Study Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities at UNE
If you want the freedom to explore a broad array of humanities disciplines as well as the ability to focus deeply in an area of particular interest, this major combines the best of both worlds. You gain a multidimensional perspective through the study of history, literature, philosophy, religion, and languages, and a senior thesis allows you to develop expertise in and passion around a specific topic of your choosing. By developing critical thinking and communication skills, self-direction, and the ability to analyze information, you will acquire a suite of highly transferable skills that will be prized by employers in numerous fields.
Why UNE for your B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
Unlike many other college and university majors in interdisciplinary studies, ours requires courses across the full range of humanities. And we focus solely on the humanities, giving you the deepest and broadest possible understanding of the human condition.
- Flexible curriculum, allowing for double majors and minors
- Instruction in digital skills
- Impressive archival collections for research and creative projects
- Intriguing internships
- Study abroad opportunities
- Option of our unique HuMed program to prepare for medical school while pursuing your passion for the humanities
- Pre-Law option to prepare for law school
Career Paths for Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Majors
The study of the humanities inculcates a unique set of skills that will set you apart in the job market. The ability to think analytically, to draw connections between disparate things, and to communicate effectively are skills that are adaptable to virtually any field you choose. Graduates who major in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities may pursue numerous professions, including:
- Journalist/Writer/Author
- Public Relations Specialist
- Lawyer
- Health Care Provider
- Corporate Researcher
- Project Manager
- Web Content Manager
- Museum Professional
- Teacher
- Artist
Career Advising for B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
of undergrads employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating
in Maine for getting a job
Student Financial Services
One of the most important considerations when committing to a college or university is cost. We work with you and your family to help make your education affordable by pricing our tuition competitively and offering financial assistance.
What will you Study? Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Degree Program Curriculum Overview
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Courses
The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Graphic Medicine
- Criminals, Idiots, and Minors: Victorian Women and the Law
- Literatures of the Sea
- History of Drugs in the Americas
- Revolutionary Medicine
- War Letters
- Good, Evil, Right, and Wrong
- God, Life, and Hereafter
- Biomedical Ethics
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant scholarly, creative, or experiential activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 42–43 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| LIL 420 – Senior Thesis/Project | 3 |
| Thirty-three (33) credits of Humanities Discipline Electives (below) with at least three (3) courses at the 300-level or above and no more than five (5) courses in a single discipline. | 33 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
A minimum average GPA of 2.0 in the major is required.
Humanities Discipline Eligible Courses
| History Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any HIS course | Variable |
| ARC 235 – The Archaeology of New England | 3 |
| ARH 210 – Art History Survey I | 3 |
| ARH 211 – Art History Survey II | 3 |
| ARH 260 – Renaissance & Baroque Art | 3 |
| ARH 270 – Art in the Modern World | 3 |
| CMM 135 – Evolution of Television | 3 |
| CMM 170 – Evolution of Documentary Film | 3 |
| MUS 216 – History of American Popular Music | 3 |
| MUS 220 – History of Jazz | 3 |
| PSC 110 – Power & Knowledge: Inventing Traditions | 3 |
| English Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any ENG course | Variable |
| ARH 333 – Moroccan Theatre/Social Ch | 3 |
| CMM 340 – Women and Film | 3 |
| ENV 124 – Lit, Nature & the Environment | 3 |
| PSC 300 – Egypt Through the Eye of Mahfouz | 3 |
| PSC 304 – The Middle East and Africa through Films | 3 |
| WRT 111 – Topics in Creative Writing | 3 |
| WRT 211 – Creative Writing: Poetry | 3 |
| WRT 212 – Creative Writing: Short Fiction | 3 |
| WRT 312 – Fiction Writing Workshop | 3 |
| Philosophy Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any PHI course | Variable |
| PSC 200 – Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| PSC 260 – The Politics of Evil | 3 |
| REL 276 – Religion in Human Traditions I | 3 |
| REL 278 – Religion in Human Traditions II | 3 |
| Liberal Learning Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| Any LIL course | Variable |
| Language Electives – Up to three (3) courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARB 101 – Basic Arabic | 3 |
| FRE 101 – Basic French | 3 |
| FRE 301 – Advanced French | 3 |
| SPA 101 – Basic Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 211 – Intermediate Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 310 – Advanced Spanish I | 3 |
| SPA 497 – Independent Study in Spanish | 1–12 |
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
Changes were made to this program in an addendum to the 2022/23 academic calendar. Please see the 2022–2023 Catalog Addendum (PDF) for the most recent information. As always, it is recommended that students seek the guidance of Academic Advisors for course and program planning. In this way, you will be able to access all the most up-to-date information available.
Pre-Law Emphasis
If you are considering law school after you graduate, you should consult with history and philosophy faculty in the School of Arts and Humanities to design an appropriate course of study. The Pre-Law Emphasis ensures that you develop a foundation in the humanities that will prepare you for law school and success in the legal profession.
Contact
As a student in our program, you learn from faculty across the departments of Creative and Fine Arts, English, History and Philosophy, and Political Science.
For questions about the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities program, contact Catherine Frank at (207) 602-2709 or cfrank@bianlifan.com.
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Program
Whether you’re conducting research in UNE’s archives for your senior capstone thesis, getting real-world experience at an internship, or traveling the globe as part of a study-abroad program, the Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities major emphasizes learning by doing.
Hands-On Activities
- Conduct research or produce creative projects to present at local, regional, and national venues
- Complete on-campus or off-campus internships
- Study abroad for international experience
Senior Capstone Thesis
Your thesis provides an opportunity to take a deep dive into a subject that captivates you. Because this major is all about making interdisciplinary connections, many students choose a thesis that combines multiple areas of interest. Past topics have included:
- Women and blacksmithing in New England
- History and significance of tattoos
- Music of social change
- Representation of culture and identity in Argentine films
Global Education in the Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
See The World
The study of humanities uncovers universal truths about human nature while it simultaneously reveals the deep diversity of our experiences. There is no better complement to humanities studies than traveling abroad to experience first-hand what unites us and what makes us different. Spend a semester in Spain, France, Iceland, or Morocco. Or choose from among our shorter travel courses that take you to places such as Ireland, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, and Kenya.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities? Get started today.
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities FAQ
What is a degree in interdisciplinary studies?
A degree in interdisciplinary studies gives students the best of both worlds – the freedom to explore a broad array of humanities disciplines as well as the ability to focus deeply on an area of particular interest. It offers you the chance to acquire a multi-faceted outlook by diving into subjects like history, literature, philosophy, religion, and languages.
An interdisciplinary studies major in the humanities allows you to develop critical thinking and communication skills, self-direction, and the ability to analyze information. This suite of highly transferable skills is prized by employers in numerous fields.
Unlike many other college and university majors in interdisciplinary studies in New England, UNE’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities requires courses across the full range of humanities. Our interdisciplinary studies major focuses solely on the humanities, giving you the deepest and broadest possible understanding of the human condition. The Arts and Humanities Capstone course allows you to develop expertise in and passion around a specific topic of your choosing.
What can you do with an interdisciplinary studies degree?
Graduates who major in interdisciplinary studies in the humanities may pursue numerous careers including journalist/writer/author, public relations specialist, lawyer, health care provider, corporate researcher, project manager, web content manager, museum professional, teacher, and artist.
As an Interdisciplinary Studies major in Maine at UNE, you will have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
Is interdisciplinary studies a good degree?
Yes, opting for a major in interdisciplinary studies allows you to explore several different areas of interest, creating a new course of study that can help prepare you for the career you want.
An interdisciplinary studies degree is worth it for many students. You receive a well-rounded, broad education with lots of opportunities for exciting new research and development.
At UNE, the Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities major (ISH) is designed for students who are interested in more than one humanities discipline. It’s for students who see the benefits of exploring intricate matters from different viewpoints and appreciate engaging with the diverse aspects of human experience through reading, thinking, expressing, and discussing.
Learn more about UNE’s (B.A.) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
Can I teach with an interdisciplinary studies degree?
Yes, an interdisciplinary studies degree is a good alternative if you want to teach but don't want to major in education. Secondary education (middle school and high school) teachers may prefer the option to study the subject or subjects they want to teach along with courses in education, sociology, psychology, or philosophy.
While certain educational positions demand a master's degree, obtaining a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies can facilitate the cultivation of proficiency in the subjects you want to teach. It’s important to remember that teaching requirements vary by state. For example, in Maine, a state-approved teacher preparation program is essential, often integrated into a bachelor's degree program in education.
In addition to offering a major in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, UNE offers a minor in education. The Education minor at UNE meets the needs of students who wish to consider education as a career as well as those who wish to work in a teaching role outside of K–12 school settings.
Which colleges have the best interdisciplinary studies degree programs?
When searching for a school with an interdisciplinary studies degree program, you should ask the following questions:
Faculty
What types of instructors will you be learning from and working with?
As a student in UNE’s Interdisciplinary Studies program, you learn from faculty across the areas of study from English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Archeology. Students also find small class sizes appealing, with UNE boasting a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 20.
Explore more quick facts about UNE
Curriculum
Does the curriculum have multiple areas of study to allow you to customize your program and explore your interests?
UNE’s Interdisciplinary Studies major has a flexible curriculum, allowing for double majors and minors. The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:
- Graphic Medicine
- Criminals, Idiots, and Minors: Victorian Women and the Law
- Literatures of the Sea
- History of Drugs in the Americas
- Revolutionary Medicine
- War Letters
- Good, Evil, Right, and Wrong
- God, Life, and Hereafter
- Biomedical Ethics
UNE's one-of-a-kind HuMed program readies students for medical school while allowing them to follow their humanities passion. HuMed offers enriched curriculum flexibility without acceleration, enabling students to dedicate time and energy to explore aspects of the human condition that aren't attainable through a conventional pre-med route.
There is also a pre-law option to prepare students for law school. UNE students considering law school after they graduate can consult with the School of Arts and Humanities faculty to design an appropriate course of study. The pre-law emphasis ensures that students develop a foundation in the humanities that will prepare them for law school and success in the legal profession.
UNE prioritizes experiential learning. Hands-on activities for interdisciplinary studies majors include:
- Conducting research or producing creative projects to present at local, regional, and national venues
- Completing on-campus or off-campus internships
- Studying abroad for international experience
Students’ senior capstone experience includes an opportunity to take a deep dive into a subject that captivates you. Because this major is all about making interdisciplinary connections, many students choose a thesis that combines multiple areas of interest.
Financial aid
Does the school you are considering offer financial aid or scholarships to help you in your education?
A UNE education is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. All incoming full-time undergraduate students will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE
UNE's Student Financial Services comprises the Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices. Our program optimizes institutional and federal funds. To explore education funding options, contact us at sfs@bianlifan.com or (207) 602-2342 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Location and environment
Is it a collaborative atmosphere where you can learn from your peers? What unique opportunities does the campus offer?
UNE provides students with a variety of learning experiences with its three unique campuses; two Maine campuses in Biddeford and Portland plus a campus in Tangier, Morocco that is home to an innovative semester abroad program.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Our two libraries, the Ketchum Library on the Biddeford Campus and the Abplanalp Library on the Portland Campus house a collection of over 135,000 print volumes, over 375,000 e-books, and 80,000 full-text journals.
The Center for Global Humanities (CGH) hosts speakers and films from around the globe and across the spectrum of the humanities. We invite all members of the community to read, watch, and discuss. UNE students have the opportunity to participate in the CGH Seminar Series course.
UNE students can explore the Maine Women Writers Collection at the Abplanalp Library. This one-of-a-kind collection offers a unique view of the literary, cultural, and social history of women in Maine and New England.
Career goals
Does the college or university offer advising to help you determine the right career path based on your interests and field of study?
According to the Brookings Institute, UNE is the #1 college in Maine for increasing career earnings. UNE is also consistently ranked as Zippia’s best college in Maine for finding a job.
UNE offers Career Advising to Interdisciplinary Studies majors to plan their next step. 93% of bachelor’s degree graduates are employed or continuing higher education within six months to one year of graduating.
How do you list an interdisciplinary studies degree on a resume?
Incorporating your educational degrees on your resume provides prospective employers with a clearer insight into your background and overall knowledge. When including any pertinent education information on a resume, contain all of it within a designated education section. If your work experience outweighs your educational accomplishments, list your experience first. For most recent college graduates, your education history will likely go to the top.
The type of education information you’ll want to list on your resume includes:
- Attendance year range or at least a graduation date
- The name of the institution attended and the city and state where it's located
- Your awarded degree/major area of study
An example of how you would record a UNE Interdisciplinary Studies degree on your resume is shown below:
May 2023
University of New England - Portland, Maine
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
UNE students can work with the Academic and Career Advising Center. Career Advising offers a blend of career and personal interest exploration, resume and cover letter assistance, and guidance during the transition to employment. We also coordinate annual career fairs and serve as a liaison between the campus communities and area employers.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE