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Interdisciplinary Studies (Minors)

Interdisciplinary Studies at Otis College supports undergraduate students working across and in between disciplines. We offer optional minors and a range of studio electives that integrate subjects and methodologies.

Each Minor is a 15-credit course sequence focused on a particular theme, topic, or discipline. Through this program, students acquire a wide array of skills and knowledge, developing an art and design practice that spans multiple disciplines or exists uniquely between them.

While minors are optional, and most students choose to pursue only one, double minors are occasionally possible. Eligibility requirements must be met for enrollment in this enriching program. See each specific minor for details.

Interdisciplinary Studies electives, open to all majors and minors, provide internship opportunities, interdisciplinary career preparation, synthesis of skills and knowledge, and real world experience collaborating with local and global community partners.

Many of the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues are inherently interdisciplinary and cannot be solved by one field of expertise alone. Artists and designers are uniquely positioned to contribute to these efforts.

View All Major/Minor Combinations

Reinforce Your Major: Explore Minors at Otis

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How to Declare a Minor

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 declare a minor in 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 Chair and/or your Minor Area Head to discuss your interests, options, and Declaration process (only required if you are unsure which minor to pursue).
  • Complete the online Declaration of Minor Form.
  • Meet with Academic Advising to review Academic Plan. 
  • Students declaring CONC, DGMD, GRDS, ILUS, PNTG, PHOT, PRDS, and/or SCNG minors are recommended to also meet with the Minor Area Head for one on one advising.
  • Students receive email confirmation once their declaration form has been approved by the Registrar.
  • Attend group meetings with Minor Area Heads during Registration Advising periods.

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.

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 must meet the requirements above and fulfill degree program requirements through an appropriate combination of transfer courses and courses completed at Otis.

Contact the Department

Michele Jaquis

Professor and Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies

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