Program Details

How Does an INT Program Work?

Unlike other majors, there is no established checksheet of classes for an INT degree. Instead, you are creating the checksheet as you go. Whether you are a transfer student or a new student, the INT major can meet you where you are.

You and your advisor will work together to design a unique program suited to your interests and goals. Together, we will combine courses from across all of UMA’s programs (and even from other campuses) to create a major that meets your personal, educational, and professional goals. As an INT student, you will complete all the general education requirements and your selected courses (and prerequisites as needed) to build a primary area of study and two to three areas of concentration. You shape–and name–your major. 

Students choose Interdisciplinary Studies for myriad reasons, and there is no single “right” curriculum path. Students work closely with their advisor each semester to select the best classes for their individualized degree program. While new students will generally start by completing general education requirements, we recommend that you also take courses in your areas of interest. The INT degree path is flexible and adapts to what you learn–about yourself, your goals, and interests as you take the courses that interest you most.

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Transfer Students

If you’re transfering to UMA, we work to make the best use of your prior credits while leaving space for you to grow in new directions. We help you find the courses that best meet your goals and interests.

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Introduction and Capstone

Program requirements include INT 208: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and INT 495: Capstone in Interdisciplinary Studies. These two courses help to give you anchors for your self-designed curriculum. 

In INT 208 we learn more about higher education in general, the similarities and differences between disciplinary approaches, and the many different kinds of interdisciplinarity. You’ll build upon your research and writing skills and learn how to communicate what your INT major is all about. Students create a digital portfolio to showcase and share their work.

In INT 495 we revisit some of the skills and ideas from INT 208 and you work with your professor to design a paper/project that acts as a culminating assignment for your unique major. Students update their digital portfolio and are invited to present their work at the UMA Student Research Conference.

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Internships, Classes at Other UMS Universities, and Independent Study

As an INT student you can meet some of your overall credit requirements by leveraging work that you are already doing through internship credits. You can also gain new hands-on work experience through internships at local businesses or community organizations.

If you are interested in courses or topics that UMA does not offer, you can take some of your classes at other University of Maine System institutions to supplement your UMA INT degree. In some cases, you can work one on one with your professors to design independent study projects to pursue topics or themes related to your overall degree program and goals.