Interdisciplinary studies degree empowers students to personalize their academic path

What paths are available to students who are passionate about several areas of study and struggle to choose one major and one minor?

Many undergraduate students find the customization and academic freedom they are looking for in the interdisciplinary studies bachelor’s degree offered in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts, part of ASU’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. It empowers them to select two of almost 200 concentration areas and complete them in the same time as one bachelor’s degree.

“Our interdisciplinary studies alumni are among some of the most successful and innovative,” says Manuel Aviles-Santiago, vice dean of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. “They mesh disciplines strategically to align with their aspirations and become entrepreneurs, leaders of organizations, community advocates and attain some of the most thrilling achievements after graduation.”

Interdisciplinary studies alumni are one of the most represented groups in the 2024 Sun Devil 100 — which are ASU alumni recognized by ASU’s Alumni Association for their leadership in organizations around the world and who demonstrate innovation, growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

Marie-Louise Paulesc, an associate teaching professor in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts, highlights the marketability of this degree and believes it’s a contributing factor to alumni success.

“This degree fosters a holistic perspective and versatile problem-solving skills, enabling students to tackle complex issues from various angles, apply diverse methodologies, and adapt to a wide range of roles and industries,” she says.

Interdisciplinary studies was also the degree of Sun Devil Football head coach, Kenny Dillingham and NCAA 2024 wrestling champion Richard Figueroa, a senior who is concentrating in entrepreneurship and communication.

“I believe that part of the reason why interdisciplinary studies alumni and students are so successful is because of the degree’s emphasis on applied and career-connected learning,” says Jada Ach, assistant teaching professor in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts. “Students are able to picture themselves in their future professions by conducting work that directly applies to their post-graduate goals.”

Ach adds that interdisciplinary studies undergraduate students are required to select from various applied learning opportunities, which can include conducting applicable research with faculty mentors, interning in relevant roles, building relationships with industry professionals, taking core courses while studying abroad, and customizing their final projects and capstones based on the industry and career they are aiming for.

“This degree resonates with our students because they essentially declare two concentrations, so it’s almost like a double major of sorts,” Ach says. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved and exciting to see how our graduates use their degree to make a difference.”

Alumnus Joe Forte can attest to the degree’s approach and says it opened his eyes to entrepreneurship. Following graduation, he co-founded D-MAK Productions — a local video production company boasting high-profile clients such as Intel, Chipotle, Sephora, Puma and hundreds more.

With concentrations in small business as well as communication, Forte says he gained a deep understanding of the value of SWOT analyses, the power of competitive analyses, marketplace trends and interpersonal relationships.

“These lessons were instrumental to not only starting my company but excelling and growing it,” says Forte. “I also attribute a lot of my professional and personal success to a study abroad trip to Ireland where I gained immense industry experience during an internship. I enjoyed the trip so much that I make it a point to travel internationally every year.”

Similarly, Elena Carreño, a human resources and business operations consultant, says she found value in picking her own specialties — business and organizational leadership — to complement her existing experience and stay competitive in her fields.

“This degree along with my prior experience gave me the confidence to launch my own HR and operations consulting company called HR Revolution which consults for anyone, anywhere.” says Carreño, who had a long career in HR before deciding to enroll at ASU.

Ach often invites her former interdisciplinary studies students into the classroom to discuss their paths to success with current students. Past speakers have included the owner of  O.H.S.O. Brewery and Distillery, Jon Lane, and entrepreneur Teniqua Broughton, the founder and CEO of VerveSimone Consulting, a minority-woman owned small business.

Alexander Fogel, a student preparing to graduate in interdisciplinary studies in fall 2024, says he appreciates the way Ach implements applied learning opportunities, such as industry talks, into the classroom.

Fogel works full-time at a local construction company while maintaining a full-time course load at ASU. He is concentrating in construction management and business management with ambitions to launch his own construction company.

Before enrolling at ASU, Fogel says he was struggling to find his place in the academic world.

“Realizing there was a degree that would allow me to learn multiple career paths and concentrations at the same time was like a second chance to better myself.”

Madison Cook, a global health and criminal justice senior, also combined two of her passions to design her own academic path.

Cook, who is currently in Switzerland representing the U.S. in the University of Geneva 2024 International Humanitarian Law Program, will begin studying for the LSAT this winter with plans to specialize in medical malpractice.

“Eventually I want to transition to humanitarian law,” says Cook, who volunteered at a hospital in Tanzania in 2019. “It’s a dream to have my own firm and do pro-bono work in Tanzania.”

Concentrating in marketing and psychology, senior Laikyn Hedrick also has big aspirations. She will combine her skill sets to start a sustainable coffee truck business with her sister Kyra Hedrick (above), and they will prioritize quality over quantity to benefit the community and environment.

“The interdisciplinary studies degree has allowed me to develop my critical thinking skills and talk about issues with nuance and multiple points of view,” says Hedrick, who integrated her truck business into multiple final projects in Ach’s courses.

Ach says it’s common for final projects to turn into career opportunities down the road.

“I had a student who concentrated in Korean language and in music and opened a music studio in Korea after graduating,” said Ach. “The possibilities are truly endless for our interdisciplinary studies students and it’s rewarding to see how they make their mark in the world.”