Mission: IDS&G&SS (2008-2021)

The Interdisciplinary Studies Department is consistent with the land-grant mission of NMSU and that of the College of Arts and Sciences. The mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department is to promote broad interdisciplinary inquiry and education in order to address complex questions across multiple disciplines and intellectual traditions.  

The department recognizes diversity in its many forms. This is reflected in the degree programs the department houses, which includes the Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS), the Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) and Gender and Sexuality Studies (GSS). Interdisciplinary Studies is also home to NMSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). The department is committed to creative and critical pedagogies and scholarship within a collaborative and supportive academic environment. 

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department and Gender and Sexuality Studies entails four broad, often overlapping functions: teaching; scholarship and creative activity; extension and outreach; and service. Our purpose in teaching is to deliver the highest quality education to our undergraduate and graduate students, including training in theoretical perspectives, methods of research, inquiry and analysis, instruction in creative forms, and experiential learning activities. In scholarship, our aim is to advance knowledges and to make that relevant to our many constituents through presentation, publication, and engagement. Our focus in extension and outreach is to make our knowledge and skills available and relevant across the state and region. Our intention in service is to engage in activities supportive of program/departmental, college/university, community and professional endeavors, while recognizing our special commitment to the peoples of New Mexico.