Interdisciplinary Studies

How do we prepare for a future that we can’t see? How do we acquire the knowledge, judgement, and skills needed over the full span of our lives? How do we prepare for careers that don’t yet have a name? The answer: an interdisciplinary education.

Many students today are interested in a variety of disciplines for their undergraduate study. The Honours Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (Interdisciplinary Studies Major) allows students to take two disciplines of study, interdisciplinary Inquiry courses, and a range of electives to obtain grounding in both Arts and Sciences. The HBASc (IS Major) can also be combined with a unique concentration in the thematic fields of Environment in Politics and Culture, Human Nature, International Conflict & Human Rights, and Social Justice. Alternatively, students may choose a disciplinary major within the HBASc degree structure in Criminology and Media, Film and Communications.

The breadth of an interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences education is particularly valuable for those who plan to become teachers. Two concurrent degrees, the HBASc/BEd and the BASc/BEd, are designed for Primary/Junior teachers, since they include a wide range of subjects that provide a solid foundation for primary education.

Our faculty expertise is diverse

Within IS degree options, faculty members bring experience and specific expertise to the study of interdisciplinary questions.  Research specialties of Interdisciplinary Studies faculty include, but are not limited to:

  • Gift exchange
  • Evolutionary psychology
  • Genocide
  • Global terrorism
  • Precarious labour markets
  • Media activism
  • Ecocriticism
  • Social dimensions of mind
  • Psychopathy
  • Food security
  • Globalization

We prepare you for different careers

IS programs are ideal for students with broad career interests. Our flexible HBASc and BASc degrees that emphasize subject knowledge, critical thinking, and analytic skills prepare graduates for many careers, including those in:

  • Forensic science
  • Policing
  • Public relations
  • Graphic design
  • Media analysis
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Teaching
  • Civil service
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Medicine

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NEWS

Nov
1
Community-based research navigates social, economic and environmental sustainability

Researchers investigate the restoration of cultural connections with plants among Indigenous communities and the evolving role of public libraries as... full story

Jun
29
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant supports EDI research

Dr. Sandra Jeppesen is receiving $448,376 from SSHRC under their new Race, Gender, and Diversity Initiative launched this year.

Jun
15
Lakehead University Orillia hosting a Tipi Raising Gathering on Saturday

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Lakehead University Orillia will host a Tipi Raising Gathering this Saturday, June 18.

May
12
New Book Written By Orillia Faculty and Students

A new book by several Lakehead co-authors, The Capitol Riots, explores the Capitol riots of January 2021.