Interdepartmental Studies

This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

Undergraduate major: interdepartmental studies (BA)

Faculty: https://interdepartmentalstudies.uiowa.edu/people

Website: https://interdepartmentalstudies.uiowa.edu/

The Interdepartmental Studies Program (ISP) gives students the opportunity to choose a plan of study in one of three tracks: applied human services, business studies, or health science. Each track blends coursework from a variety of departments, fostering awareness of how these career fields cut across traditional academic disciplines.

Students who plan to seek employment immediately after graduation should familiarize themselves with the educational background and qualifications required by employers and should include appropriate courses in their study programs.

Students preparing for advanced study should become familiar with the admissions requirements of graduate or professional schools that interest them. The earlier students decide to pursue graduate or professional study, the easier it is to complete the necessary prerequisites.

The Interdepartmental Studies Program is one of the academic units in the Division of Interdisciplinary Programs.

Interdepartmental Studies Courses

INTD:3005 Professional and Creative Business Communication 3 s.h.

Solid foundation for creative and professional communication in today's modern work world; exploration of techniques, strategies, and craft of writing résumés, letters of interest, email and its related etiquette, and organization of ideas into presentable form; semester-long creative project that builds a bridge between office and the world using modern technology and social media; readings and discussions of literature to better understand issues of ethics, leadership, conflict, moral judgment, decision-making, and human nature; how to navigate and succeed in business or any professional field. GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as CW:3005, WRIT:3005.

INTD:3107 Creative Writing for the Health Professions 3 s.h.

GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as CW:3107.

INTD:3200 Creative Writing for New Media 3 s.h.

Prepares creative writers for evolving marketplace of electronic text and media; experience writing in varied media (e.g., internet, e-books, video games, mobile devices, emergent social narratives). GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as CW:3218.

INTD:3300 Creative Writing and Popular Culture 3 s.h.

Creative writing through the lens of popular culture; topics include television, film writing, adaptations, commercials, advertising, magazines, newspapers, comic books, song lyrics, billboards, and backs of cereal boxes. GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as CW:3215.

INTD:3330 Global Career Accelerator 3 s.h.

Experiential learning opportunity for undergraduate students to build career-focused professional and technical skills through a virtual global experience; students work together on real-world projects sourced from top global companies, allowing them to experience the challenges and rewards of collaborating with peers from different countries and cultures; includes an online learning platform alongside a local campus component. Same as CLAS:3300.

INTD:3500 Fundamentals of Project Management Leadership 3 s.h.

Overview of the fundamental principles of project management and interdisciplinary team leadership. Students develop essential skills to plan, execute, and oversee projects of varying types and complexity. Key concepts include project planning, risk management, team leadership, conflict resolution, communication, and decision-making within organizational contexts. Students are introduced to technological tools used by organizational leaders to effectively plan, lead, and execute projects across organizations. Same as CLAS:3500.

INTD:3510 Introduction to Arts Management 3 s.h.

Nonprofit performing arts management and administrative principles; practical applications, trends in the field; focus on arts organizations and their key administrative positions. Same as THTR:3510.

INTD:3600 Advanced Topics in Project Management Leadership 3 s.h.

Builds on foundational project management concepts to deepen students' understanding of strategic project management and leadership in complex, ever-changing economic, business, and social environments. Examine advanced topics such as strategic growth planning, organizational change, technology innovation, stakeholder engagement, and implementation. Enhances students' ability to lead high-performing teams and manage multifaceted projects with confidence and impact. Prerequisites: INTD:3500. Same as CLAS:3600.

INTD:4098 Independent Study arr.

Individual study of issues or topics related to a specific interdepartmental focus chosen by the student.

INTD:4099 Interdepartmental Studies Practicum arr.

Opportunity to relate a student's chosen area of study to practical application. Requirements: interdepartmental studies student.

INTD:4510 Arts Leadership Seminar 3 s.h.

Performing arts management and administrative principles, practical applications, trends in arts leadership and advocacy. Same as ENTR:4510, THTR:4510.

General Catalog

Undergraduate Program of Study

Major

Interdepartmental Studies Courses

Print Options