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Montclair State University Launches Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation

The School will place students at the heart of solving society's biggest challenges

Montclair, NJ (08/21/2025) — If you want to create real change in any industry, organization or community, Montclair's new Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation may be your perfect fit.

The University announced today the launch of the School, which will be housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and connect all disciplines across the University.

The School will place students at the heart of solving society's biggest challenges through interdisciplinary educational programs, collaborative research and scholarship and partnership with the community.

"Real problems are never one-dimensional," says Laura Nicosia, interim director of the Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation. "Our students learn to approach challenges from multiple angles, developing the adaptability and innovation that today's world demands."

What Does 'Interdisciplinary' Mean?

The School's inception was motivated by the fact that the biggest problems we face - and the most transformational innovations - defy the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines.

Coursework in the new School will prepare students to thrive and succeed in a rapidly changing world, drawing on mental models, perspectives and methods from more than one discipline - or "interdisciplinary curriculum" - at the institution.

The Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation is for students who are curious, creative and eager to explore big questions and complex challenges while tapping into a variety of disciplinary areas. "The new school will further stimulate existing interdisciplinary programs and initiatives and inspire new ones across the university," states Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fatma Mili.

The goal is to educate students who will graduate with a well-rounded, adaptable skill set designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce and who are ready to make an impact in fields including public policy, healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, digital communications, wellness advocacy, education and user experience design.

"Our students will graduate ready to lead with purpose, empathy and vision," says Nicosia. "By learning to address societal challenges at their roots, they gain the adaptability and problem-solving skills that prepare them for success in careers wherever innovation and leadership are needed."

Building a Better Future Through New Academic Programs

The School unveiled a new Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program in the spring of 2025, which is designed to prepare students for a lifetime of professional and intellectual flexibility.

Faculty from disciplines across Montclair will collaborate to create and deliver coursework in one of three concentrations:

  • Health and Wellness will focus on the intersection of health sciences and societal well-being to address topics like nutrition, public health and wellness promotion. Students will learn to develop and implement health initiatives, preparing for roles in healthcare, community health and wellness coaching.
  • Technology, Self and Society will allow students to explore subjects such as digital culture, ethics in technology and the psychological effects of technological advancement. Graduates will be equipped to navigate and influence the evolving digital landscape in fields like tech policy, user experience design and digital communications.
  • Exploring Human Value, Solving Human Problems will allow students to engage with various social and human topics such as justice, ethics, and human rights, preparing for careers in public service, advocacy, prelaw, and community engagement.

In addition, the School's new Social Impact Certificate, launching in September, will give students the chance to earn a credential while taking 13 credits - three of which will be a field internship - to learn how to make a difference in the world.

"The Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation will ignite imaginations, further stimulate interdisciplinary innovation, promote future forward thinking and create lasting transformational impact on people and society," says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales.

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Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 14 colleges and schools.

Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

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Susan A. Cole Hall, aerial. Photo credit: Mike Peters for Montclair State University

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