Why Choose Interdisciplinary Studies at Bushnell?
At Bushnell, you’re not just another student, you’re part of a community that sees your potential and helps you shape it. Our Interdisciplinary Studies program gives you the freedom to design your own path while faculty walk alongside you, connecting your interests to real opportunities. In small, discussion-based classes, you’ll explore ideas that matter to you, build skills employers actually want, and discover how your unique combination of passions can make a difference. Rooted in faith and purpose, we’re here to help you figure out who you’re called to be, and equip you to get there.
3
academic areas, each with 11 credits and 8 upper-division credits
38
credits required in the Interdisciplinary Studies major
!*!*!+
disciplines available for designing your individualized academic pathway
Internship Experience
Learning extends beyond the classroom through a required internship that helps students apply their customized academic pathway in professional settings connected to their interests and career goals.
With faculty guidance and mentorship, students pursue internships in areas such as education, business, nonprofit leadership, communication, public service, ministry, and community organizations. These experiences help students strengthen professional skills, build industry connections, and gain practical experience that connects interdisciplinary learning to meaningful career opportunities.
By graduation, students leave with both professional experience and a clearer understanding of how their unique combination of interests and skills can contribute across multiple fields and industries.
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
The Interdisciplinary Studies curriculum at Bushnell University is designed to help students build a customized academic pathway that reflects their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Working closely with a faculty advisor, students combine coursework from three academic areas to create an individualized program of study that develops broad knowledge, adaptable skills, and interdisciplinary perspective.
Coursework varies based on each student’s selected areas of study and may include classes in business, communication, psychology, history, ministry, leadership, social sciences, media, education, and other academic disciplines across the university. Students strengthen their skills in research, writing, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving while learning how to connect ideas across multiple fields and professional settings.
Experiential learning opportunities such as internships, faculty mentorship, discussion-based classes, and a senior capstone project help students apply interdisciplinary learning in meaningful professional and community contexts before graduation.
Widget (Careers and Skills)
Frequently Asked Questions?
An Interdisciplinary Studies degree combines coursework from multiple academic disciplines into one customized program of study. Students develop broad knowledge, adaptable skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives that prepare them for careers and graduate programs requiring critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving across multiple fields.
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree allows students to build a personalized academic pathway by combining coursework from three different academic areas. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to create a focused plan of study that aligns with their interests, career goals, and graduate school aspirations.
Yes. The interdisciplinary framework develops strong research, writing, analytical, and communication skills that support admission to graduate programs in fields such as education, ministry, counseling, business, and public service.
You will work directly with a faculty advisor who helps you evaluate your interests, course availability, and long-term goals. Together, you identify three academic areas that form a coherent and academically sound plan of study, ensuring that all upper-division and discipline-specific requirements are met.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s Interdisciplinary program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
Come learn with us!
Related News
Internship Insights: Alyssa Unruh
EUGENE, Ore. – Alyssa Unruh, an Interdisciplinary Studies major entering her senior year at Bushnell University, spent her spring semester on the frontlines of campus ministry through an internship with…
Read More
Exploring Distance Education
EUGENE, Ore. – In this Bushnell University online student Q&A, we explore the inspiring journeys of students who have answered the call to pursue their education through Bushnell University’s online…
Read More
Internship Insights: Patricia Dexter
EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University graduate Patricia Dexter ’24, who recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS), spent her final semester interning as a Peer Support Supervisor…
Read More
Next Steps
Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.