Interdisciplinary Scholars

Department

Create a Customized Course of Study

The Interdisciplinary Scholars minor opens doors to multiple areas of inquiry and study within the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences curriculum. Enrich your learning experience by designing your own interdisciplinary pathway and applying the knowledge and methodologies you develop to complex issues.

You’ll examine methods, theories and concepts across diverse fields of study, with an emphasis on three pillars: Global Understanding and Perspectives, Social Justice and Diversity, and Critical Thinking. This framework provides unique insights into the multifaceted and critical issues commonly addressed by behavioral and social science disciplines.

Why choose an Interdisciplinary Scholars minor?

Making connections between different concepts is essential in an interdisciplinary curriculum. Studying this way gives you the opportunity to:

Collaborate with a faculty mentor to develop individualized coursework that targets your interests.
Enhance your expertise in your major and how it relates to other disciplines.
Apply your learning in a variety of contexts and effectively communicate what you know.
Generate new knowledge across different subjects. Integrating the wisdom of multiple fields of study can advance your awareness of the world and lead to more effective solutions to local and global problems.
Connect with expert faculty and professionals from a range of fields and disciplines.
Develop important transferable skills, including critical thinking, communication, analysis, and interdisciplinary thought and understanding.

Explore Details About the Interdisciplinary Scholars Minor

Program Requirements:

Completion of six Interdisciplinary Scholars program courses in residence, across three distinct disciplines, including the student’s major.
Complete at least one course from each of the three designated areas of emphasis: Global Understanding and Perspectives; Social Justice and Diversity; and Critical Thinking.
Maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or better across all Interdisciplinary Scholars courses, with a minimum grade of B in each course.
Complete IBSS 4350 Interdisciplinary Research Methods course and a research project under the direction of a program advisor.
Present a final thesis at the Behavioral and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Scholars Symposium.

Eligibility:

You must be a full-time undergraduate student.
You must be a current sophomore or junior with 30 hours of coursework completed or a transfer student with a minimum of 15 hours completed at St. Edward’s.
You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

You may choose your major and minor courses from three Behavioral and Social Sciences areas of study:

Criminal Justice
Environmental Science and Policy
Global Studies
History
Political Science
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology

You’ll deepen knowledge in your primary major by applying new insights, skills and methodologies from two additional Behavioral and Social Sciences disciplines.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We strongly encourage applicants to discuss their Interdisciplinary Scholars program course plans with their academic advisor before registration.

For course descriptions, view the current Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF).

As a student in this program, you’ll create an interdisciplinary selection of courses and a final research project that match your educational and career goals.

Get ready to refine your research skills as you develop your interdisciplinary research project with the guidance of a member of the Behavioral and Social Sciences faculty. You’ll collect, read and analyze professional literature, collect data in the field, and utilize new and innovative software to sharpen your analysis. The project culminates in an oral presentation of research in the St. Edward’s Interdisciplinary Scholars Symposium.

Recent student projects have included political extremism in Southeastern Europe, climate migration in Central America, criminal justice reform in Texas, and innovative substance abuse treatments.

Student projects are highly individualized. You’ll develop significant research design experience through working closely with your faculty mentor, as well as faculty from the contributing disciplines, to determine the best research methodologies.

Recent projects have included experiences such as:

Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposals, including completing the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program).
Focus groups, including designing, implementing and evaluating data collected.
Archival research, both on campus and in the Austin area.
Oral histories and interviews that include identifying subjects, preparing questions and interpreting results.
Data collection and analysis using appropriate statistical models.

Are you interested in applying for the Fulbright program, pursuing graduate studies in the social sciences or working in areas of policy research and development? The interdisciplinary research methods you’ll experience in this minor are ideal preparation for these opportunities and more.

Past students who have completed this minor are working in government, including the City of Austin and the State of Texas, and in nonprofit organizations.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of History and Leadership webpage.

Leadership and Social Justice

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Bachelor of Liberal Arts

School

Department

Help Create a More Just World

Build leadership skills, learn how to expand your sphere of influence and explore ways you can be a change agent and advocate for social justice within your workplace and community.

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Leadership and Social Justice at St. Edward’s — an online and face-to-face, part-time program — supports emerging leaders in a range of fields that impact social justice issues. Subject matter is brought to life by merging theory and real-world experiences.

Core courses guide you in strategizing and reflecting on your goals for engaging in social justice work, and help you develop strong skills in critical thinking and oral and written communication. Elective courses allow you to examine leadership and social justice within multiple areas: the arts, education, history, language, philosophy, political science, religious studies, social work, sociology, and women’s and gender studies.

Why earn your Leadership and Social Justice degree at St. Edward’s?

Whether your passion for social justice leads you to a role in the nonprofit sector, criminal justice system, social work field or with a humanitarian cause, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.

Build relationships with your professors

Learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors with years of real-world expertise. They’ll get to know you, help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years. They’ll leverage their experience — and connections — to help you build your network.

Join a vibrant, like-minded community

Inspired by the Holy Cross mission of St. Edward’s, our campus community is passionate about serving others and creating a more just and humane world. In keeping with our mission, you’ll be prepared to approach issues from a perspective of equity, inclusion and human rights.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities and economies in the U.S. and home to numerous Fortune 500 firms and nearly 1,500 nonprofit organizations. Our Austin location, partnerships and connections allow you to immerse yourself in a dynamic business environment that offers a wealth of internships and jobs aligned with improving social conditions.

What are job opportunities for graduates?

This online program prepares students to lead social improvement efforts and work with social-justice focused organizations in roles like these:

Community Organizer or Activist
Diversity Officer
Nonprofit Leader
Fundraiser
NGO Project Manager
Outreach Coordinator
Case Manager

Explore More Details About the BLA in Leadership and Social Justice

Degree Plan

Major Requirements:
The Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Leadership and Social Justice requires a total of 33 hours of major courses, which include a combination of required leadership, social justice and communication courses as well as electives selected from the arts, education, history, language, philosophy, political science, religious studies, social work, sociology and women’s and gender studies.

Required Courses:
Students complete these three required courses totaling 9 hours:

Introduction to Leadership and Social Justice – Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful change-maker, activist and community organizer. You’ll explore how grassroots movements can transform communities, cultural norms and global systems. Experiential learning strengthens your skills in choosing effective tactics, facilitating groups, active listening, public speaking and catering to specific audiences.
Leadership and Social Justice Capstone – Integrate the knowledge and skills identified in the St. Edward’s University mission statement, incorporated into the courses included in the program, and honed during the completion of the BLA degree. Through a student-initiated, experiential-learning research project, you’ll demonstrate an understanding of ethical leadership infused with the fundamental tenets of social justice.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Leadership and Social Justice major, LDSJ 1301, and senior standing.
Writing and Rhetoric – Choose from a selection of courses that fulfill this requirement. Course topics cover creative writing, professional and workplace writing, grant proposal writing, social media and content writing, and more.

Required Electives:
Students choose eight courses totaling 24 hours, four from the social justice area and four from the leadership area. At least two options from each area must be at the 3000–4000 course level.

For more details, view and download the Undergraduate Course Bulletin (PDF).

The part-time format of the Leadership and Social Justice program provides flexibility for non-traditional students, working adults and transfer students seeking to complete their undergraduate degrees. Major requirements will be completed through a blend of online, hybrid and face-to-face class modalities.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of History and Leadership webpage.

Undergraduate

History

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Bachelor of Arts

School

Department

Learn about all of our Accelerate Graduate Pathways.

Build a Better Future with a Degree in History

As a History major, you’ll study diverse cultures and eras of the past while learning research, analysis and communication skills and developing a strong sense of ethics about how information is used.

Explore the history of the civil rights movement, wars of the 20th century, Middle East history, radicals and reformers and much more as you journey down a path toward becoming an engaged citizen and making your voice heard.

By studying the people, events and ideas of the past, you’ll gain an understanding of issues that face society today — in the United States and globally. You’ll learn how to better understand people whose lives, cultures and beliefs differ from yours. These skills and understanding are attributes of the accomplished historian and are widely valued by employers and graduate schools. Knowing how to think historically will help you become a better leader and succeed in various careers.

Why earn your History degree at St. Edward's?

Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in library or archival work, museum curation, international business, diplomacy, teaching or analyzing historic events, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.

Conduct graduate-level research

History majors will conduct research supervised by one of your professors to present at the St. Edward’s Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression or at a professional conference.

Build relationships with your professors

You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors who make a point of getting to know you and becoming your trusted advisors. They’ll help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

As a History major, you will have access to internships offered at dozens of museums, archives and research libraries across the fast-growing city of Austin.

What do our graduates do?

History majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

Archivist for the Texas State Archives and Library Commission
City attorney
Graduate student in the Master of Arts in Museum Studies at George Washington University
English Teaching Assistant in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Law students at The University of Texas at Austin and Duke University
Teach for America corps member
Social Studies teachers at area middle and high schools

Explore Details About a Degree in History

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in History requires 37 hours of History major courses, which include introductory courses in U.S. and World history, and advanced courses in U.S., European, and World History. Through these courses students build skills that help prepare them for future interests in a broad range of career fields.

Electives: In addition to History classes, students complete 29 hours of elective courses in any area of study they choose. These courses do not have to relate to the History major.

General Education Requirements: The History degree requires up to 54 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for our History major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:

Introduction to Historical Methods – This class is designed to introduce students to how historians think, argue, research and write. The course will engage in a shared research project which will vary by semester.
Civil Rights and Social Wrongs – This course is a survey of post-WWII movements for Civil Rights in the United States. The course explores issues of power, race, gender, and class in U.S. society.
Wars of the 20th Century – This course will investigate causes and consequences of conflict focusing on how people understood a particular conflict and how it impacted different populations.

Research Opportunities

Students majoring in History are challenged to pursue research projects. You’ll be required to produce research papers in particular subjects and will have multiple opportunities to produce work worthy of presentation.

Delve into Professional Research Methods
As you progress through your coursework, you are trained in historical methods where you learn how historians think, argue, research and write. You’ll learn how to design a research project, frame a key question of inquiry, locate primary and secondary sources, read them critically, reach an evidence-based interpretation, and present your work. You’ll discover how historians draw on other disciplines such as statistics, psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology and political science.

Access Historical Archives
Austin has a large number of archives and other sources of historical materials for students to use. This provides firsthand experience with archival materials. The Introduction to Historical Methods course and the Senior Research Seminar both invite students to use local archives, such as those at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, the Briscoe Center for American History, the Texas State Archives and the Austin History Center. In these classes, you’ll engage with materials produced by the people in the era you are studying. You’ll learn how to use original documents from this time period to inform your historical projects.

Present Your Work at Conferences
As a History major, you may present at conferences such as the World History Association of Texas, Phi Alpha Theta (history honor society) and St. Edward's Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE).

Apply for Prestigious Fellowships
Current students have the opportunity to apply for the McNair Fellowship. Our graduates have also been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

Learn by Doing

By interning with an organization focused on the preservation and teaching of history, you’ll improve your research and organizational skills and get a firsthand look at the complex decisions that are part of historical interpretation. History students have recently interned at the following:

Texas Historical Commission
Washington Center Internship Program
Texas General Land Office
Texas Military Forces Museum
Bob Bullock State History Museum
Texas State Cemetery
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Historical Commission, Archeology Lab

Connect with peers and professionals who share your interests. Get involved with student organizations on campus that support your goals. Learn and work together to promote the study of history. Attend networking events and workshops, and hear from guest speakers.

Hilltop Historians (History Club)

The Hilltop Historians facilitate fellowship among students with an interest in any aspect of history. Through bi-monthly events, the club promotes historical awareness and preservation through academic meetings and movie nights.

Phi Alpha Theta (PAT)

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society that promotes the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. The organization brings together students, teachers and writers of history for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by their members.

Students who wish to broaden their knowledge of history are encouraged to pursue a minor in History. Take the Introduction to Historical Methods class and 15 more hours of courses on topics of your choosing, 9 of which are upper division.

To get a History minor, students must complete 18 total hours of coursework.

Required Coursework (18 hours):

Introduction to Historical Methods (required)
Five History elective courses, with at least three upper-division courses

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of History and Leadership webpage.

St. Edward's graduates in cap and gown show off their diplomas

Earn Two Degrees in Five Years

With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BA in History and one of three master’s degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.

Success coaches and academic advisors guide you through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.

GRADUATE

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Master of Science

School

Department

Lead Teams to Success with an MS in Organizational Leadership

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program at St. Edward’s prepares students to confidently and skillfully enact positive, organizational change — a crucial competency in today’s fast-paced companies and organizations.

Students will understand leadership from the individual, group, organizational, and global perspectives, allowing them to facilitate change across diverse teams in the workplace.

Why earn your MS in Organizational Leadership at St. Edward’s?

St. Edward’s offers small, interactive classes and convenient schedules, a highly accomplished faculty, a prime location in Austin, and relationships with employers who seek out our graduates. Our impeccable academic standards and personalized approach prepare you to take on a whole new level of success.

Take advantage of flexibility

Offered 100% online, this 30-credit hour program is ideal for full-time working professionals and can be completed in 16 months. Courses are offered in a 7-week accelerated format and are taken one at a time, with two courses taken per semester.

Learn from experts

Our outstanding faculty members are practicing professionals and consultants in the field who teach from real-life cases and the latest insights. They’ll get to know you and become trusted advisors during and after your time on the hilltop.

Broaden your professional network

Learn in interactive, discussion-based classes with like-minded colleagues and professors who are well-connected in the workplace. You’ll be encouraged to network among your classmates and the local Austin business community.

Study leadership from a social justice perspective

In courses such as “Leadership and Social Justice” and “Advocacy and Inclusivity in Organizations,” you’ll critically analyze a range of social justice and ethical issues faced by leaders in today’s complex and globalized world.

A skyline view of downtown Austin, Texas.

Reap the Rewards of Austin

Austin is one of the fast-growing cities in the U.S., and home to nearly 100 Fortune 500 firms. Our Austin location, partnerships and connections allow you to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic business, government, nonprofit and academic environments.

Explore Details About the MS in Organizational Leadership

The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership prepares graduates to become intelligent, ethical, supportive leaders in a variety of roles, organizations and industries. Program Director Tom Sechrest explains how this St. Edward’s University graduate program prepares leaders to thrive and make a positive organizational impact. Check out this helpful Q&A with Sechrest.

Learning Goals:
After completing the online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program, you will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to examine leadership issues from the vantage of the whole system to clarify purpose, align resources and mobilize change toward a preferred and sustainable future.
Apply mindful leadership to help change efforts be more adaptable, resilient, entrepreneurial, creative, ethical and sustainable.
Identify key issues in complex change efforts and then formulate appropriate interventions to achieve desired results.
Take appropriate and grounded leadership actions that integrate individual and collective learning about change efforts, helping to collaboratively achieve transformational results consistent with an organization’s mission and values.
Effectively communicate strategic direction, intent and process.

The curriculum for the MS in Organizational Leadership program consists of 10 core courses for a total of 30 credit hours. Courses are delivered in an accelerated online delivery format. Each course is seven weeks long, allowing students to take two courses per semester (thus qualifying for federal loan eligibility) and to complete the degree in five semesters (16 weeks). Courses are offered in a cohort format in which entering students complete all core courses with the same group of students.

Organizational Leadership Core Courses

Leadership Foundations and Formation
Principles and Practices of Organizational Change
Data Analytics for Leaders
Becoming a Strategic Leader
Cultural and Critical Inquiry
Leadership and Social Justice
Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Executing Strategic Change
Contemporary Issues in Leadership and Change
Advocacy and Inclusivity in Organizations

For detailed degree requirements and course descriptions, please see the Graduate Bulletin or request more information.

At $37,260, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree is a smart investment. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program prepare you for career advancement opportunities and rewarding work within public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Tuition* includes all course fees but does not include books, comprehensive fees or other course materials. Once accepted to the program, you are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit. Deposits are applied toward tuition and secure your place in the upcoming class.

*Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees.

Financial Aid

The St. Edward’s University Financial Aid Office provides information about financial aid opportunities available to graduate students. Please visit our Financial Aid page or call us at 512-387-3110 if you are interested in additional details.

To apply for the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Review application steps and requirements for the program as well as key dates: Application Deadlines and Checklist

Need more information? Please contact an Enrollment Counselor at 512-326-7501.

Tom Sechrest, PhD
Program Director, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Tom Sechrest has had a long career in leadership development as an entrepreneur, in the public sector, private sector, nonprofit sector and higher education. Sechrest started his career as an entrepreneur in educational and industrial television, creating training films, documentaries, commercials and music videos for Don Kirshner’s Rock Concerts.

Sechrest went on to serve as a television producer for the U.S. Department of Labor and led a national leadership development project there. He worked in corporate leadership and succession planning for AMD, then served as faculty chair for Leadership Austin before joining the faculty at St. Edward’s.

Sechrest brings a depth of experience, connections both locally and globally, and ties to many professional organizations, including the International Leadership Association, the Academy for Human Resource Development, the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Leslie Loughmiller, EdD
Department Chair and Associate Professor of Education for the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Leslie Loughmiller holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree in Special Education Diagnostician from Texas State University, and a doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University of Florida.

Loughmiller has been an educator for over 25 years in the areas of special education, elementary education, early childhood, elementary curriculum development, higher education leadership and adult education. Her time and service in higher education has been spent teaching and mentoring pre-service teachers and graduate students as well as developing programs and courses for university programs.

In addition, Leslie provides service to her profession as one of the members of the editorial review board for a researched-based journal in special education, the Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, serves on Pre-K–12 education and educational leadership research dissertation committees and has served on the school board for many years for a private school for special needs adolescents in the Austin area.

Kris Sloan, EdD
Associate Professor of Education in the School of Human Development and Education

Kris Sloan is the director of the Master of Arts in Global Development Practice program. He teaches courses on culture, curriculum, pedagogy, leadership, ethics and educational policy at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Sloan has published works on anti-oppressive pedagogy, educational policy, teacher education and assessment literacy. He has worked as a professional curriculum designer and has taught in the United States and abroad.

Shelbee Nguyen Voges, PhD
Associate Professor of Education

Shelbee Nguyen Voges is director of the Master of Arts in Educational Innovations program. Voges has more than 10 years of teaching experience in adult and higher education contexts. Her research explores the practice of adult learning theory targeting experiential learning, narrative, critical reflection and sociocultural influences on study abroad participation.

GRADUATE

Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Higher Education

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Doctorate of Education

School

Department