Interdisciplinary studies is an expanding, exciting academic area in which students study, conduct research, and do creative work in subject areas that span multiple traditional academic disciplines. It has developed out of recognition that responses to complex problems and challenges require a combination of the intellectual tools available from a wide range of academic disciplines. Students with interdisciplinary studies backgrounds are well-prepared for the fluidly changing realities of the professional world as well as future study in an ever more interdisciplinary academic arena.
The Interdisciplinary Studies Department provides a number of major, minor, and concentration programs for students interested in subjects that span multiple traditional academic disciplines. The growing list includes the following options:
- Self-designed interdisciplinary major of Liberal Studies
- Minors (18 credits) in African and African Diaspora Studies; Asian Studies; Ethnic Studies; and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Concentrations (15 credits) in Environmental and Sustainability Studies; Ethnic Studies; Global Studies; and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Some courses in these areas are offered by the Interdisciplinary Studies Department, while many other courses are offered in other departments across the university’s curriculum. Worcester State’s Student Planning platform allows students to search for all courses offered in a given semester in a specific program.
Student Stories
Liberal Studies at Worcester State
Unlocking the Diverse Voices of Latine Poetry in America
In an insightful presentation at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, Mass., recently, Associate Professor of Latin American and Latinx Literature Naida Saavedra of Worcester State shed light on the groundbreaking Latino Poetry, an anthology published by the Library of America. Saavedra, highlighted the rich tradition of Latine poetry in the United States, which has […]
Students invited to register for three-day career event
All Worcester State students are invited to register for The Future Forum, a three-day career event to be held from Tuesday, February 18, through Thursday, February 20. It will provide students with a variety of opportunities to explore potential career paths and connect with alumni. Registration is required, and students are encouraged to register now […]
Thea’s Pantry celebrates new location with open house
On-campus food pantry Thea’s Pantry will celebrate the opening of its new, larger location with an open house on Wednesday, February 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to see the new space on the first floor of the Student Center and enjoy light refreshments. First opened in 2019, […]
Worcester State University Hosts 31st Annual MLK Youth Breakfast
Worcester State University recently hosted the 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast, celebrating diversity, community service, and the power of education to transform lives. The event, organized by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, brought together students, teachers, and administrators from Worcester area schools, members of the local community, city officials, school committee […]
Worcester State receives $25,000 grant from Santander Bank for study abroad
Worcester State University has received a $25,000 grant from Santander Bank to provide scholarships for study abroad students. Awards of $500 to $1,000 will go to approximately 35 students, 75% of whom are low-income Pell recipients. This dramatically expands the number of students who will be able to access study abroad experiences this year. “For […]
Hundreds of local school children cheer on Worcester State Women’s Basketball during Math Madness
More than 500 students from local elementary schools cheered on the Worcester State Women’s Basketball team while also learning about math during the university’s 15th annual Math Madness on Jan. 8. The annual event gives school children the opportunity to enhance their math skills by applying math concepts in the real-world setting of a basketball […]
Veteran Services expands campus support and engagement, earns recognition
The Worcester State University Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services has been busy over the past year, highlighted by several key accomplishments and events that have expanded support and recognition for military-connected students. The department’s director, Dr. Stephanie Teixeira, was recently awarded an Outstanding Leadership Award at the Education 2.0 Conference, an international gathering […]
Scholarship Brunch brings nearly 300 donors and students together
Nearly 300 donors and students gathered for conversation and food on Sunday, November 3, for the university’s annual Scholarship Brunch. The brunch gives scholarship donors and recipients a chance to meet and build relationships. “Thanks to our extraordinary donor community, we have expanded our scholarship offerings from 15 in 1994 to an impressive 425 scholarships […]