Interdisciplinary Major

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.

Meet the Major Head

Dr. A. Fredrik Bryntesson
Associate Professor of Biology

BA, Bryn Athyn College
BSc, University of Greenwich
PhD, University College London

Dr. Bryntesson is an associate professor of biology, focusing on molecular biology with a research background primarily in the DNA repair field. He has also been involved in research projects at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Thomas Jefferson University investigating the molecular biology of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Dr. Bryntesson is currently involved with the ongoing deer research at Bryn Athyn College. In addition, he is interested in ornithology and is involved in a research project focusing on the natural history of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Dr. Bryntesson also serves as the director for the main men’s residence hall on campus and has helped organize the music project “Bryn Athyn College Rocks!” He serves the community as a voluntary member of the Holy Redeemer Health System Institutional Review Board.

Bryn Athyn College faculty