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Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies

Solving complex, real-world problems begins with the ability to work collaboratively and think across multiple disciplines. Governors State’s Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies facilitates the development of skills in multimodal thinking, expanding beyond discipline-specific methodologies while developing knowledge of subject matter relevant to specific fields and problems.

The IDSS program offers transfer and adult students a customizable degree plan, which can be completed entirely online or on GSU's main campus, including a selection of week day, weekend or hybrid courses. The program is designed for completion over the course of three semesters.

First semester: Learn the foundational skills and knowledge required to become a disciplinary insider while learning interdisciplinary problem-solving methods. Also, remember to enroll in our new Career Planning and Decision Making course, which acts as an entry point into the program that helps students identify their marketable strength and investigate possible career options.

Second semester: Develop skills further through hands-on application, including research, group projects, and an optional internship.

Third semester: Synthesize knowledge through the IDSS capstone experience, in which students conceive, complete, and articulate their work in a final, cumulative project.

Intakes

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description	IELTS (1.0 -9.0)	TOEFL IBT (0-120)	TOEFL CBT (0-300)	PTE (10-90)
Expert	9	120	297-300	86-90
Very Good	8.5	115-119	280-293	83-86
Very Good	8	110-114	270-280	79-83
Good	7.5	102-109	253-267	73-79
Good	7	94-101	240-253	65-73
Competent	6.5	79-93	213-233	58-65
Competent	6	60-78	170-210	50-58
Modest	5.5	46-59	133-210	43-50
Modest	5	35-45	107-133	36-43
Limited	4	32-34	97-103	30-36
Extremely Limited	< 4	< 31	< 93	< 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Job Opportunity Potential at Governors State University (GSU)

Chicago Proximity – Located near Chicago, a major hub for business, technology, healthcare, and logistics.

STEM & Business Careers – Strong demand for graduates in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Business (MBA, Accounting, Finance).

Healthcare Pathways – GSU is well-known for Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Health Administration, with excellent placement in hospitals and clinics.

Internships & Co-ops – Access to internships with Fortune 500 companies and Chicago-based firms in finance, consulting, tech, and manufacturing.

OPT & STEM OPT – Eligible programs provide up to 3 years of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation.

Teaching & Counseling – Education, Social Work, and Counseling programs prepare students for careers in schools, universities, and community organizations.

Government & Non-profit Careers – Public Administration and Leadership graduates often find roles in policy, community development, and NGOs.

Entrepreneurship Support – GSU’s Small Business Development Center helps students start and grow businesses.

Networking – Strong alumni network and career fairs connect students with employers in Illinois and nationwide.

On-Campus Jobs – Opportunities to work up to 20 hours per week while studying.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Official high school transcripts.

Minimum unweighted high school GPA ~ 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

ACT or SAT are optional; only taken if you want them considered.

If you studied in a non-English speaking country, you need credential evaluation by a NACES-member agency.

English / IELTS & Other Language Proficiency Requirements

If your previous education was in a country where English is not the foundational language, you must show English proficiency using one of these: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or equivalent test.
Minimum IELTS (Academic) score generally required is 6.0 for both undergrad and graduate admissions.
For TOEFL, minimum overall score for graduate applicants is 80 (internet-based).
For undergraduates, a lower TOEFL minimum is possible (e.g. 68 IBT) or similar, depending on program.
If you don’t meet the required English test scores, GSU offers an Intensive ESL Program as conditional admission / to improve your English before you start academic classes.

Governors State University

University Park , Illinois ,United States