Interdisciplinary Studies at UBC

Students in Vancouver engaged in interdisciplinary studies

UBC proudly embraces interdisciplinary exploration and innovative programming, and promotes teaching methods that help you become a critical, independent thinker. As of today, UBC has more integrated first-year programs than any other Canadian university. Here are just a few examples of your opportunities for interdisciplinary and innovative study.

Interdisciplinary programs

Cognitive Systems

Philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and computer science come together in the study of cognitive systems. Explore the differences between natural and artificial intelligence and examine how they work together through human-computer interfaces.
Learn more about Cognitive Systems

Data Science

Learn how to use computer science and statistics to quantify information and make informed, evidence-based decisions. As a Data Science graduate, you can work as a business or data analyst, a data architect, or a statistician.
Learn more about Data Science

Visual Arts

Study in a variety of traditional media, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, analogue photography, and printmaking. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on digital media projects, including video, digital photography, sound art, animation, and the creation of virtual worlds.
Learn more about Visual Arts

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Investigate issues and questions related to the growing human population, the sustainability of resource use, degradation caused by pollution and disturbance, and the endangerment and extinction of species and natural systems.
Learn more about Earth and Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Gain an in-depth understanding of the major environmental issues facing human societies with a cross-disciplinary curriculum that incorporates elements of chemistry, earth and ocean sciences, life sciences, and social sciences.
Learn more about Environmental Sciences

Global Resource Systems

Complete your first year in Arts, Land and Food Systems, or Science, before developing a richly layered understanding of complex international resource issues through courses in arts, sciences, and social sciences in the Global Resource Systems program.
Learn more about Global Resource Systems

International Relations

Study political science, history, sociology, and anthropology to better understand the challenges of the 21st century. Explore the dynamics of globalization and examine international politics while drawing on diverse disciplines to make sense of our complex world.
Learn more about International Relations on the Okanagan campus
Learn more about International Relations on the Vancouver campus

Media Studies

Prepare for a professional career in media by exploring eight arts disciplines and computer science through theory, research, and application.
Learn more about Media Studies on the Okanagan campus
Learn more about Media Studies on the Vancouver campus

Wood Products Processing

Gain a comprehensive understanding of wood science, business, and advanced manufacturing operations as part of this award-winning degree.
Learn more about Wood Products Processing

Conservation

Play an active role in protecting and managing our natural environment through your analysis of urban development, agricultural practices, mineral and oil extraction, and fishery and forestry practices.
Learn more about Conservation

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Learn how to analyze the rules that govern us, examine decision-making in an increasingly globalized marketplace, and develop informed opinions about the world we live in.
Learn more about Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Urban Forestry

Work with other urban planning, infrastructure development, and management professionals to develop attractive, sustainable, and effective shelters. Learn how to manage urban green spaces and ecosystems so our world can stay a little bit greener.
Learn more about Urban Forestry

Dual degrees

Bachelor and Master of Management Dual Degree

Pursue a subject you’re passionate about and concurrently earn a postgraduate degree from the UBC Sauder School of Business, one of the world’s most prestigious business schools.
Learn more about the Bachelor and Master of Management Dual Degree on the Okanagan campus
Learn more about the Bachelor and Master of Management Dual Degree on the Vancouver campus

Dual Degree in Arts and Science

Simultaneously earn Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees while immersing yourself in each faculty, taking a variety of subjects, and actively participating in the Arts and Science student bodies.
Learn more about the Dual Degree in Arts and Science

Sciences Po

Study in Canada and France and earn degrees from UBC and France’s Sciences Po, a research-intensive university specializing in social sciences and humanities.
Learn more about Sciences Po

UBC Sauder-University of Hong Kong Dual Degree

Immerse yourself in two distinct academic and cultural environments and earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC Sauder School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong.
Learn more about the Sauder-Hong Kong Dual Degree

Cohort programs

Arts One

Learn from a multidisciplinary team of instructors in a small and supportive cohort. Arts One is a writing-intensive program with a humanities focus in one of two streams: Authority and Resistance; or Dangerous Questions, Forbidden Knowledge.
Learn more about Arts One

Coordinated Arts Program

Learn from a multidisciplinary team of instructors in a small and supportive cohort. In the Coordinated Arts Program, you’ll explore subjects in one of five streams: Media Studies; Global Citizens; Individual and Society; Law and Society; and Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics.
Learn more about the Coordinated Arts Program

Science One

Explore scientific questions with a small group of like-minded students using concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Science One focuses on research and independent work, with a four-day field trip to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Learn more about Science One

First Year Focus

Build a strong foundation in the computational sciences: an area that is key to studying complex problems such as climate change, food scarcity, and pandemics. First Year Focus offers supportive group learning and the flexibility to pursue all branches of science as you progress in your degree.
Learn more about First Year Focus

Land One

Get hands-on experience in small classes for your core courses through this integrated program for Forestry and Land and Food Systems students. Lands One gives you the opportunity to develop valuable relationships with instructors and peers, while diving into content that is directly connected to current land issues.
Learn more about Land One

Vantage One

Earn first-year degree credits while you develop your academic English in a cohort-based, 11-month program that prepares you for a smooth transition to second year.
Learn more about Vantage One

Create your own degree

General Studies

Design your own cross-disciplinary course of study in consultation with an advisor on the Okanagan campus. Choose courses from the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and creative and performing arts.
Learn more about General Studies