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| Interdisciplinary Programs |
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Interdisciplinarity is the act of drawing from two or more academic disciplines and integrating their insights to work together in pursuit of a common goal. Interdisciplinary programs use interdisciplinarity to develop a greater understanding of a problem that is too complex or wide-ranging to be dealt with using the knowledge and methodology of just one discipline.
The interdisciplinary majors and minors listed below offer studies that cut across the traditional departments in The College to provide a broad analysis and a multidimensional perspective of important issues and topics. You take courses in the sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences together in a combined curriculum. In many cases, adjustments to the curriculum can help meet your personal academic goals. |
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Undergraduate Academic Programs
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Interdisciplinary Programs |
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 Asian Studies (Minors)
Asian Studies has a long history at Syracuse University. Asian Studies has several components, including study abroad (in Beijing, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and India), two approved minors (in Chinese Studies and South Asian Studies) and a minor in Transnational Asian Studies that is currently being developed. For more information, email Susan Wadley. |
 Biochemistry (Major)
The interdisciplinary biochemistry major studies the relationship between the structure and function of biologically significant molecules present in living systems. Biochemistry involves the study of the behavior of enzymes, the chemical events of metabolism, and the transfer of genetic information. You will learn to use computer programs to study the structures of proteins and DNA and study how drugs and substrates bind to their target molecules. You will have the opportunity to conduct an undergraduate research project and present your results at the annual Undergraduate Research Conference at Syracuse University and at national conferences throughout the year.
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 Biophysical Science / Biological and Medical Physics (Major)
The program in biophysical science is designed for students with strong interests in the physical and mathematical aspects of the life sciences. You will learn to understand some of the fantastic discoveries that are occurring at the interface of biology and physics. Scientific and professional opportunities may include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and nanotechnology for students who have acquired the unusually broad scientific and liberal arts preparation of a biophysical science major. The major is also very well suited to students interested in graduate work in the health professions or in the biophysical sciences.
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 Chinese Studies (Minor)
The minor in Chinese Studies provides an understanding of the religious, economic, historical, and artistic dimensions of the Chinese and minority communities historically and in the modern period. For more information, contact Susan Wadley at (315) 443-1011 or Norman Kutcher |
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 Classical Civilization (Major)
Classical Civilization is the study of ancient Mediterranean civilizations and you may focus on one or two specific elements, such as art, history, literature, philosophy, religion, or political and social institutions. Courses are given in English and require no knowledge of Greek or Latin. You are encouraged to satisfy the Language Skills requirement by taking one of these languages. You are also strongly encouraged to take LIT 101, 102 Introduction to Classical Literature, LIT 203 Greek and Roman Epic in English Translation, and LIT 211 Greek and Roman Drama in English Translation during the first and sophomore years. |
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 Cognitive Science (Minor)
The minor in cognitive science offers study in recent interdisciplinary research on cognition. Relevant courses are offered in several departments and colleges, including the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science and the linguistics, philosophy, and psychology departments within The College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, please contact Robert VanGulick in the Department of Philosophy at (315) 443-5828 or by email. |
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 Environmental Science (Major)
Environmental sciences is an interdisciplinary program designed for students interested in helping to improve our environment. You will understand the scientific bases of environmental problems and the inter-relationships among the many factors that generate them. The program is grounded in math, physics, and chemistry, though completed in either biology or earth sciences. You will be exposured to courses in both subjects, and have the opportunity to take courses through the State University of New York's School of Environmental Sciences and Forestry (SUNY ESF).
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 European Literature (Major)
The study of European literature allows you to take 36 credits in literature courses numbered above 250, selected from two or three of the following areas: French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Courses may be distributed to include 18 credits in each of two different literatures or 12 in each of three literatures. Up to 6 credits in the literature of each area may be taken in translation. For more information, please contact Kathryn Everly in the Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics department at (315) 443-5473 or email to Kathy Everly. |
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 Forensic Science (Minor)
The minor in forensic science provides you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles behind the application of scientific techniques to forensic investigations and to the criminal justice system. A minor in forensic science offers a strong complement for people interested in criminal justice to major areas of study such as anthropology, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, psychology, engineering, pre-medicine and pre-professional degree programs. For more information please email James Spencer. |
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 Global Political Economy (Minor)
The minor in Global Political Economy is an interdisciplinary program designed to help students explore all the dimensions and implications of globalization in contemporary international relations. The minor is administered by the International Relations Program and is open to all Syracuse University students in good academic standing. |
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 International Relations (Major and Minor)
International Relations (IR) is one of the most popular majors in The College. This multi-disciplinary program allows you to design your own specialization in international relations. You select a geographic area of study, such as Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East, and a topic area, such as international security & diplomacy, international law & organizations, international political economy, or intercultural communication. Proficiency in a foreign language is required, and you are encouraged to participate in the Maxwell in Washington Undergraduate Semester to pursue an internship in Washington, D.C. and overseas programs through SU Abroad.
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 Judaic Studies (Minor)
This interdisciplinary minor explores the various forms of Judaic expression. Faculty research and teaching focus on the Hebrew Bible, Hebrew and Yiddish texts, Hasidim, European and American literature and Judaic thought. Students may study these and other aspects of the Judaic tradition. For more information, contact Ken Frieden in the Judaic Studies Program at (315) 443-1894 or via email. |
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 Latino-Latin American Studies (Major and Minor)
The Latino-Latin American Studies (LLAS) Program allows you to concentrate your studies on the culture, history, and development of the region and peoples of Latin America and U.S. Hispanic communities. A wide range of faculty from several departments and with complementary perspectives provide a stimulating entry into the interrelated worlds of Latin America and the United States. You can explore the economic challenges and opportunities, political strategies, geographic realities, social change, as well as literatures and cultures of Latin American societies and U.S. Hispanic communities. The study of Spanish language is recommended for majors.
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 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Studies (Minor)
This minor introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Studies. The minor is open and welcoming to all students and offers a sustained opportunity to learn about LGBT experience, history, and scholarship and explore fundamental questions about sexualities, bodies, identities, communities, social movements, and liberation politics. For more information email Andrew London or Margaret Himley. |
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 Linguistic Studies (Major and Minor)
Linguistics is the study of the nature and use of language and provides insight into the working human mind. The major ties together studies in many areas, such as anthropology, child and family studies, computer science, English and other languages, geography, literary criticism, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, speech communication, speech pathology, and linguistics proper. To learn more, email Gerald Greenberg. |
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 Logic (Minor)
Several academic disciplines--linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and computer science--are tied together by the theory and techniques of formal logic. The minor in logic acquaints students with those fundamentals of logical theory and technique that are of central concern to all of these areas. For more information, please contact Thomas J. McKay in the Department of Philosophy at (315) 443-2245 or by email. |
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 Medieval and Renaissance Studies (Minor)
This interdisciplinary program covers more than 1,000 years of history and chronicles the development of Western civilization out of Greco-Roman, Christian, and Germanic culture. From the perspectives of art, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, and theology, you will study such important figures as St. Augustine, Charlemagne, Roland, King Arthur, Abelard, Heloise, St. Francis, Dante, Chaucer, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Copernicus, Galileo, Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Holbein, as well as the creation of such contemporary institutions as constitutional government, universities, and capitalism.
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 Middle Eastern Studies (Minor)
The Middle Eastern Studies program (MES) exposes students to the diverse cultures, languages, literatures, religions, and political systems of the Middle East. This program brings together faculty members from such departments as Anthropology, Architecture, Communications & Rhetorical studies, Education, Fine Arts, Language, Literature, and Linguistics, History, International Relations, Law, Political Science, and Religion. The research and teaching interest of the faculty who are affiliated with this program focuses on ancient source texts, literature and culture of the Middle East, Islam and Judaism, conflict resolution, and contemporary political issues. For more information, email Mehrzad Boroujerdi . |
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 Native American Studies (Minor)
The minor in Native American Studies introduces you to an important area of study, which until recently was not especially visible on American college campuses: the religious, historical, political, and aesthetic dimensions of the lives of indigenous peoples of the Americas from the earliest cultures to the present. You develop your own minor curriculum--incorporating courses in anthropology, religion, history, and other areas--with the help of the program director. For more information, email Richard Loder. |
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 Political Philosophy (Major)
Political philosophy is reflective thought on group activity. It differs from political science in that it is a conceptual inquiry, while political science is a more empirical and practical application of that inquiry. The program enables you to pursue studies using the resources of both the Philosophy Department and the Political Science Department. You take coursework in ethics, political theory, the history of political thought, law, and human nature. Other topics of study include governmental structures and their ideal implementation, political behavior, civil liberties, the relationship between individuals and governments, and the philosophy of law. |
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 Religion and Society (Major and MInor)
This interdisciplinary program provides you with the opportunity to study the pervasive role of religion in contemporary society, especially in U.S. national politics, international relations, economic development, and popular culture. Course requirements aim to provide you with an understanding of several major religious traditions on your own terms, as well as perspectives on the social and cultural roles played by religion in various periods and places, and on particular aspects of human cultures, such as politics, violence, and group identity. For more information, email Gustav Niebuhr. |
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 Russian and Central European Studies (Major and MInor)
A shortage exists of American citizens knowledgeable in all areas of Russian and Central European affairs, politics, economics, education, business, communication, the arts, and culture. This program in Russian Studies provides multidisciplinary knowledge of Russian and Central European culture and civilization. Courses in international relations will provide you with valuable expertise and insights in an area of both personal and worldwide interest. For more information, contact Gerald Greenberg at (315) 443-1414 or via email. |
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 Science, Technology & Society (Minor)
Given the importance of the intersection between science, technology and society in the world of the 21st century, whether in the fields of medicine, computer technology, or the environment, amongst others, this minor seeks to provide students with an orientation to the complex intersections of these fields. Both ethical and policy issues are also considered. |
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 Structural Biology, Biochemistry & Biophysics (Graduate)
The Structural Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics (referred to as the SB3 Program and pronounced "S-B-three") doctoral degree program was created in response to the growing need for researchers in structural biology caused by the completion of the Human Genome Project. Determining the structure, function and relationships of thousands of newly discovered biomolecules will be among the most important scientific accomplishments of the 21st century. |
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