About the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (BA-IDS) Degree Completion Program
The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (BA-IDS) degree program is designed for adult learners who have significant prior college credit earned in any content area but not yet a degree, and who are seeking career advancement or a career change.
Students who enroll in the BA-IDS program can transfer up to 75% of the required credits for the bachelor's degree. The BA-IDS program also offers multiple pathways for working adults to personalize their college experience and achieve their career and educational goals.
Program Highlights
Flexible Schedule for Working Adults
Choose between completely online or on-campus classes, including options for daytime, night, or weekend classes. Fit your degree around your busy schedule.
Fast-Track to Graduation
Transfer credit can fulfill up to 75% of required credits for the BA-IDS degree, shortening your time to graduation. You can also take advantage of the Credit for Prior Learning program at NLU to earn credit for your previous work and life experience.
Credits can be earned through:
- Previously earned college credit
- Military credit transfer (ACE Credit)
- Credit for Prior Learning Options
- Credit by examination
- Credit by portfolio
- Credit by credentials
Customized Degree
Shape your degree to match your career interests and goals. Students in the BA-IDS program can pair their Interdisciplinary Studies major with any minor or concentration offered in the Undergraduate College at NLU.
Career Readiness
Advance in your current position or transition to a new career with the flexible BA-IDS degree. You'll have access to academic advising and also career advisers through our Career Bridge office, who can help place you in a career that matches your interests and strengths.
Admission Requirements
In addition to NLU and UGC admission requirements, students must transfer in at least 45 QH of coursework to be eligible for this major.
What You Will Learn
NLU’s B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program offers ultimate flexibility to shape your degree to your career goals while providing a strong base in critical thinking, analysis, research, and communication. In addition, all students in this program will complete a culminating capstone course where they will connect their coursework to a research project that synthesizes their learning experiences and connects that learning to their future career objectives.
At the completion of the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program, students will be able to:
INTELLECTUAL SKILLS. Evaluate their prior educational and professional experiences and create an educational path that will meet their interests and goals.
APPLIED AND COLLABORATIVE LEARNING. Synthesize learning from different fields of study, prior learning, and professional experiences in a way that advances personal and professional goals.
SPECIALIZED INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE. Build the analytical, information evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative communication skills necessary to advance in their field.
BROAD AND INTEGRATIVE KNOWLEDGE. Develop the skills and strategies needed to solve problems and embrace opportunities unique to their field.
CIVIC AND GLOBAL LEARNING. Investigate their world view and develop an appreciation for different perspectives as it applies to issues on a local, national, and global scale.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS. Develop the interpersonal and leadership attributes aligned with their professional goals in order to successfully further their career path after completion of their college degree.
Program Requirements
- A minimum of 12 courses in general education for a total of 48 to 60 quarter hours; each course requires a minimum of 4 quarter hours.
- A minimum of 60 QH must be from upper division courses at the 300-level or better.
- All students must complete one interdisciplinary capstone course.
- Students transferring in less than 90 QH must complete a concentration or minor.
- Complete 180 QH of credit for graduation with a CGPA of 2.0 or better.
- Complete 45 QH of coursework at National Louis University upon matriculation.
- All transfer credit from accredited institutions will be accepted regardless of age.
Career Outlook
With a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, you can set yourself up for a broad range of careers or advance from your current position, depending on your specific goals and interests. Graduates can seek jobs in fields like education, human resources, business, legal, and more. The BA-IDS can also lead to further graduate study.
The Career Bridge Office at National Louis University can help you find a career that matches your skillset and interests. Our dedicated career coaches can help you with job searching, resume writing, interview prep, and more.
You can get started by taking a career assessment or browsing careers using our online Career Coach tool.
