About Us
Message from the Director
Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments (IS3D) at San Diego State University is a B.A. program that empowers students to design their own course of study by selecting courses from three different academic disciplines. We recognize that today’s complex challenges require creativity, adaptability, and innovative thinking. By engaging with diverse perspectives, IS3D majors develop the skills needed to succeed across a wide range of professional fields. Careers in healthcare, business, government, and the nonprofit sector increasingly demand individuals who can integrate multiple approaches to problem‑solving. Our program equips students with the interdisciplinary skill sets and helps them keep "doors open" to many pathways for their future.
The purpose of IS3D is to offer a rigorous, meaningful, and forward‑looking degree that prepares students to meet evolving academic and career demands. Through coursework in three chosen disciplines, students build a strong knowledge base and learn to apply interdisciplinary analysis to real‑world issues. With dedicated support, we aim to help students become agents of change in both their personal and professional communities.
For details on how to declare the IS3D major, explore participating disciplines, or connect with us on campus, please visit our website.
Dr. Melissa Warstadt
Director, Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments (IS3D)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments program is to provide students with an academically rigorous, meaningful, and forward-looking degree that provides students with the problem-solving skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving academic and career environment. Through our program students develop a knowledge-base in three disciplines and through an internship and capstone experience learn how to apply integrative interdisciplinary analysis to real-world problems. We strive to provide the necessary support to students so they can be agents of change in their personal and professional lives.
