Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I transferred to UMBC as a public health major after previously studying neuroscience, a field I was passionate about, at my former college. I initially chose public health under the assumption that UMBC did not offer neuroscience as a major. However, during my initial advising appointment, I discovered that neuroscience could be pursued through the Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) program, which broadened my academic options and allowed me to consider returning to my preferred field of study.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
After graduation, I'm excited to take the next step by attending Physician Assistant school. My INDS degree in neuroscience has been incredibly valuable, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the brain and nervous system, along with a strong foundation in research and critical thinking. I'm looking forward to applying these skills in a healthcare setting, where I can make a positive impact on patients' lives. The interdisciplinary approach of my degree has not only prepared me well for PA school but also given me a unique perspective on how different fields intersect in healthcare. I'm eager to continue learning and growing in this field, and I'm confident that my background will serve me well as I work towards becoming a compassionate and effective healthcare provider.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
For More information on Melissa's INDS journey please click here:
Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I entered UMBC as an undecided major, participating in the STEM Living Learning Community. I was interested in both forensic science and biology, and decided to major in Biological Sciences, along with minoring in Sociology. However, I always had a more dedicated interest in forensic science than biology, and after realizing that I did not enjoy UMBC’s biology track as much as I desired, I decided to look into INDS. I have found that INDS allowed me to utilize my established background in Biology, and enthusiasm for Forensic Science to create a customized forensics major that has a biological focus, aka Bio-Forensic Science.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
I was offered a job with the federal government in December of 2024, so after graduation I am planning to work as a forensic scientist or generally in the STEM field with the government. Different from other Forensic Science degrees offered at various universities, my Bio-Forensic Science degree strongly incorporates specific Biology, Sociology and Political Science courses. I believe that the courses that I selected to make my degree (ex. human genetics, international relations, ethics in scientific research, etc.) will all prepare me to be a well-rounded, ethical scientist that works on analyzing evidence from cases across the U.S. or around the world.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
I am graduating as the President of Curl P.W.R., the natural hair care club on campus that teaches African, African-American, and any other students with curly and coily hair textures how to maintain, care for, and style their hair. I've previously served as the Vice President, Treasurer, and Co-Treasurer of the club. Additionally, from sophomore to senior year I worked as a Peer Leader for the STEM Living Learning Community, where I supported 2-4 students per year, helping them adjust to college life and learn organizational and time-management skills. Finally, I worked as a science and technology intern for the federal government for two consecutive summers, which is what solidified my interest in working in the bioforensics field on a more expansive scale than just one police station.
For More information on Sara's INDS journey please click here:
Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I felt incredibly limited by the predetermined path that the information systems four-year degree plan had set. I felt as if I didn't have full autonomy in what I was learning and was able to pursue my interdisciplinary interest. Especially with my desire to code, program, create, and improve, I realized that I wanted to do so in the field of education. Thus, HCI (human-computer interaction) and ID/UX (interface design/user experience) became my primary academic and research interests. Media and communication are invaluable assets to this interface design, so I take classes in IS, education, and MCS to fulfill all aspects of what I initially thought I could never discover.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
I plan to conduct educational technology research abroad and apply to graduate school to earn my PhD while also working a job related to curriculum design and development.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
Joy is a Zainab Damji Memorial Scholarship and an INDS Award Recipient
For More information on Joy's INDS journey please click here:
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I chose to major in INDS because I knew I wanted to got to physical therapy school after graduation and become a doctor. However, UMBC does not offer degrees in exercise science or kinesiology so the best routes for me to take were to major in biological sciences or psychology. I tried both and neither seemed to fit well. INDS was the perfect way for me to take the classes I enjoy, with intent to get as much out of it as I could to prepare me best for the next steps in my education and future career.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
I am attending the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Emory University. I believe my INDS degree helped me stand out against other candidates during applications and interviews.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
Abby has been Accepted into Emory University Doctor of Physical Therapy program! Congrats Abby!
For more information on Abby's INDS journey please click here:
Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I chose to major in INDS because I found myself becoming increasingly interested in music and sound design as a component of game development without any other viable academic pathway to explore it within. Through INDS, I have had the unique and wonderful opportunity to combine my game development coursework from my Computer Science major with my burgeoning love for music, designing and completing a separate degree in Game Soundtrack Design all within my graduation timeline. I am very grateful to the INDS program for opening the doors to music theory, composition, and production courses at UMBC that I never thought I would have had the time or chance to take, and for giving me the space and support to pursue my integrated passions.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
After graduation, I plan to find work at a local game studio (such as Firaxis Games, Oxide Games, or Bit Reactor) as a gameplay engineer and/or technical sound designer. Having been advised by several current industry members, I recognize that the programming skills I have honed through my Computer Science degree will most likely help me more for hiring sake all told. However, I believe that my soundtrack design experience (as developed entirely through my INDS degree) will make me a stronger and more versatile candidate with a wider array of job opportunities in the game industry.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
I have been an active member of the UMBC Game Developers Club since Fall of 2021 and served as the Vice President of the club since Spring of 2023. I have also participated in the past three URCADs, showcasing games I have developed with other members of the UMBC Game Developers Club. I have held a Software Engineering Internship position at the Imaging Research Center on campus since Fall of 2023, where I have been fortunate to work with an interdisciplinary team developing immersive experiences using game industry-standard software.
Evan was INDS 2024 Award Recipient and attended the Game Music and Sound Design Conference. Congrats Evan!
For more information on Evan's INDS journey please click here:
Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
When I first started at UMBC, I was in the Pre-Physical Therapy program and hadn’t yet decided on a major. As I immersed myself in different subjects and explored several majors and minors—including Psychology and Public Health—I realized that my interests spanned multiple disciplines and that my true passion was in pursuing Speech Therapy rather than Physical Therapy. During my sophomore year, while taking BIOL 142, Dr. Freeland, the INDS director, introduced our class to the Individualized Study program. At the time, I was majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Linguistics, trying to “design” a degree that would allow me to study Communication Sciences and Disorders without transferring schools. After meeting with Ms. Sauter, I quickly confirmed that the INDS program was the perfect fit. This program has allowed me to combine my interests in psychology, allied health, child development, communication studies, and patient-centered care while pursuing my goal of becoming a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. Through INDS, I’ve had the opportunity to refine my research skills, strengthen my writing and public speaking abilities, and develop my professionalism—all with the support of a tight-knit, encouraging faculty community.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate school to earn my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I’m confident that my INDS degree will set me apart as a candidate because it reflects the intentional and interdisciplinary approach I’ve taken towards receiving my education. By designing a program that integrates the fields of Psychology, Linguistics, Biology, and Public Health, I’ve been able to develop a strong foundation that aligns with my career goals. My INDS degree is not just a reflection of my academic interests—it’s evidence of how I’ve taken ownership of my learning journey, demonstrating initiative and commitment to pursuing Speech-Language Pathology in a unique and meaningful way.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
Throughout my time at UMBC, I’ve been actively involved in various organizations and experiences that have enriched my academic and personal growth. I am a member of Phi Sigma Sigma, where I held both an Executive Board position as Membership Recruitment Chair and an Executive Council position in Public Relations for a year. These leadership roles allowed me to develop strong organizational, communication, and team management skills. In addition to my involvement in Greek life, I began conducting research during my junior year with Dr. Brenda Hussey-Gardner, assisting with data collection for a collaboration between the Baltimore Infants and Toddlers Program (BITP) and the Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CASH) Campaign. Our research findings have been presented at conferences across the country, and we are currently working on publishing a journal article. Beyond campus, I work as an assistant teacher at a preschool, where I gain hands-on experience in child development, and as a technician at Verbal Beginnings, where I am working toward my Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. These experiences have not only strengthened my academic foundation but also deepened my passion for working with children and pursuing a career in Speech-Language Pathology.
Katie has been Accepted into the University of Delaware’s Speech-Language Pathology Master's Program! Congrats Katie
For more information on Katie's INDS journey please click here: