CGS Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies

The CGS Interdisciplinary Studies minor provides undergraduates the opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of how disciplines intersect and can work together to create new knowledge, ways of thinking, and/or to problem solve at the intersections of the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences disciplines.

Students complete six 4-unit courses. They begin by building an interdisciplinary foundation through two different CGS 201 or 202 courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and/or humanities. They then take two CGS electives (or approved interdisciplinary electives offered elsewhere at BU) and Cross-College Challenge (XCC 4**), the BU Hub’s project-based course that brings together juniors and seniors from all 10 undergraduate schools and colleges. Finally, students complete a 4-unit interdisciplinary directed study under the supervision of a CGS faculty member.

The minor encourages students to build the broad base of interdisciplinary learning they need to solve problems, think critically and creatively, take on complex intellectual and practical challenges, and cultivate habits of mind that will help them succeed in any career.

Learning Outcomes

The minor in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed to help students develop:

  • the ability to make insightful connections across disciplines and perspectives.
  • the ability to draw conclusions by combining examples, facts, theories or methodologies from at least two disciplines to arrive at interdisciplinary understandings.
  • the ability to use interdisciplinary thinking to address problem solving and take on complex intellectual and practical challenges.
  • their understanding of the interconnections and relationships among the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • the ability to apply creative approaches to problem-solving and self-directed study.

Minor Requirements

  • Two 4-unit CGS courses at the 200-level*; at least one of these courses must be numbered 202
  • Two 4-unit CGS interdisciplinary electives numbered CGS IN 200-, CGS HU 203-, CGS NS 203-, CGS RH 200-, or CGS SS 203- and above†
  • One 4-unit Cross-College Challenge course numbered HUB XCC 400- and above
  • One 4-unit Interdisciplinary Directed Study (CGS IS 400) with a CGS faculty member (as approved by Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development)

*For CGS students only: Two CGS 200-level courses will be counted both towards fulfilment of the CGS requirements and towards the Interdisciplinary minor
†Or relevant interdisciplinary electives elsewhere at BU, as approved by the CGS Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development

Students interested in pursuing the minor must schedule an appointment with Davida Pines, CGS Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, dpines@bu.edu.

Students may use this form to plan their progress toward the minor.

Interdisciplinary Directed Studies Application Form

To begin the process of developing the required Interdisciplinary Directed Study after the Interdisciplinary Minor has been declared, please review the application form here and schedule an appointment with Davida Pines, CGS Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, dpines@bu.edu.