Interdisciplinary Studies (2019) from Otis College of Art and Design on Vimeo.
Interdisciplinary Studies gives undergraduate students the opportunity to extend and complement their work in the major by pursuing a minor—a defined course sequence that explores a specific theme, topic, or discipline. Minors are optional, and most Interdisciplinary Studies students pursue only one minor, however students may be approved to pursue two minors on a case-by-case basis. All Interdisciplinary Studies students must meet eligibility requirements to enroll.
See full list of available minors in left menu.
Click here to see which major/minor combinations are possible.
Declaring a Minor
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Application Process
Students should complete their Declaration of Minor form during registration advising for either the first or second semester of the sophomore year. Under limited circumstances, students may begin a minor in the first semester of the junior year. Declaration forms are available online. The area head of the Minor, the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Registrar must approve the application.
- Meet with the Interdisciplinary Studies Director to discuss your interests.
- Sign Academic Plan (obtained by Interdisciplinary Studies office).
- Complete the online Declaration of Minor Form.
- Meet with area head of your chosen minor(s) to gain their approval (see list below).
- Students receive email confirmation once their declaration form has been approved by the Registrar.
How do I drop or change my minor?
Students who wish to drop their minor must complete the online Dropping Minor form. Students who wish to change their minor or add a second minor must complete a new Declaration of Minor form following the instructions above.
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Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements
In order to pursue a minor, students must be on track in their major and in good academic standing, with fewer than 6 credits outstanding and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students who fall behind 6 credits or more after declaring a minor will be automatically dropped from the minor. Students who fall below a 2.0 cumulative GPA after declaring a minor will be given a written warning at first, then automatically dropped from the minor if their GPA is not above 2.0 in the subsequent semester. In both cases students can reapply for the minor once they've caught up in their major and/or liberal arts requirements and/or raised their GPA. Not all minors are open to all majors. See each specific minor for details. Students will be allowed to register for courses on a space-available basis, which is not guaranteed, but registering early will significantly increase the chances of getting into their required courses.
Transfer students who apply for and are approved to pursue a minor upon entering the College must meet the requirements above and fulfill degree program requirements through an appropriate combination of transfer courses and courses completed at Otis.
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More Information
Studio visits and advisement on courses, internships, graduate schools and careers are available for all current and prospective Interdisciplinary Studies students by appointment.
Contact Interdisciplinary Studies (via email form) or stop by the Interdisciplinary Studies office in Ahmanson 606.
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Meet the Administration / Minor Area Heads
Michele Jaquis (IS/ACT Director; Community Arts Engagement, Teacher Credential Preparation)
Rebecca Chamlee (Book Arts)
Meg Cranston (Painting, Photography, Sculpture/New Genres)
Marlena Donohue (Art History)
Maggie Light (Creative Writing)
Nancy Jo Haselbacher (Printmaking)
Claudia Hernández Romero (Sustainability)
Patricia Kovic (Product Design)
Harry Mott (Digital Media)
Kali Nikitas (Advertising Design, Graphic Design, Illustration)
Joan Takayama-Ogawa (Contemporary Clay)
F. Miguel Valenti (Entrepreneurship)