Interdisciplinary Fields of Study
Embrace the Ampersand
The ampersand in the middle of our College’s name symbolizes the rich space of possibility that awaits you here. Meaning “both/and,” the ampersand is the purpose — and the power — of the liberal arts: recognizing and forming connections between things that at first glance don't seem to go together.
Interdisciplinary subjects — or subjects that combine two or more fields of study — exemplify F&M’s connective spirit. These programs empower you to say “both/and,” challenge disciplinary boundaries and create an academic experience that’s unique to your passions and goals.
Begin shaping your path by exploring some of the many interdisciplinary fields we offer.
Study the range of interrelated histories, cultures, and intellectual contributions
of Africans and those of African origin, from the cradle of humankind to present-day
hip hop. You’ll enjoy an intricately blended education, as numerous other F&M programs
contribute to Africana Studies, including American studies, anthropology, economics,
English, French, government, history, music, religious studies and sociology. American Studies is the oldest interdisciplinary major at F&M. Unlike traditional
majors, American Studies allows you to combine and cross academic fields in your study
of American culture, past and present. You’ll explore a rich array of courses drawn
from nine academic departments beyond American Studies, including history; religious
studies; art; music; Africana Studies; women’s, gender and sexuality studies; and
more. Animal Behavior Studies blends psychology and biology to study the biological and
social reasons for animal behavior, as well as how these behaviors affect the world
around us in terms of conservation, education, and the environment.Africana Studies
American Studies
Animal Behavior Studies
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at F&M focuses on the structure and function of biomolecules,
which are the metabolic machinery of the cell and control its underlying genetics.
Coursework in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology combines biology and chemistry so you
can learn how to manipulate and study biomolecules. Bioinformatics is a rapidly-expanding field that combines the study of biology, chemistry,
computer science, and applied mathematics. By studying bioinformatics at F&M, you’ll
explore how to develop methods and software tools for understanding biological data. Explore the nature and function of the mind — human, animal, or artificial. When you
study cognitive science at F&M, you’ll employ intellectual tools from philosophy,
computer science, psychology, biology, and more to understand the nature of the mind
and how it works, functions, and behaves.Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics
Cognitive Science
Explore the power of literature to express the diversity of human experiences across
time and space, and consider the ways in which poetry, prose, and stage performances
have shaped different cultures and civilizations. You’ll enjoy courses on Chinese
poetry, Japanese pop culture, the Russian novel, Medieval epics, world theatre, and
more. Data science draws on mathematics, statistics, and computer science to study data
and extract meaningful insights to help you better understand the world. As a data
science student at F&M, you’ll develop in-demand skills such as analytical reasoning
and critical thinking, explore ethical questions, and hone your communication skills
so you can share your findings with others. Explore today’s critical environmental issues through a scientific lens. By blending
perspectives and foundational knowledge from geology, biology, and chemistry, Earth
& Environmental Science will prepare you to evaluate and address key geological and
environmental challenges and opportunities by helping you develop critical, science-based
skills to solve problems, manage and protect natural resources, and make informed
decisions.Comparative Literary Studies
Data Science
Earth & Environmental Science
As an environmental studies student, you’ll study critical issues of our times: global
warming and climate change, environmental justice, alternative energy sources, wilderness
protection, ecotourism, and natural resource management. By blending knowledge of
environmental policy and science with environmental economics, government, anthropology,
business, history, and more, you’ll develop a deep foundation in environmental knowledge
and perspectives. Meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world and engage its diverse
communities. With courses in government, music, business, environmental studies, and
more, you’ll develop a global perspective and immerse yourself in the languages and
cultures of non-English-speaking countries and regions. From its origins to the present day, Judaic Studies at F&M provides a comprehensive
introduction to the religious, cultural, and political traditions and experiences
of Jewish life. You can tailor your studies by choosing from courses within any other
existing major offered at F&M, in particular those examining the history and culture
of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas.Environmental Studies
International Studies
Judaic Studies
Learn about Latin American and Latinx cultures in relation to relevant themes of our
time, including migration, race and gender. You can tailor your studies by choosing
from courses within anthropology, environmental studies, government, history, American
Studies, and Spanish that relate to Latin American and Latinx experiences and culture. What leads people to engage in selfless — or selfish — acts? By studying moral psychology
at F&M, you’ll investigate the psychological processes of humans in moral contexts
through a blended lens of philosophy, psychology, sociology, government, religious
studies, and more. As a student of neuroscience at F&M, you will not only learn how the brain works,
but contribute to the ever-growing body of information on this unique organ. Using
a blend of knowledge and tools taken from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics,
mathematics, and psychology, you’ll develop a rich understanding of both the physical
and behavioral functions of the brain.LatinX and Latin American Studies
Moral Psychology
Neuroscience
Challenge assumptions and structures as you develop a deep moral intelligence concerning
public health around the globe. Blending perspectives from biology; sociology; government;
psychology; women’s, gender and sexuality studies; and more, you’ll study the principles
and history of public health, the burden of disease, how to measure health, health
in the context of human rights, the health of communities and how it is affected by
community-based action, and more. When you study public policy at F&M, you’ll explore the methods and institutions through
which governments, economies, and societies work together to support, regulate, protect,
and communicate with diverse communities. Much of your coursework will cross into
other programs, allowing you to study public policy through a blended lens of economics,
government, philosophy, and more. As a religious studies student at F&M, you will have the opportunity to study numerous
belief systems, including American religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism,
and Islam, while challenging your own perceptions and those of the world around you.
Through a blended lens of humanities and social sciences, you will engage in unbiased
studies and analyses of a variety of religious traditions embedded in myth, ritual,
art, ethics, doctrine, philosophy, and literature.Public Health
Public Policy
Religious Studies
Science, Technology and Society
Science, Technology and Society is an innovative program at F&M that investigates the nature of science and technology, the history and philosophy of science, and how science, technology and human society interconnect. The program is specially designed to offer you distinctive opportunities to take control of your education and customize your experience to your learning goals by combining the field with another discipline.
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Examine diverse perspectives on gender and sexuality from a variety of academic approaches and in dialogue with popular culture, feminist activism, and lived experience. Unlike other programs — which focus solely on the West or on the United States — F&M's global focus weaves together a unique blend of lenses including languages, psychology, biology, sociology, history, anthropology, American studies, film and media, and more.
More Ways to Customize Your Academic Experience
Double and Joint Majors
More than a third of our students build a unique educational experience tailored to their specific interests and career goals by declaring more than one major or designing a special studies or joint major.
Examples of Joint Majors
Examples of Special Studies Majors
Certificates
