Interdisciplinary Science

  • IMG - Lang Interdisciplinary Science

    Explore the connections between science and society in a natural science curriculum that integrates laboratory work and quantitative reasoning with social sciences, humanities, and the arts. The Interdisciplinary Science major at Lang makes science and math relevant, tangible, and meaningful to students from all backgrounds—especially those interested in promoting social change.

    Though courses are rigorous, emphasizing deep understanding of key scientific concepts and methodologies, our program aims to democratize the sciences. You’ll develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills and learn to apply scientific knowledge to address real-world issues such as clean water access, climate change, emerging biotechnologies, and other concerns involving health, the environment, education, ethics, and policy.

    Courses emphasize active understanding and the practice of scientific and mathematical principles rather than passive learning and memorization. You can supplement your classroom experience with hands-on learning opportunities that include internships, research experiences, and fieldwork that address environmental justice and health equity.

    The University and New York City

    While it offers the atmosphere and intimacy of a small college, Lang is part of The New School, a major progressive university in the center of New York City. As an Interdisciplinary Science student, you’ll enjoy benefits including

    • Science-focused internships with nonprofits and organizations promoting scientific literacy, including Smithsonian’s George Heye Center; MoMath (mathematics museum); Museum of Modern Art; GenSpace (DIY community science center); We Act (Environmental Justice Organization), Doctors Without Borders, and Imagine Science Films
    • Public lectures at institutions dedicated to advancing science and math, such as New York Academy of Sciences and New York Academy of Medicine
    • Research experiences through organizations such as the NYC Department of Health and Clinical Director’s Network

    Career Paths

    Graduates often choose career paths and graduate programs that rely on strong scientific and quantitative reasoning and an understanding of the relationship between the natural sciences and mathematics and the social sciences, the humanities, and the arts. Students are prepared to conduct research in areas spanning health, environmental sustainability, advocacy, ethics, management, and education. Students are also prepared to enter interdisciplinary graduate programs in science communication, public health/epidemiology, health and medical geography, environmental studies and policy, medical anthropology, journalism, narrative medicine, data science, history and philosophy of science, genetic counseling, health and environmental economics, and design.

    Students can study Interdisciplinary Science as a major (BA, Interdisciplinary Science), as a minor, or as part of a self-designed major (BA or BS, Liberal Arts).