• Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies (CISS)
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Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies (CISS)

Founded in 1971, the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies (CISS) promotes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teaching and learning. It seeks to be a catalyst for innovation and experimentation in the curriculum.

CISS programs fall into three categories: 

• multidisciplinary academic programs which enable students to address important issues with the methods and perspectives of multiple disciplines, such as student-designed multidisciplinary majors, minors and concentrations;
• off-campus educational opportunities that combine rigorous academic work with community-based internship and service work in Washington, D.C. and the Worcester area; and
• student-designed programs which provide students with independent research opportunities, such as the Fenwick Scholar Program and honors theses for the College Honors Program.

Another part of the CISS mission is to bring to the curriculum innovative courses in support of its programs that are not offered by the disciplinary departments.