Interdisciplinary Studies Department
Why Study Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC Asheville?
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed for students whose academic interests extend beyond the boundaries of a single discipline. Choose from concentrations in Arts and Markets, Global Studies, or Law, Ethics, and Social Policy, or create an Individual Degree Concentration tailored to your unique goals. With the flexibility to combine diverse fields of study, the program empowers students to build an educational experience that reflects their passions while preparing them for a wide range of careers and graduate study.
Interdisciplinary Studies Department Programs
American Indian & Indigenous Studies
Minor
By enrolling in the American Indian and Indigenous Studies minor at UNC Asheville, you enrich your knowledge of the traditions, histories, and contemporary issues of Native communities. Learn from expert faculty with expertise in the field and engage with a diverse community of learners who share a passion for understanding and respecting indigenous perspectives.
Arts & Markets
Minor Concentration
The Arts and Markets program provides you with the knowledge and skills to connect your artistic abilities with business and successfully market, manage, and innovate your creative ideas into a career.
Asian Studies
Minor
In an increasingly interconnected world, the Asian Studies minor empowers you with knowledge that broadens your perspective and prepares you for a career in business, academia, or beyond.
Global Studies
Minor Concentration
Study international cultures, economies, and politics, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary world from different disciplinary perspectives.
Individual Degree Concentration
Concentration
The Individual Degree Concentration allows students to develop an individualized degree program that integrates academic disciplines.
Law, Ethics, And Social Policy
Concentration
In the Law, Ethics, and Social Policy Concentration program, learn to critically evaluate ethical dilemmas, develop cultural competence, participate in public discourse, and make informed decisions.
Legal Studies
Minor
UNC Asheville’s Legal Studies minor offers an interdisciplinary exploration of law, justice, and legal institutions through the lenses of political science, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history. The program encourages students to think critically about the nature, purpose, and impact of law in society. Designed to complement a range of majors, the Legal Studies minor prepares students for graduate study or careers in fields such as law, public service, advocacy, mediation, government, and social justice.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Our program emphasizes hands-on learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Unlike many other universities, more than 65% of UNC Asheville students complete undergraduate research, and our Undergraduate Research Program (URP) helps to facilitate these projects. We also promote global citizenship among students through the Study Abroad Program. As a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), we provide opportunities for students to study at over 200 universities in more than 40 countries.
Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
With 60+ student clubs and organizations, UNC Asheville makes room for every interest, belief, and background to find its place. For Interdisciplinary Studies majors, that range is an invitation: connect with people who already share your passions, and just as easily find yourself challenged by perspectives you hadn’t considered. It’s a college experience built not around one path, but around the many you choose to explore.
One of my professors used the term ‘serial obsessionist’ to describe his wide variety of interests. I think that term fits me well. I have been surprised by how many different things are really exciting for me to learn about, so I have had a hard time settling into any one path after graduation.
Interdisciplinary Studies Department Faculty
The faculty in UNC Asheville's Interdisciplinary Studies department are more than just teachers—they are dedicated mentors who guide students in creating a truly unique and personalized education. With a wide range of expertise spanning multiple fields, our faculty empower students to think critically, solve complex problems, and build a curriculum that perfectly aligns with their passions and career aspirations. We are committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can explore the connections between different disciplines and prepare to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.
Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Office: 214 Zeis Hall
Email: awray1@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:00 am – 11:00 am, in person
Email for appointments M – F, 9 am – 4 pm
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow 2025-27
Office: 216 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3952
Email: rgusain@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Wednesday 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Or by appointment
Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.
Chair of Interdisciplinary, International Studies; Sara and Joseph Breman Professor
Office: 207 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3943
Email: skapur@unca.edu
Surain Subramaniam, Ph.D.
Professor of International & Asian Studies
Office: 212 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-2409
Email: surain@unca.edu
Emily Herzog
Administrative Assistant, Vice Chair of Employee Belonging and Wellness
Office: 205 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3955
Email: eherzog@unca.edu
Ready for What's Next?
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Carolina Asheville and empower curious, open-minded, and adaptable students to design a flexible, holistic education that fits passion and career goals.