Spring 2025
Classes Start
Jan 13
Session b
Classes Start
Mar 2
Program Overview
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree program at RCU prepares you to think creatively and critically by combining knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines to collaboratively solve real-world problems. You will chart your own unique path by choosing two disciplines that align with your interests and integrating them through research and practice. Multiple interdisciplinary combinations are possible through options in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine & performing arts, as well as specifically designed degree plans in pre-medicine or pre-physician assistant.
interdisciplinary Studies, BS
Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies program complete a curriculum of general studies coursework, and choose two of the following areas of concentration for the remainder of their studies: Art, Bible Studies, Business (BS), English, General Science, History, Honors Leadership, International Studies, Mass Communication, Mathematics (BS), Ministry, Nonprofit Management, Performing Arts, Pre-Law, Professional Writing (BS), Psychology (BS), Strategic Leadership, or Theatre.
- Students will be able to critically evaluate and synthesize knowledge across the arts and sciences.
- Students will be able to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with others in multidisciplinary settings.
- Students will be able to demonstrate contextual thinking, drawing from multiple perspectives within the fabric of time, culture, and personal experience.
- Students will be able to discover creative insights to real world problems by applying theory to practice in various settings.
- Students will be able to articulate their personal beliefs, values, attitudes, and abilities through a unique integration of disciplines in relation to the Christian story and service in God’s world.
Total Credit Hours: 120
- General Education Core: 41 hours
- Interdisciplinary Studies Core: 14 hours
- Experiential Learning: 3 hours
- Learning and Global Awareness: 3 hours
- Interdisciplinary studies major concentrations: 48 hours
- Electives: 17 hours
- Shield Media
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES WITH
CONCENTRATION IN PRE-MED, BS
Thinking about medical school? This degree from RCU gives you a strong foundation in general studies, while offering a concentration in pre-med. The program is designed specifically for medical school and MCAT preparation.
Our BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in pre-med is specifically designed for medical school and MCAT preparation, while also providing you with a strong foundation in general studies, such as arts and sciences, English and history
Admission requirements to the Pre-Med program: a cumulative GPA of 3.40 and a 3.40 GPA in science and mathematics coursework is required for admission to the Pre-Med program in interdisciplinary studies. To apply, candidates must also submit two professor recommendations, one from within the science department and one from outside the department. The Pre-Med application can be found on the student portal.
Total Credit Hours: 120
- General Education Core: 38 hours
- Interdisciplinary Studies Core: 5 hours
- Pre-Med Concentration: 53 hours
- Second Area of Concentration: 24 hours
- Electives: 3 hours
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES WITH
CONCENTRATION IN PRE-PHYSICIAN
ASSISTANT, BS
Do you have a passion for patient care? Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They work in all areas of medicine, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. With this interdisciplinary studies degree, you’ll receive a strong foundation in general studies along with a specific Pre-Physician’s Assistant program that prepares you for PA school.
Our Interdisciplinary Studies BS with concentration in Pre-Physician Assistant allows you to incorporate a specific Pre-Physician’s Assistant program into your interdisciplinary degree. General studies may include arts and sciences, history, psychology, business, and others, while focused courses cover biology, anatomy, nutrition, and chemistry, among others. You’ll be prepared to apply to PA school or work in a related field.
Total Credit Hours: 120
- General Education Core: 34 hours
- Interdisciplinary Studies Core: 5 hours
- Pre-PA Concentration: 42 hours
- Second Area of Concentration: 24 hours
- Electives: 15 hours
Program Statistics
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor
Graduates hired within 6 months
Jobs filled by Rochester grads
Career Opportunities
Types of Jobs
- Counselor
- Journalist
- Admissions Counselor
- Entrepreneur
- Public Relations Specialist
- Professor
- Project Manger
$46,000
$68,000
$80,000
Avg. Salaries post graduation
(Courtesy of O*Net Online for Journalist position)
Career Overview
This degree prepares graduates for careers aligning with their chosen vocations, as well as further education in graduate school, medical school, law school, or a physician’s assistant program while focusing on various concentrations such as philosophy, religion, history, communication studies, theatre, and other liberal arts fields.
The amount of available positions in 2021 = 47,100 employees
Projected job openings (2021-2031) = 4,900
(Courtesy of O*Net Online for Journalist position)
student experience
Internships
- Shield Media
Clubs
Activities
alumni testimonial
RCU provided me the opportunity to design a degree that fit my personal career goals I had a wide scope of interests, and the professors worked with me to focus my degree plan. We knew combining complementary fields would provide a versatile college experience and equip me for an exciting career. RCU also introduced me to a wide range of service opportunities that eventually connected me to Hope House Detroit, which led to a full-time position with this nonprofit after graduation.
FACULTY
Professor of Theatre
School of Humanities
AG Basement 4
(248) 218-2496
rarbaugh@rochesteru.edu
School of Humanities
AG Basement 4
(248) 218-2496
rarbaugh@rochesteru.edu
Professor of Mass Communication
School of Humanities
School of Humanities
Gallaher 205
(248) 218-2033
ccooper@rochesteru.edu
School of Humanities
Gallaher 205
(248) 218-2033
ccooper@rochesteru.edu
School of Humanities
Muirhead 114
(248) 218-2133
dgreer@rochesteru.edu
School of Humanities
Muirhead 114
(248) 218-2133
dgreer@rochesteru.edu
Associate Professor of History
School of Humanities
(248) 218-2117
jwalters@rochesteru.edu
School of Humanities
(248) 218-2117
jwalters@rochesteru.edu
