The goal of the Interdisciplinary Arts major (IA) at Idyllwild Arts Academy is the cultivation of a community of thoughtful, creative and aware artists who are sensitive, versatile, accomplished and articulate. The program is designed to provide a wide variety of experiences and training by integrating in all areas of the arts–writing, dance, film, music, theatre, and visual art. In addition to the core IA curriculum, students’ schedules are tailored to their individual interests, encompassing intensive training in at least two areas of the arts. Students enrolled in the IA program study the relationships among various art forms, as well as new and traditional movements in the arts. This exploration includes the cultural, social, political, and philosophical connections to and between the arts. All students have inculcated into their curriculum an emphasis on critical thinking and evaluative skills.

Interdisciplinary Arts majors have schedules written specifically for them by the department chair. Students must enroll in all required courses designed specifically for the IA major, including at least one IA workshop each semester. In addition, students generally enroll in classes offered by other disciplines each year that they are in the program. Students may not take less than twelve hours per week of arts classes and may not take more than eighteen hours per week of arts classes without approval of the department chair and the Dean of the Arts. During their time in the program, all IA students must take one semester of Interdisciplinary Mind. In addition, each student must take Critical Thought and Aesthetics classes, one semester each, in their junior and/or senior year. Since some courses have prerequisites or require consent of the instructor, please see individual course descriptions for further information. Enrollment in all non-major course offerings is subject to scheduling and availability. Studio art classes require prior approval from the instructor; students wishing to register for studio art classes must submit a portfolio to the Visual Art department. Private lessons are subject to the availability of a suitable instructor and require an additional fee.