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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ISF Major?
The ISF (Interdisciplinary Studies Field) major is a unique program at Cal that offers students a special opportunity to take advantage of the University's strengths as a research institution. This means you can design a truly original program of research and study. This major is intended for students who have a clear idea first of all about the research they would like to pursue and the courses that will be most meaningful to them. The program is interested in students with creative and innovative capacities in the areas of research and study. Applicants are encouraged to coherently convey their area of research and study in a brief proposal. It should bridge several disciplines.
How do I choose courses for my major?
When developing your ISF major, it is important to choose a list of courses that relate to your central research question. Since Cal offers an extraordinary breadth of courses, it may seem at first an overwhelming task to select courses from these offerings. However, there is a simple way to approach this process.
Start by defining your interests:
First of all, please look over the "Sample Research Programs" in the ISF handbook. The handbook is available in hard copy and on our web site. Although your major will reflect your own goals and interests, other ISF students before you probably have put together programs in your area. You may want to use their programs as a reference.
Alternatively, look over the current list of majors in the College of Letters & Science's web site (http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/majors/majorlist.html) or in the "Earning Your Degree" guide (page 42-43). Cross off any major that you are NOT interested in. Make a list of the remaining majors. Carefully read the brief descriptions of each major in the General Catalog. Create a list of majors with subject matters and goals that interest you. Next, browse the General Catalog to read the course descriptions for proximity to your interests, and create a "dream" list of courses. Be inclusive--don't rule anything out at this point. Think about how these courses might be related. Do you find yourself wanting to explore this connection?
Next, discuss your proposal with an ISF faculty adviser:
Once you have a list of courses or you have an idea of what you would like to research or study, visit an ISF faculty adviser to discuss your proposal. The adviser will assist you in developing a proposal with a coherence, breadth, and depth that is comparable to an existing academic discipline here at Cal. In addition, the faculty adviser will be able to direct you to additional faculty on campus who teach in your area of interest.
Lastly, apply to the major!
For information and an application to the ISF major, click here (http://ls.berkeley.edu/ugis/isf/major/declaring.php)
What can I do with an ISF major?
Lots of things. However, it is most important to study what you love. This means you will simply perform better in the classes you are interested in. This translates into a stronger GPA. Also, when you interview for employment or apply to graduate school, you will be in an extraordinary position to articulate your reasons for choosing an interdisciplinary major. Remember, employers do not hire majors; they hire people. And, as an ISF major, you have proven to be a person who has the capacity to write an original research proposal, develop a substantive study program, and execute the research and writing of a significant senior thesis.
Employers typically seek the following 10 personal qualities and/or skills:
1. Communication skills (verbal and written)
2. Honesty/integrity
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Strong work ethic
5. Analytical skills
6. Flexibility/adaptability
7. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
8. Motivation/Initiative
9. Computer skills
10. Detail-oriented
(From NACE's Job Outlook 2006 survey)
As you will notice, the category of "major" appears nowhere on this list. You will develop many of the skills indicated above in the context of our interdisciplinary program.
For information about ISF students regarding their professional opportunities after graduating, and their monetary earnings, please check out the following (http://career.berkeley.edu/Major/InterStud.stm)
Can I incorporate Study Abroad courses in my major?
We strongly encourage ISF students to participate in the study abroad programs and to incorporate their intellectual experiences into the structure of their interdisciplinary major. Up to three upper division courses taken abroad may be applied to the major. We also encourage students to use their language skills in their research and study. For information about Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad, click here (http://studyabroad.berkeley.edu)
Do ISF Courses also satisfy College Breadth Requirements?
ISF courses, in addition to satisfying major requirements, may also satisfy breadth requirements in L&S:
What are the career paths of students who have majored in ISF?
The career paths of ISF students are as varied and unique as ISF students themselves. Here is a small sample of the types of programs and careers our students have successfully chosen to pursue:
City Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Director of Undergraduate Research, UC Berkeley
Fullbright Fellowship for Historical Study, Hungary
Fullbright Fellowship for Anthropological Fieldwork, Malaysia
Graduate Program, International Relations, Georgetown University
Graduate Program, International Relations, Harvard University
Graduate Program, Education, Columbia University
Graduate Program in Society and Technology, Cornell University
Graduate Program in Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University
Graduate Program in Creative Writing, University of Iowa
Graduate Program in Philosophy, University of Illinois;
Graduate Program in Society and Technology, Cornell University
Graduate Program in Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University
Graduate Program in Public Health, UC Berkeley
Graduate Program, Development and Environment, Georgetown University
Graduate Program, International Relations, Monterey Institute
Graduate Program, Urban and City Planning, UC Berkeley
Graduate Program, South East Asian Studies, Columbia University
Graduate Program, Industrial Relations, Cornel University
Internship with United Nations, Geneva
Investment Consulting
Law School, UC-Davis
Law School, UC-Berkeley
Law School, Georgetown University
Medical School, UCLA
Nonprofit Organization Consulting
World Affairs Council, San Francisco
Other graduates have gone on to careers as hospital administrators, teachers, financial planners, stockbrokers, environmental activists, civil servants, doctors, nurses, business executives, and just about anything else. The question is not, "What can I do with a degree in ISF?" but rather "What do I want to do in my professional future?" An ISF degree will enhance your future professional choices.
ISF Courses that also satisfy breadth:
* Arts and Literature (AL) Breadth is satisfied by the following ISF courses: 100C, 108, 117
* Historical Studies (HS) Breadth is satisfied by the following ISF course: C145
* International Studies (IS) Breadth is satisfied by the following ISF courses: 60, 100A, 100D, 100E, C145
* Philosophy and Values (PV) Breadth is satisfied by the following ISF courses: 60, 61, 100A, 100B, 100E
* Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Breadth is satisfied by the following ISF courses:
60, 100A, 100B, 100D, 100E, 108, 115, 116, 117, 118, 118AC, 125, C145
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