Interdisciplinary Study at Bryn Athyn

Our interdisciplinary major (ID) allows you to choose not just one, but two areas of study for your program of study.

You'll work closely with our interdisciplinary major advisor to design a program of study that will challenge you to develop, in a structured way, the interrelationships of different fields of knowledge, and gain an understanding of the unity of all truth—spiritual, moral, civil, and scientific.

Students may combine any two of the following subjects to design their own interdisciplinary majors:

  • Art / Art History
  • Biology
  • Business Management
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Religion

Selecting your fields of study is a personalized process that your advisors will help facilitate.

Senior Research Essay

A senior research essay is required for all interdisciplinary majors. Students prepare and present either a senior essay or project that connects both discipline areas and attempts to relate your study to the theology of the New Church. It is important for students to prepare for this "writing intensive" experience by taking appropriate preparatory courses which require research papers.

Senior essay topics have included:

  • Child Abuse and Play Therapy
  • Imagination, Creativity, and Lateral Thinking
  • Evolution and Creationism
  • Reality in Fiction
  • Counseling Psychology in Rural Areas
  • X-Ray Crystallography
  • The Issue of Free Will
  • Existence of Chance in Nature
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bibliotherapy

A Track Record of Success

Our ID program is well-established and has developed an enviable track record of success. Alumni of the program include those who have entered the job market right after graduation, as well as those who have furthered their education, obtaining doctorates and other advanced degrees. Students often use their senior essay as part of their portfolio because it demonstrates their best work.

Contact:

Sonia Werner, PhD, Head of Interdisciplinary Studies Major
267-502-2502, soni.werner@brynathyn.edu

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