Interdisciplinary Certificates
Why Choose an Interdisciplinary Certificate at UNC Asheville?
At UNC Asheville, pursuing an interdisciplinary certificate alongside an undergraduate degree offers students the chance to expand their knowledge in specialized areas that complement their major. This approach enriches their academic experience, allowing them to develop expertise in real-world scenarios while enhancing their career prospects. By integrating these certificates into their undergraduate studies, students gain a competitive edge, demonstrating both depth and breadth in their education.
Interdisciplinary certificates may only be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree at UNC Asheville.
Applied Social Science Research
Certificate
The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Applied Social Science Research facilitates the development of methodological skills applicable to social research in a wide range of settings. Skills include but are not limited to: research design, interviewing, experimental design, ethnography, survey design, coding, program evaluation, inferential statistical analysis, and effective translation of data for a variety of audiences. The certificate also offers explicit opportunities to cultivate ethical, rigorous research collaborations with community partners.
Contemplative Inquiry
Certificate
The Certificate in Contemplative Inquiry focuses on creating opportunities for greater inquiry, connection, reflection, insight, and communication. It does so by nurturing and supporting students’ practical and critical first-person experience and inquiry through the use of varied contemplative practices, including mindfulness techniques, meditation, focused thought exercises, beholding, deep listening, reflective writing, contemplative movement, and dialogue.
Food, Food Systems, & Culture
Certificate
The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Food, Food Systems and Culture focuses on developing the student as an informed consumer of food by providing a platform for discussion of what we eat, why we eat, where our food comes from and its journey from production to consumption, and how food affects our bodies, health and lives.
Sustainability
Certificate
Our increasingly complex and interdependent world needs critical thinkers with strong problem-solving skills who are able to address the long-term viability of social-ecological systems. The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Sustainability seeks to give students a broad understanding of environmental, socioeconomic, and humanistic systems through interdisciplinary academic preparation, community engagement, and cross-campus collaboration so that they can help develop local and global solutions for a sustainable future.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Our program emphasizes hands-on learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Unlike many other universities, more than 65% of UNC Asheville students complete undergraduate research, and our Undergraduate Research Program (URP) helps to facilitate these projects. We also promote global citizenship among students through the Study Abroad Program. As a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), we provide opportunities for students to study at over 200 universities in more than 40 countries.
Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
UNC Asheville offers an inclusive community with over 60 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for Interdisciplinary Studiesmajors to engage with their peers and enhance their college experience. For example, Asian Students in Asheville (A.S.I.A.) is a dynamic organization that represents the growing population of Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander students at UNC Asheville through a variety os social, cultural, and educational events.
I can completely customize the majority of my major classes and tailor it to exactly the type of knowledge I will use in the non-profit sphere. You end up having almost total control over your degree, which is super cool.
Faculty
Experienced and dedicated faculty support your academic and personal growth and enrich UNC Asheville’s Interdisciplinary Studies program. Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse ethnicities and nations of origin, languages, and academic disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.
Interim Chair of Interdisciplinary, International Studies; Sara and Joseph Breman Professor
Office: 207 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3943
Email: skapur@unca.edu
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.
Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Office: 213 Karpen Hall
Phone: 251-6412
Email: awray1@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Thursday and Friday office hours are online by appointment.
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow 2025-27
Office: 216 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3952
Email: rgusain@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Wednesday 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Or by appointment
Surain Subramaniam, Ph.D.
Professor of International & Asian Studies
Office: 212 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-2409
Email: surain@unca.edu
Emily Herzog
Administrative Assistant, Vice Chair of Employee Belonging and Wellness
Office: 205 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3955
Email: eherzog@unca.edu
Ready for What's Next?
Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC Asheville empowers you to explore diverse subjects, merge ideas from various fields, and discover unexpected connections that can shape the future. Our program is a gateway to a world of boundless possibilities, where you can delve into the intersection of art and science, business and sustainability, technology, and social impact.