Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts
Rather than concentrating on a single discipline in the College of Liberal Arts, interdisciplinary studies is an academic field that exists between and outside disciplines.
Our program embraces different disciplinary perspectives and methodologies in an approach we call integrative thinking.
The Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts major combines diverse areas of study across our college to foster interdisciplinary knowledge, core career competencies, personal development, professional excellence, interpersonal confidence and expertise, and a richer understanding of our world. By design, our program is flexible and practical — allowing students to dive into individual interests, follow their passions, and cultivate a unique perspective and vision.
This degree can be completed as an accelerated option in 3-3.5 years.
Degree Requirements
As an Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts major, you complete a small number of all-university core curriculum (AUCC) and other requirements, and then nearly everything else is up to you! ILA students choose classes from across our college to foster interdisciplinary knowledge and career competencies – selected by you and valued by employers.
Key curriculum components include:
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Course Clustering
Course clustering means you choose your courses around a personal or professional theme. You choose courses that make sense to you and, best of all, allow you to put together your own unique combination of intellectual prowess, professional expertise, and career skills.
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A Minor
Within the flexibility of the Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts major, all students are required to pursue at least one minor to direct studies with a deeper focus in a discipline. This also provides an opportunity to build connections with department faculty and peers.
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Independent Study (LB 495)
In a credited Independent Study, you develop a self-driven course in an area of study with support from faculty. ILA majors have used their independent study course (LB 495) to explore contemporary narrative film, international data security, 20th-century German protest literature, ecosystem personhood, and more.
Advising Information
Are you a current student who would like to learn more about adding or completing an Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts major?
Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Academic Success Coordinators by contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center.
Student Experiences
Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts students make connections with faculty and peers across departments. Clubs and student organizations, internships, and education abroad programs bring you social, professional, and service experiences beyond the classroom.
Clubs and Student Organizations
There are more than 40 student clubs and organizations in the College of Liberal Arts that explore diverse interests. Many clubs meet regularly throughout the school year, hosting academic and social events and participating in university service activities.
Internships and Practicums
Internships, practicums, and independent study are core experiential learning opportunities for you as an Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts major, providing professional and practical career training and introducing you to research and applied work experiences.
Study Abroad Experiences
Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts majors cross disciplinary boundaries by exploring the larger human and global community. Explore those boundaries even further by immersing yourself in a different culture through an education abroad experience. CSU Office of International Program facilitates opportunities in more than 80 countries. Programs of interest to ILA students include Communication in Rome, Italy; Sustainable Energy Futures, Denmark; Comparative Legal Studies, Italy; the Ghana Community Engagement Project; Arts & Culture, United Kingdom; Semester at Sea, and many more.
Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts has an education abroad scholarship available just for majors. Apply through the Education Abroad Scholarship Common Application.
Alumni Testimonial
“I chose Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts because the emphasis on weaving different academic disciplines together was incredibly appealing. I first saw the value of interdisciplinarity in my business ethics internship with the Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming, where I incorporated my knowledge in writing, interpersonal communication, and ethnic studies. This opportunity led me to a role at Colorado Gives Foundation, where I discovered a passion for non-profit business and community policymaking.”
–Avery Cano, B.A. ’25