Our interdisciplinary studies majors actively select their own curriculum combining two or three disciplines to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree through classes on campus or fully online.
You will choose a topical area of concentration and work closely with your advisors to accomplish your academic goals.
Real-World Projects
Additionally, you'll complete senior projects that demonstrate the intersection of theory and application in your field of interest. Students have collaborated with a variety of organizations including the Special Olympics, New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, The Next IT Girl, Ziply Fiber, Butler Institute of American Art and more.
Past student projects have included:
Working on entrepreneurial and business projects at the Hill Community Development Corporation
Researching the changing landscape for women in sports, from the playing field to the front office
Volunteering with the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Co-founding a co-housing project in Pittsburgh
Creation of a licensed daycare center
Concentrations & Courses
Our Interdisciplinary Studies program allows you to design your own major based on your interests and goals. Students must fulfill a minimum of 18 hours each in at least two disciplines, up to a maximum of three. Individual courses from other disciplines (outside the areas of focus) may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Some of the combinations of disciplines students have pursued include:
Business and psychology
History and political science
Social justice studies and creative writing
Behavioral sciences and biology
Psychology and marketing & sales
Study abroad, as well as coursework at neighboring universities, is also encouraged.
Meet Our Faculty
Marion Dixon, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology and coordinator of interdisciplinary studies and international studies
Dr. Dixon's research interests include agriculture, food, international development, Middle East and North Africa, world-ecology and nature-society relations.
This transfer-friendly program allows you to work toward degree completion to advance your career. Point Park's online programs are presented in a flexible format at an affordable cost. Our 8-week courses are always offered asynchronously for your convenience.
Online students have access to the same great benefits as on-campus students:
Point Park faculty with real-world experience.
Small online class sizes for individualized attention.
Students Explore Art, History, Etiquette and More in School of Arts & Sciences' Japanese Culture Course
"Because I want to pursue a career that involves the professional side of Japan, this class gave me a great introduction to some of the etiquette I will have to study for the future. It also motivated me to ramp up my studies of the language to prepare for a job there after college."
Point Park University Students Take First Place in America250PA's Statewide Direct Effect Innovation Challenge
"This experience has significantly enhanced my career readiness by giving me a hands-on opportunity to apply my marketing skills in a real-world setting. From designing the campaign to crafting the messaging, I gained practical experience in developing a cohesive strategy that aligns with bo...
Point Park University Launches Second Year of $4,000 Visit Scholarship for Students Who Visit Downtown Campus
The Visit Scholarship, valued at $4,000, is exclusively available to high school juniors and seniors who visit Point Park University's vibrant Downtown campus between Aug. 1, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2025.
School of Arts & Sciences Closes Out Academic Year with Events Celebrating Graduates, Student Projects
"To have worked so hard on a project that means so much to me and finally share my findings with so many people makes my heart swell with pride and appreciation."
Get Career-Ready with: Natalie Caine '25, Interdisciplinary Studies Major and Photography Minor
"The interdisciplinary studies major at Point Park has allowed me to pursue a multitude of fields that interest me. I am able to gain critical insight and experience through a creative lens. Point Park has given me a truly unique educational opportunity."
Point Park University Partners with Joon Care to Provide Increased Access to Mental Health Care for Students
Point Park University has launched a partnership with Joon to offer students increased access to mental health care services. Joon is a teletherapy service designed specifically for young adults.
"I have been so fortunate to have met some great individuals through chess! I always look forward to spending my Mondays chatting and playing. It is like a little reset for the beginning of my week and is something I always look forward to no matter how busy the rest of my days are."
Faculty Spotlight: Associate Professor of Sociology Marion Dixon, Ph.D., Publishes Book on Corporate Food in Egypt
"I encourage my students to ask questions about the world. Why are things the way that they are? How did they come to be this way? How could they be different? I want my students to stay curious about the world, near and far!"
Point Park Charts Bold Path Forward with Innovative Strategic Plan – Pioneer Vision 2030 – Shaping the University’s Future
Point Park University's strategic plan, Pioneer Vision 2030, leverages the University’s strengths, including its focus on and commitment to experiential learning, as it looks to build out a cultural corridor on its side of Downtown that connects with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.