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.
Liberal Studies at Worcester State
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 […]
Faculty set to discuss free speech in roundtable open to campus community
As part of Worcester State’s 150th anniversary celebration, the Office of Academic Affairs will present “Free Speech: Myth and Reality,” a round table discussion, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, in Eager Auditorium. The event will feature faculty experts including Nathan Angelo, associate professor of political science; Erika Briesacher, professor of history; […]
National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry brings PBS documentary to campus
Worcester State alumnus and internationally acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Brian Skerry will present a special compilation of his documentary series, Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine in Eager Auditorium, Sullivan Academic Center, on October 29. The screening will be at 6 p.m. followed by a Q&A with Skerry. Pizza in Sullivan Commons will follow the […]
Worcester State sends message of support and belonging for LGBT History Month
From a pop-up thrift shop where students can swap, donate, or take clothes that fit their identity to allyship trainings in the month of October, the Worcester State community has lots of opportunities to build a supportive and inclusive environment together. LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and […]
Worcester State celebrates milestones of inclusion on third annual Unity Day
Worcester State University “opens doors to the American dream.” This was the Unity Day message brought to campus by keynote speaker Jose Luis Santos, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s Senior Deputy Commissioner. “We often refer to colleges or universities that are doing it right as engines of opportunity, engines of equality, and that’s what Worcester […]
University will host Manhattan Short Film Festival starting September 30
Worcester State will screen the 10 finalists of the Manhattan Short Film Festival from Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4 in Eager Auditorium. The films, which range from five to 22 minutes in length, will run on a continuous loop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Admittance to the auditorium is free […]
Student Support Network trains students to help peers with mental health
Across the country, college students are experiencing a mental health crisis. More than a third of students nationwide have experienced depression or anxiety, and 14 percent have experienced suicidal ideation, according to the most recent Healthy Minds Network National Data Report. Worcester State’s Counseling Services offers a number of services to combat this, among them, […]
New Career Development Director wants to engage students early and develop partnerships
Dannie Lacks, the new career development director at Worcester State University, believes he is the “luckiest man alive” because he gets to partner with students and help them land their dream jobs. Lacks, who previously worked in human resources and recruiting, says the greatest joy of his role is when students come back and tell […]