BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Santa Barbara United States | University of California, Santa Barbara

The interdisciplinary studies major allows students to create a customized academic program tailored to specific educational objectives that existing majors, double majors, or major-minor combinations cannot fulfill. This program mandates preparatory coursework across three Letters and Science departments as concentrations, culminating in fifty-six upper-division units across these areas. Prospective students should meet with an interdisciplinary studies advisor (Cheadle Hall 1117) early in their college journey to clarify their academic objectives and select appropriate UCSB courses. Admission to this major requires completion of foundational courses in each concentration department with a minimum 2.0 GPA per department. While formal declaration typically occurs during upper-division standing, planning should begin by the sophomore year to satisfy departmental prerequisites. Last-minute attempts to assemble a major theme or retroactively fit completed courses into the program violate its intent and will be rejected. Senior-year transfers into interdisciplinary studies are strongly discouraged and approved only in rare cases. Before applying, students must consult with both the interdisciplinary studies advisor and department advisors for all three proposed concentrations. The application process involves submitting a major change petition accompanied by a detailed proposal, including a two-to-three-page explanatory statement.