Advising for Interdisciplinary Students

Your path doesn’t fit into one box—and your advising shouldn’t either.

Four interconnected circles that say Interests, Strengths, Goals, and Career with another circle in the middle that says "Your unique path"

In Arts and Sciences interdisciplinary programs, advising is more than course planning. It’s about helping you connect your interests, design your degree, and build a path toward your future.

Whether you're combining fields, exploring options, or preparing for what comes next, your advisor is here to help you make sense of it all.

Where your interests connect—your path takes shape.

What your advisor helps you do

The interdisciplinary advisors offer a wide range of knowledge and support to guide learners to their academic and professional goals. They are dedicated to serving learners from the beginning of their K-State journey through graduation and are a great point of connection to a variety of resources.

Our advisors are here to help:

  • Design a degree that reflects your goals and interests
  • Combine majors, minors, and certificates in meaningful ways
  • Explore paths that align with your strengths
  • Navigate K-State resources and opportunities
  • Stay on track academically while balancing life and responsibilities

Why interdisciplinary advising matters

Interdisciplinary students often:

  • Have multiple interests
  • Are exploring evolving career goals
  • Don’t follow a traditional, linear path.

That’s why advising focuses on helping you:

  • Connect ideas across disciplines
  • Build a cohesive academic plan
  • Translate your experience into career-ready skills.

Not sure what to ask?

Students often meet with advisors when they question:

  • “Can I combine these majors or add a certificate?”
  • “What can I do with this degree?”
  • “How do I prepare for grad or professional school?”
  • “What internships or experiences should I pursue?”
  • “Am I on track to graduate?”

Meet our advising team

Your advisor isn’t just here to help you enroll—they’re here to help you figure out what’s next.

Headshot Elli Acher
Elli Archer, earcher@k-state.edu
Advising Practices Administrator and Advisor – Integrated Computer Science, Life Science, and Social Science

 

headshot Toby BitnerToby Bitner, tbitner@k-state.edu
Academic Advisor - Humanities

 


headshot Aryn HopsonAryn Hopson, arynh@k-state.edu
Academic Advisor – Social Science and Life Science

 

headshot Emily MannEmily Mann, ekmann@k-state.edu
Academic Advisor - Social Science and Physical Science

 

headshot Lindsey ThieleLindsey Thiele, las3443@k-state.edu
Academic Advisor - Life Science and Medical Laboratory Science

 


headshot Sarah BuchananSarah Buchanan, buchs@k-state.edu
K-State Online Advisor – Social Science

 

headshot Asst Director Kaela UrquhartKaela Urquhart, Ed.D., kaelaurquhart@k-state.edu
Assistant Director of Interdisciplinary Programs – resource for all Dean's Office interdisciplinary programs and prospective students, as well as instructor and advisor for Integrated Health Studies

 

Note: For other interdisciplinary programs not listed on this page, please refer to their websites for departmental information on advising, or visit the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising page.

Ready to get started?

Additional resources