Announcements

The Major

The ISF major houses a research-driven program of liberal education. It is a problem-based program, not a discipline. It offers motivated students the unique opportunity to develop an individualized cross-disciplinary Research Program that includes a Course of Study and a Senior Thesis. The Course of Study is made up of courses taken in the social sciences, the humanities, and/or the professional schools and colleges, alongside the required courses in ISF. The capstone experience is a scholarly, rigorously-researched 40-page required Senior Thesis, a sustained inquiry in the social sciences and humanities based on original, cross-disciplinary research.
Read More About the Major
Dylan Riley headshot
Director Dylan Riley

Advising

See a Student Academic Advisor or Faculty Advisor 

Patrick Civello

Student academic advisor

The Student Academic Advisor’s job is to guide students and faculty as they navigate University, College, and Major Program policies. With a lifetime commitment to education and a master’s degree in college student counseling and career counseling, Patrick enjoys supporting faculty, students, and staff. He especially enjoys helping students develop the skills they need in succeeding at the university and in life.

Faculty Advisors

ISF Graduates

Bonnie Cherry - Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

Before attending UC Berkeley, Bonnie amassed 10 years of nonprofit/grant writing experience working for Native American cultural and resource centers. As a Cal student, her research focus was on Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, where she attained highest honors in the ISF major and won the department citation. Her other accolades include the Center for Race and Gender Independent Research …Read more  »

Course Threads

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program is proud to host Berkeley Course Threads, developed by the Townsend Center for the Humanities, that give students the chance to connect their courses thematically to earn a certificate in interdisciplinary studies.

GO TO COURSE THREADS

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Forms & Downloads

FAQ

Answers to the most frequent questions and answers

FAQ

Courses

Answers to the most frequent questions and answers

Courses

Additional Resources

The following destinations will give you more information as well as additional resources for the ISF Major 

GSI Jobs

Graduate Student Instructors (GSI) and Reader Positions listed here.

Donate

Donate to ISF through the Give to Berkeley Website.

Graduation

Get the most recent information on ISF commencement and graduating.

Get in touch

Administrative Office

263 Evans Hall
(510) 642-7691
Patrick Civello
civello@berkeley.edu

UGIS Office

231 Evans Hall
(510) 642-0108