: a major applied project, portfolio or research paper that demonstrates synthesis across chosen disciplines; many students undertake community-based or internship-linked capstones.
• Experiential learning: internships, field placements, service-learning or lab-based work when appropriate to the student’s concentrations.

Typical modules or course titles you might encounter include Interdisciplinary Inquiry, Research Design for Social Problems, Contemporary Social Issues, Ethics Across Disciplines, Media and Society, Community Engagement Practicum, and an Interdisciplinary Capstone Seminar. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to ensure the programme is coherent and aligned with career or graduate study goals.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA Interdisciplinary Studies programme follows Mercy College's undergraduate admission policies. Applicants usually need:

• A completed secondary school certificate or equivalent (high school diploma, GED, or international equivalent).
• Academic transcripts demonstrating readiness for college-level work; selective programmes may look for a competitive cumulative GPA.
• Evidence of English language proficiency for international applicants (such as recognised language test scores or institutional proof of English-medium instruction), unless exempt.
• A personal statement or brief essay describing academic interests and how an interdisciplinary degree will meet the applicant’s goals; transfer applicants should also provide college transcripts and a summary of prior coursework.

Mercy College often supports flexible entry pathways, including part-time study, evening classes and transfer credit for prior college coursework, military service, or recognised experiential learning. Prospective students are encouraged to discuss programme planning with an admissions or academic advisor.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies have versatile skill sets valued across sectors. Common career directions include:

• Public and community service roles — program coordination, casework, outreach and advocacy with local government and non-profits.
• Business and administration — project support, human resources, communications, and client services in small and medium enterprises.
• Education and training — roles in adult education, instructional support, or progression to teacher preparation or graduate study.
• Media, communications and marketing — content development, social media, public relations and community engagement positions.
• Health and human services — entry-level roles in community health, care coordination and support services, often supported by relevant concentrations or practicum experience.

Many graduates also use the interdisciplinary degree as preparation for professional or graduate programmes (law, public policy, social work, business or specialised master’s degrees). Internship and career services at Mercy College help students convert classroom experiences into employability outcomes and professional networks.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a student-centred environment suited to interdisciplinary study: small class sizes, accessible faculty advisors and a focus on applied learning. The campus’s proximity to major metropolitan areas provides opportunities for internships, community partnerships and cultural engagement that enrich cross-disciplinary projects.

Additional advantages include flexible scheduling options—including evening and part-time routes—support services such as academic advising and career counselling, and resources for experiential learning that let students integrate internships and service placements into their degree. For students who need to tailor a programme to specific career goals or who value breadth and integration across fields, Mercy College’s BA in Interdisciplinary Studies provides structured guidance while preserving curricular freedom.