Interdisciplinary Science

The Interdisciplinary Science curriculum uses a planetary health framework to address health, environment, and equity. Through seminars, labs, internships, and research experiences you investigate the social, physical, chemical, and biological principles that affect organisms, communities, nations, and the planet.

Our sequenced courses combine scientific and quantitative concepts and skills with critical perspectives from the social sciences, arts, and design. Our unique approach enables you to connect science to social justice, and consider effective and appropriate scientific, health, and environmental practices and policies.

• At the introductory level, you build foundational knowledge in courses that use a concept-based approach to learning rather than memorization.
• In lab-based courses and Science + Art + Design Lab Workshops, you apply knowledge to design experiments and solve problems related to climate change, air and water pollution, antibiotic resistance, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, genetic modification of foods, and ecological disruption.
• In advanced-level courses, you consider ways to promote scientific innovation and sustainable and socially just approaches that are informed by scientific and mathematical knowledge.

Major requirements

Minor requirements

Fellowships and Partnerships

To supplement your classroom experience at Lang, the Interdisciplinary Science program offers the Mohn Family Science and Social Justice Fellowship, which provides mentoring and financial support for internships and lab-based research experiences that relate to environmental justice, health equity, and STEAMD (STEM + Arts and Design). The partnership with Marine Biological Labs offers those interested in traditional courses and research in marine ecology a semester studying environmental science.

Connecting to New York City

While it offers the atmosphere and intimacy of a small college, Eugene Lang College is part of The New School, a major progressive university in New York City. NYC is home to the Museum of Math, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the New York Academy of Medicine. As an Interdisciplinary Science student, you access the city's resources in a variety of ways, including:

• Science-focused internships and Lang Social Science Fellowships with nonprofits and organizations promoting scientific literacy, such as WE ACT for Environmental Justice, the Climate Museum, and Biobus
• Public lectures, exhibitions, and workshops at institutions such as the New York Academy of Medicine, the Museum of the City of New York, the New York Academy of Sciences, and organizations at the intersection of art and science, such as Science Cafes, Guerrilla Science, and 500WomenScientists NYC
• Research experiences at The New School's Urban Systems Lab and at government and nonprofit organizations including the NYC Department of Health and Public Health Solutions. As a retail hub, the city offers opportunities for data collection. 
• The Imagine Science Film Festival, sponsored by Lang's Natural Sciences and Mathematics department, which allows students to attend at reduced rates, volunteer, and network with filmmakers and scientists through panel presentations and film screenings

Career Paths

Graduates often choose career paths and graduate programs that require strong scientific and quantitative reasoning and an understanding of the relationship between the natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and arts and design. Students are prepared to pursue graduate study and careers involving research in areas such as public and environmental health, environmental sustainability, journalism, design and technology, advocacy, ethics, management, and STEM/STEAMD education. 

Consult our 4-Year Lang Career Pathways Map (PDF) for helpful steps and resources to link your academic journey to your future plans. If you are interested in exploring more career options, see our Interdisciplinary Science Blog and our alumni biographies.

Outcomes at Lang

Note: This program is STEM-designated. After graduating, eligible F-1 students in this program can apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training at the end of their Post-Completion OPT.