Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies, Organizational Leadership, or Project Management

About this opportunity

A major in IDS gives you the unique opportunity to explore and integrate two or more disciplines or areas of concentration in both theoretical and applied settings. Please refer to our current list of concentration areas and their checklist of requirements here: https://cisa.asu.edu/interdisciplinary-studies-concentrations.

 A major in OGL gives you the opportunity to prepare for leadership positions in a wide range of organizations and career fields. You will develop skills that can be used to help organizations function successfully, including problem solving, effective communication, program assessment, resource management and how to use emerging technologies.

 A major in LST offers you the opportunity to study a broad array of disciplines. This program aims to provide you with the foundation to use knowledge in a manner that will help you become more successful thinkers, decision-makers and leaders.

 A major in PM emphasizes practical abilities and theoretical knowledge to prepare you to delve into the concepts and strategies that lead to effective leadership. Explore the skills needed for efficient project management and oversee projects from concept to completion. Additionally, you’ll learn how to lead others in similar roles.

Each of the IDS core courses, LST seminar courses and OGL core courses can be taken for Honors Enrichment Contract credit if the faculty member is willing and qualified to offer a contract.

Thesis

IDS/LST and OGL offers the following options and opportunities for research in support of BHC Honors Thesis:

1. Directed Study: IDS majors are required to complete IDS 401 which can take the form of an internship or directed study. The directed study option dovetails nicely with the Honors Thesis while the internship provides real-world work experience that consistently leads to job offers in over 30% of cases and can also serve as a research site for the Honors Thesis. Please meet with Nick Maddox – IDS 401 Coordinator (Nicholas.maddox@asu.edu) to discuss your goals so you can make an informed decision. IDS core faculty and their areas of expertise are listed below.
2. Independent Research: IDS, LST and OGL majors may take IDS 499 or OGL 499 in order to conduct research. This option is often used effectively by Barrett students in order to work on their honors thesis, especially if they have selected the IDS 401 internship option, discussed above.

 Please keep the following in mind when preparing to start your Thesis/Creative Project:

•  Your BIS IDS experience can serve as the foundation for a separate Honors Thesis. Related projects or research can be developed between the two experiences.
•  Students utilizing an IDS/LST or OGL faculty member as a chair of the committee must form a committee of a minimum of two members, Thesis Director and Second Committee member.

Academic Preparation

Process for Enrolling in BIS Honors Thesis Credit:

1. Brainstorm ideas for your Honors Thesis with an academic advisor and talk about options. Make sure you are starting early!
2. Now that you have narrowed down your options and have found out what your Honors Thesis entails, it is time to gather your final idea and outline/thoughts as well as the committee members you have lined up and set up a time to meet with your FHA.
3. Upon meeting with with your FHA you will discuss the final steps to the thesis, your faculty chair for the project and get the remaining documents signed.
4. Your FHA and the Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies Office will enroll you in the course (if the honors thesis course is IDS or OGL 492/493) and notify you once enrollment has been processed. If you are enrolling in an honors thesis course in another department you will want to work with them for departmental consent for enrollment and your Barrett Advisor can assist.

Recommended Timeline

Prior to enrolling in thesis credit 492 or 493, you must first complete a thesis/creative project
 information session. Visit the Thesis Prep Page for more information.