The East Asian Studies major is interdisciplinary and involves eight departments of the University. It includes work in Chinese or Japanese, as well as courses in a wide variety of fields to introduce the student to the civilizations of China and Japan. The student should begin language work as early as possible, preferably in the freshman year, since proficiency in one of the languages is both a requirement for the major and vital preparation for study abroad. Depending upon the language selected, the student usually focuses on either China or Japan.

The major in Medieval and Renaissance Studies allows students to engage in examinations of the history and culture of European society from the fall of the Roman Empire to the end of the 16th century. Majors will develop an understanding of a broad range of period aspects and the ability to consider the era from a number of perspectives. This interdisciplinary major enables an examination of issues of art, economics, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion and social hierarchies and an understanding of specific problems within the context of an entire society.

An interdisciplinary major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience is available to interested students. The central theme of neuroscience is an understanding of the structure and function of the brain and how it is involved in controlling behavior. Thus, the area draws heavily from biology, chemistry, psychology, mathematics and the computational sciences. The major in neuroscience is intended to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in the biomedical sciences, including graduate training in neuroscience, biology and psychology, as well as the health professions.

The Russian area studies major is interdisciplinary and offers instruction in Russian language and literature, both in Russian and in translation. Students may also take courses focusing directly on Russia, or containing significant Russian content, in the disciplines of anthropology, art, history, politics and sociology. Students should begin Russian language instruction as early as possible, preferably in the freshman year, since third-year language proficiency is required for the major. Language courses are taught by two core faculty members, who are assisted by a visiting Russian scholar.