Why Interdisciplinary Studies?
Do college differently.
The selective Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program at Wheaton College offers an innovative approach for a rigorous, inquiry-driven college experience. As IDS majors, students have the freedom to choose 2 or 3 academic disciplines from which to create individualized programs of study. By analyzing, integrating, and applying the methodologies of multiple fields, IDS majors are better equipped to understand and to develop solutions to “wicked problems”—issues so complex that a single discipline cannot adequately address them, such as poverty, human trafficking, political incivility, or the adverse influence of technology on human behavior.
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Click on the button below to read about featured IDS alumnus Sarah Herning.
Pursue nationally-ranked excellence.
Wheaton College’s IDS program is nationally ranked as the #1 program for interdisciplinary studies and is proud to have a 97% post-graduation landing rate.
Create your own path of study.
In consultation with the program director, IDS majors craft an individualized major featuring coursework from 2 or 3 academic fields. Each program of study is tailored to address the guiding directives determined by the student.
Explore IDS options at Wheaton.
Explore our program further by visiting the menu. Take a look at our unique interdisciplinary approach, our faculty, the application process, IDS student projects, and recent alumni perspectives. Be sure to check out our annual IDS Symposium, a selective undergraduate learning experience that brings together talented students from a variety of colleges and universities.
Become a Member of Alpha Iota Sigma
Alpha Iota Sigma is the nationally recognized honors society for interdisciplinary studies majors. Becoming a member lends academic distinction, provides opportunities to participate in annual conferences, and facilitates interdisciplinary networking beyond the college. Students maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher will have the opportunity to be inducted in a ceremony before graduation and will receive a medallion to wear on top of their regalia as they walk the stage at graduation.
Consult the course catalog for a full listing of current courses available in this field.
Get in Touch
- Feel free to stop by and visit us in Jenks Hall, Suite 102 (enter the front door from Howard Street; see the Campus Map).
- If you have any questions about the program or would like to schedule an appointment with the IDS director, contact the program coordinator at IDS@wheaton.edu
Interdisciplinary Studies News and Stories
I learned formative critical thinking and problem-solving skills that have become habits in my daily life after graduation. IDS was my favorite part of Wheaton, and I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Davis’s wisdom and collaboration.— Kate Emerson '16, Financial Analyst, Avison Young