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IDS 401: Applied learning and internships course

In the IDS 401 Experience, you will arrange, plan and execute your own learning project. No matter which option you choose, your experience will integrate both of your chosen interdisciplinary academic concentrations in a meaningful way.

During the experience, you’ll be guided in doing interdisciplinary application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The essence of the IDS 401 experience is application, and the more complex efforts that application enables. In IDS 401 you will apply the prerequisite interdisciplinary knowledge you acquired in earlier core courses, and the prerequisite disciplinary knowledge you acquired from your concentration areas. How you apply this knowledge takes the form of the higher-order skills: analysis, evaluation, and finally creation.

Course prerequisites

  • Completed IDS 201 or 301 with a grade of C or better
  • Completed 2 courses in each concentration area. 
  • Complete an application for any of the options by the posted deadline
  • In good academic standing: cumulative ASU GPA of 2.0 or better

Experience options

Applied study

The applied study is a traditional work experience, where you will spend 120 hours at a site of your choosing putting your integration and concentration area knowledge to the test.  In addition to the hours completed onsite, there will be an online class component where you will reflect on your internship work.

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Directed study

A directed study is a thesis or research project that you will design in consultation with a faculty member. This option is best suited for students who are interested in graduate school or have a creative project they are interested in pursuing. This can be a great way to start a CV, create a portfolio, or design your own project. The directed study is a student-led project that requires strong organizational skills.

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Research fellows

Partner with School of Applied Sciences and Arts faculty to assist them with research and ongoing faculty-led projects. The Research Fellowship IDS 401 option is highly competitive, so students should begin planning for this option early.

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ASU Humanities Lab

The Humanities Lab provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on research on compelling social challenges of interest to today’s students while working with others who are also invested in making a difference.

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Unsure which option is best for you?

Feeling overwhelmed by all the information and having trouble deciding which option is best for you? Take the IDS 401 options quiz! This quiz is modeled after the ever-popular Buzzfeed quiz. Answer a series of questions, and we will recommend an option based on your responses. 

Questions?

Check out our FAQ page for common questions and answers or email us at cisainternship@asu.edu.