Frequently Asked Questions

Start by reaching out to idp@humboldt.edu  to set up a meeting to discuss the program and your interests, or attend an information session with the IDP Director (register for an upcoming session here)

• New first-time and transfer students apply to Cal Poly Humboldt via CalState Apply. On your application be sure to choose the Interdisciplinary Studies - Individualized Degree Plan as your major.
• Returning students submit a Request to Return form, available on the Returning Student Portal.
• Current students who are either undeclared or have less than 60 semester units (junior standing) submit a Major Change Request. Students with 90 or more semester units (senior standing) submit a Major Change for Seniors. Both forms are available here. 

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies 

No, you do not need to have your degree plan completed or approved before you start the program. You will design your Individualized Degree Plan (IDP) in one of the program’s core courses (SP 310: Interdisciplinary Inquiry). That said, it is helpful to explore the courses offered at Cal Poly Humboldt before entering the program and perhaps even draft a preliminary plan that you can use as a jumping off point. 

To guide your preparation, check out the Individualized Degree Plan Templete  and the Cal Poly Humboldt course catalog. 

You will develop your degree plan in SP 310: Interdisciplinary Inquiry with guidance from the course instructor and your academic advisor.

Yes, you will be assigned a dedicated major advisor and a professional academic advisor who will serve as a team to provide you with support and guidance. 

You will work with your advisor to plan your coursework prior to developing your formal degree plan and are encouraged to use a Major Academic Plan (MAP):

• Interdisciplinary Studies, Individualized Degree Plan Concentration, B.A. MAP
• Interdisciplinary Studies, Individualized Degree Plan Concentration, B.A. Transfer MAP

Yes, you can add minors and/or certificates and you can also study abroad.

Yes

Yes

Yes, your degree plan may include courses that you have already completed at Cal Poly Humboldt or other institutions. 

Yes, career exploration and professional development are incorporated into the core courses and the internship course. 6 units of paid/unpaid internship can be applied to your major and you may earn up to 15 units of credit for prior learning for knowledge and skills gained outside the college classroom, for example through work or community-based learning (beginning Fall 2025)

Yes, core courses focus on experiential and project-based learning through which you will develop communication, critical thinking, research and project management skills; In addition, you will complete a capstone research or creative project and a digital portfolio. Optional internship/s can be included in your degree plan and you may also earn credit for learning outside of a college classroom (see next question for details)

Yes, beginning in Fall 2025, IDP students may earn up to 15 units of credit for prior learning for college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom, through experiences such as industry or government training, volunteer and civic activities, work-based or independant learning.

To earn credit for learning outside the classroom you will take SP 350: Conceptualizing Prior Learning (2 units) to be instructed in how to frame your non-classroom learning in academic terms and develop a prior learning portfolio. You will then submit your portfolio for assessment that could lead to up to 15 units of college credit through SP 351: Portfolio on Prior Learning.

Yes, depending on your interests and course availability, you may complete your degree online. The core courses in the IDP program are taught online and your degree plan may include in person, hybrid, and/or online courses.

Yes, you may choose to attend part time (1-6 units) or full time (6+ units). Based on the number of units that you enroll in, you will pay part-time or part-time or full time tuition and fees.

Yes, the IDP program is a regular major and students have access to financial aid, all student services, campus facilities, etc…The following types of financial aid may be applied:

• Pell Grant
• Cal Grant
• Middle Class Scholarship
• Federal Loans
• Scholarships
• Veterans Aid
• Employer Reimbursement (3rd party)
• State University Grant (SUG)
• CSU Employee Tuition Benefits