Housed in the College of Liberal Arts, the Interdisciplinary Studies program provides Cal Poly students with opportunities to explore connections between and across traditional areas of academic inquiry. Although institutions will define these differences in their own ways, a traditional approach is usually defined by a disciplinary focus. For example, one may major in Communication Studies, History, or Philosophy. An interdisciplinary approach attempts to examine concepts, messages, and patterns across two or more of these disciplinary areas.
The essential skills cultivated by a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (such as critical and creative thinking, effective oral and written communication, empathy and compassion, and the ability to be life-long learners) are crucial in all sectors of the U.S. economy, cultivating students who are prepared to tackle the most complicated and prescient issues in our society.