Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Overview

Saint Joseph’s College’s General Studies program is undergoing an exciting redesign change. General Studies is phasing into an Interdisciplinary Studies program. This new program is designed to provide students with opportunities to study within and across academic disciplines, as well as offer enriching and integrated learning experiences.  The experiences and insights gained in Interdisciplinary Studies may assist students to further a number of their personal, professional, and academic goals. 

The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program replaces General Studies. Current General Studies students who are interested in and eligible may transfer to the Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Overall Requirements for the IDS program (Applicable for students who apply on or after July 1st and for individuals who are interested and eligible to transfer into the program):

Minor Requirement

As part of the IDS program,  Associate of Science IDS program students will complete one approved minor and additional requirements. 

 

Approved Minors for Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)
Minors	Courses / Credits
Adult Education and Training Minor (with Fast Track to Masters of Science in Education) AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
Business Administration Minor AS, IDS	8 courses, 24 credits
Criminal Justice Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
Human Services Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
Psychology Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
Health Administration Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
Long Term Care Administration Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
Senior Living Leadership Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits
IT Minor AS, IDS	8 courses, 24 credits
Theology Minor AS, IDS	6 courses, 18 credits

In addition to the minor(s), all students in the IDS program will complete two required courses.  These courses will assist students to prepare for the IDS program and integrate their learning experiences.

Required courses for Interdisciplinary Studies
Courses	Credits	Notes
IDS Foundational Course	3 credits	Students can take the foundational course  after they successfully complete College Writing.
IDS Capstone	3 credits	The capstone course is taken after at least 54 credits have been completed toward the Associate’s degree.  For stduents pursuing the Bachelor’s degree, the capstone is taken after 112 credits have been completed.

Students Pursuing Associate’s Degrees in IDS (Detailed Requirements):

Students who would like to pursue the AS, IDS must have at least 24 credits available in minor subject areas at SJC, above and beyond General Education requirements.  Requirements for completing the degree program are described below.

Requirements for the Associate of Science, IDS
Requirements	Notes
Complete at least one of the approved minors (Minimum of 18 credits).	Up to two-courses transferred from another college (6 credits) can be applied to the minor requirement.
Complete the online IDS Foundational  and capstone  courses (total of 6 credits).	Students can take the foundational course after they successfully complete College Writing.  The capstone course is taken after at least 54 credits have been completed.
Meet all other degree requirements, including the completion of General Education courses.

Note:  Minors with Fast Tracks would not be applicable for students seeking the Associate of Science, IDS.

 

Program Outcomes for AS/IDS are as follows:

• Acquire various bodies of knowledge and competencies, and deepen insight within and across academic disciplines.
• Demonstrate critical writing, thinking, calculating, and communication proficiencies.
• Critique and integrate varying worldviews across fields of study.
• Understand the foundation of ethical and professional standards, including those specific to areas of study.
• Develop a foundation for lifelong learning.
• Obtain the credential or degree needed to advance or enter professional careers.