Mercy College

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies lets you design a coherent programme of study drawing on two or more academic disciplines. Typical pathways combine areas such as psychology and business, biology and public policy, sociology and education, or digital media and communications. Core elements include coursework in research methods, ethics, critical thinking and a capstone or senior integrative project that demonstrates the synthesis of your chosen fields.

Sample modules and topics you may take include:

• Research Methods and Statistics – quantitative and qualitative techniques for interdisciplinary inquiry.
• Foundations of Interdisciplinary Study – theories and practices for integrating knowledge across fields.
• Disciplinary Core Courses – chosen from departments such as Psychology, Business, Biology, Sociology, Communication, Education or Computer Science.
• Applied Electives – practical courses tailored to career interests, for example grant writing, project management, instructional design or data visualisation.
• Capstone/Integrative Project – a supervised project or portfolio that applies concepts from multiple disciplines to a real‑world problem.

Students work with a faculty adviser to map out degree requirements, ensure appropriate distribution of coursework, and identify internship or community‑engaged learning opportunities that complement academic study.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BS in Interdisciplinary Studies typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are expected to submit official transcripts from secondary school and any postsecondary institutions attended. Mercy College considers a broad range of applicants, including recent high school graduates, transfer students and adult learners. Evidence of academic readiness often includes a record of college preparatory coursework and satisfactory grades.

Additional admissions information may include:

• Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts for evaluation of transfer credits and a plan for how transferred courses will fit the interdisciplinary degree.
• Non‑traditional or returning students may be asked for a statement of purpose outlining academic and career goals.
• Standardised tests may be optional; check the College’s admissions guidance for current testing policies.

All admitted students are assigned an academic adviser who helps finalise the program plan, ensures degree requirements are met, and assists with registration and progression.

Career prospects

A degree in Interdisciplinary Studies prepares graduates for versatile career paths where cross‑disciplinary knowledge and adaptable problem‑solving are valued. Common career directions include roles in:

• Nonprofit and community organisations (programme coordination, outreach, grant assistance)
• Business and industry (project coordination, human resources, marketing support)
• Education and training (curriculum support, educational services, adult learning)
• Public sector and policy organisations (research assistance, policy analysis support)
• Communications and media (content development, digital media roles)

Graduates also frequently pursue postgraduate study in areas such as education, public administration, business, social work or specialised master’s programmes that build on their chosen disciplinary strengths.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a personalised, student‑centred approach with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which is especially valuable for an individually designed interdisciplinary degree. The College’s location provides access to regional internship and employment opportunities, and its connections with local organisations support applied learning experiences.

Additional advantages include flexible scheduling with evening and online course options for working students, dedicated academic advising to help structure your interdisciplinary programme, and career services that assist with internships, resume development and job placement. The Interdisciplinary Studies BS is built to be adaptable, allowing you to align your studies with both immediate career goals and longer‑term academic ambitions.