Interdisciplinary Programs
Interdisciplinary programs of study are increasingly interesting as we realize the benefits of multiple perspectives and methods to advance understanding and improve solutions. We work with the UAB School of Medicine to offer undergraduate degree paths and majors in Bioinformatics, Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences can pursue formal interdisciplinary majors such as African-American Studies, Digital Forensics, or International Studies. The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is also an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students for careers in various professional fields where fundamental critical thinking and inquiry skills, rigorous writing and communication skills, as well as team work skills are of key importance. Other possibilities for interdisciplinary study include for example Human Rights, Media Studies, Urban Affairs, or Film at the minor level. The Interdisciplinary Minors list below indicates our choices in the College of Arts and Sciences.
We also encourage motivated students to work with their academic advisor and faculty to design an individualized, interdisciplinary major in a focused area. The Individually Designed Major option is available to all undergraduate students in good standing who are self-motivated and interested in working independently. The Individually Designed Major option can only be made possible using courses available at UAB. Among the many different fields that some of our students have chosen to focus on are American Studies, Asian Studies, Children Studies, Chinese Studies, Health Studies, Human Rights, Integrative Media, International Development, International Health, Japanese Studies, Legal Studies, Media Production, Sports and Health in Society, Sports Economics. Students who may be interested in designing their own major go through a rigorous approval process and should contact their academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences or email Dr. Catherine Danielou at danielou@uab.edu.