Interdisciplinary Studies

he Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is intended primarily for students planning on transferring to a senior college or university to receive a baccalaureate degree. Students earning their A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies have the option of earning a General award (see course plan below), or they can choose one of the following specializations within that major: Mexican-American Studies, Africana African American Studies, Global Studies, Women and Gender Studies. Students earning an A.A. in a field other than Interdisciplinary Studies may earn an Institutional Certificate (I.C.) in one of the specializations below by completing requirements for that specialization within the core requirements for their degree (contact the Humanities Department to learn more about whether your current degree plan includes the possibility for specialization).

The Africana/African-American Studies - Specialization Institutional Certificate is a 12-credit option of focus within the Interdisciplinary Studies, A.A. degree, or can be earned in conjunction with some A.A. degrees outside of Interdisciplinary Studies (contact the Humanities Program for more information). The Africana/African-American Studies Institutional Certificate is for students who seek to learn more about African-American history and experience from a range of perspectives and disciplines. Excellent preparation for successful employment in an increasingly multicultural region such as Houston.

The Global Studies Institutional Certificate is an option of focus within the Interdisciplinary Studies, A.A. degree, or can be earned in conjunction with some A.A. degrees outside of Interdisciplinary Studies (contact the Humanities Program for more information). The Global Studies specialization is designed to aid students in understanding the complex interrelationships between nations and their inhabitants. The program utilizes a cross disciplinary approach, encouraging students to embrace global issues from multiple perspectives. This Institutional Certificate provides a unifying framework to help students contribute to our increasingly interconnected world as responsible global citizens. It establishes a unique foundation for the pursuit of varied majors and careers, from liberal arts and social science to international business. Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The specialization requirements must be completed in addition to the degree re

The Mexican American/Latinx Studies Institutional Certificate is an option of focus within the Interdisciplinary Studies, A.A. degree, or can be earned in conjunction with some A.A. degrees outside of Interdisciplinary Studies (contact the Humanities Program for more information). The specialization in Mexican-American Studies is designed to help students understand Mexican American/Latinx culture from a range of disciplines and perspectives. Students earning this Instutituional Certificate will build a unique foundation for various majors and careers, including elementary education, social and behavioral sciences, health sciences, law, business, public policy, and many others. The Mexican American/Latinx Studies certificate enhances students’ familiarity and understanding of diverse cultures in preparation for employment in an increasingly multi-cultural region. Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The requirements below must be completed in additi

The Women & Gender Studies-specialization Institutional Certificate is an option of focus within the Interdisciplinary Studies, A.A. degree, or can be earned in conjunction with some A.A. degrees outside of Interdisciplinary Studies (contact the Humanities Program for more information). The specialization is designed to help the student understand women’s and gender issues as a fundamental category of social and cultural analysis; to help students link gender with class, race, ethnic, and sexual identification; and to help the student analyze the diversity of experiences concerning women and issues of gender identity and expression. It provides a unique foundation for students of various majors and career paths, including health sciences, education, social and behavioral sciences, law, business, math, engineering, and many others. Students may earn one Associate of Arts in one of the specializations. The specialization requirements must be completed in addition to the degree require