Overview

Program Details

The Interdisciplinary Studies major at the University of California, Santa Barbara requires that students do preparatory course work in three Letters and Science departments that serve as the major’s concentrations and complete a total of fifty-six upper-division units in the three concentrations.

Students should carefully study the UCSB General Catalog and major sheet to become familiar with specific requirements and limitations in the major. Students will submit their major proposal to a college dean, who will evaluate it based on overall coherence, academic integrity of the proposed courses, and academic background and performance of the student. A recommendation will then be made to the Executive Committee of the College of Letters and Science, which has the sole authority for approving admission to the major. The program approved by the committee constitutes a contract of courses and may be altered only by petition to the committee.

Programme Structure

Courses

The preparation for the interdisciplinary studies major will consist of courses specified by each of the three concentration departments—students should consult with the Letters and Science interdisciplinary studies advisor or the department advisor for details. The major requires that student complete fifty-six upper-division units in the three departments of concentration, including at least sixteen units in each of the three concentrations.

As a means of tying together various strands of their study in a coherent and academically significant fashion, interdisciplinary studies majors are required to complete a four-unit course in a department of concentration, typically numbered 199, in which a senior thesis or research project will be completed. A list of suitable courses is available at department offices and the college office. Interdisciplinary studies majors are not allowed to complete a second major.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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115

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts View 1615 other Bachelors in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

115

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Other requirements

General requirements

The University of California sets slightly different criteria for applicants who are not California residents. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you must meet the same admission requirements as a California resident student.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Tuition Fee

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International

14436 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 14436 USD per year during 48 months.
National

14436 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 14436 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

14436 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 14436 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Santa Barbara

1640 - 2480 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Interdisciplinary Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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