- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including six Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 65%, or a mature applicant.
- Required courses with minimum final grade of 65% in each:
- English: Grade 12 ENG4U
Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (INS)
About the Program
This flexible program is designed with diploma graduates in mind. Whether you are just starting your career or are a working professional upgrading to a degree, the Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program will help you to develop the workforce skills needed to progress in your career, regardless of your discipline. This program is also a good fit for students without existing postsecondary experience who wish to explore a variety of subjects with flexibility while completing a bachelor's degree.
Advanced Placement
The Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (INS) program is designed to meet your individual needs. All two-year Ontario diploma and three-year Ontario advanced diploma graduates are guaranteed advanced placement in the INS program to begin in the program's third year (semester 5). See pathways for more information.
Credential Awarded
Honours Bachelor Degree
Duration
8 Semesters (4 Years)
Starts
January, May, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. In courses delivered in the flexible format, students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Work Experience
Mandatory Degree Work Term
A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.
Your Career
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
- Education (school boards, postsecondary schools)
- Communications
- Client Relations
- Sustainability/Environmental sectors
- Non-profit organizations
- Financial industries
- Conservation authorities
- Police forces
- Leadership/management roles
Program of Study
Advanced Placement
Students beginning the Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (INS) degree program directly from high school or with no transferable postsecondary credits will begin in semester one. All two-year Ontario diploma and three-year Ontario advanced diploma graduates are guaranteed advanced placement in the INS program to begin in the program's third year (semester 5).
Semester 1 – 4
Beginning September 2025, the first two years of the Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies will feature a structured curriculum for direct entry students. In addition to completing foundational interdisciplinary courses, students will complete 12 courses from two applied areas of study including Business, Community and Health, Communications and Media, and Data Analysis.
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 | ||
| IND300 | Principles of Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
| IND500 | Writing Across Disciplines | 3 |
| INS100 | Power and Human Behaviour | 3 |
| INX117 | Foundations of Global Sustainability | 3 |
| LSP500 | Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 |
| Semester 6 | ||
| BMT855 | Leadership for Managers | 3 |
| INS200 | Political Science and Economics | 3 |
| INS400 | Canada in the Global World: Citizenship, Migration, and Community | 3 |
| INX100 | Introduction to the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| plus: Liberal Studies Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| INC300 | Professional Identity in a Digital World | 3 |
| IND600 | Capstone Research Methods | 5 |
| INS394 | Voices from the Front: Contemporary Indigeneity | 3 |
| INX301 | Navigating Natural Disasters | 3 |
| WTP200 | Work Term Preparation | 1 |
| plus: Liberal Studies Course (1) | 3 | |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| INS881 | Interdisciplinary Studies, Work Term | 35 |
| Semester 8 | ||
| IND800 | Capstone Final Project | 3 |
| INH302 | Political Ideology: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SMB701 | Global Sustainability: Sustainable Development Goals | 3 |
| plus: Liberal Studies Course (2) | 6 | |
Seneca has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to offer this degree for a seven-year term starting Oct. 9, 2020. In conformity with the Minister's criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge from two or more disciplines to analyze real life situations.
- Integrate knowledge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines to propose solutions to complex issues and problems using an analytical approach.
- Develop critical thinking, synthesis, and research skills that transfer across various disciplines and in professional, social, or cultural contexts.
- Assess the appropriateness of different kinds of research design and methodology when developing research plans and conducting research.
- Communicate information and ideas through various media based on an understanding of diverse social and cultural contexts.
- Analyze societal circumstances, values, and ideas through an interdisciplinary lens that broadens perspectives, knowledge, skills, and interconnections.
- Apply ethical reasoning and global perspectives when analyzing information, evaluating situations, and making socially responsible decisions.
- Apply interdisciplinary knowledge when engaging in experiential learning to develop competencies for professional practice.
- Integrate vocational education and training skills and knowledge into learning in academic disciplines.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the societies and cultures in the world.
Admission Requirements
Learn about Seneca’s free English upgrading course and math upgrading course for applicants who don’t meet the high school requirements, as well as recommended upgrading for applicants who don’t meet their academic subject requirements.
Advanced Entry
Admission Requirements
Advanced entry offers a pathway for graduates from the following Ontario diploma/advanced diploma programs with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.