About the Bridging Disciplines Programs
The Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDPs) at The University of Texas at Austin allow undergraduates to earn a certificate in one of nine different interdisciplinary concentrations:
- Children and Society
- Cultural Studies
- Digital Arts and Media
- Environment
- Ethics and Leadership
- Film Studies
- International Studies
- Social Entrepreneurship and Non-profits
- Social Inequality, Health, and Policy
The BDP concentrations represent areas of innovative faculty research, teaching, and collaboration at UT. Each program is guided by a cross-college panel of faculty members whose research relates to the BDP topic.
After completing 19 credit hours of coursework, research, and internship experiences, students earn a certificate demonstrating a secondary area of specialization that complements the major. By studying an issue from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, they become more flexible, versatile thinkers, prepared for a professional world that values collaboration and innovation. Students in the BDPs also gain access to unique research and internship experiences at UT and around the world, giving them hands-on experience applying what they have learned in the classroom.
Formed in 2002 by the Provost’s Office, the Bridging Disciplines Programs are now a program of the School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS), which provides a diverse set of programs and resources that traverse boundaries between colleges and disciplines and enhance the quality of undergraduate education.
"The BDP offers different educational experiences than a minor or even a double major. The BDP is great for exploring an interest rather than mastering the technical details of a subject. Also, the BDP allows for individuality, which is not always the case with minors or double majors."
- Noah Weiss, Environment