Interdisciplinary studies is one of the best options for those searching for something more focused that can bring all passion for various fields together into one.
Interdisciplinary studies is a new course of study that will help you get ready for the career you want and allow you to explore a variety of interests.
This article provides all available and related information regarding interdisciplinary studies.
What Is Interdisciplinary Studies?
Most conventional programs concentrate on a single subject, like computer technology, literature, or mathematics but interdisciplinary studies are exceptional.
Interdisciplinary studies are most simply defined as programs that let students select their areas of concentration.
By choosing two areas of interest, you can effectively design your own major by fusing them into a single degree program in which you will specialize.
Like if you want to study both art and psychology, you can construct your art therapy degree by combining an art curriculum with a psychology one.
What Is An Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Like?
It can be empowering to decide to pursue an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree because instead of choosing a major from a list of options on the college’s website, you are taking charge and personalizing your education.
However, it is a serious task for the student who is committed to combining disciplines in a way that is manifestly relevant to a defined area of intellectual research.
You may need to submit a specific research question to participate in some interdisciplinary studies programs, while you are required to include at least three fields in some programs.
Since this degree path is particular to you, you must provide evidence and support its authenticity.
Reviewing and choosing courses will be your responsibility, and you’ll also need to coordinate with instructors from different departments.
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Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Advantages And Disadvantages
Making links between subjects that are otherwise unrelated is a requirement for an interdisciplinary studies degree.
Similar to a multidisciplinary studies degree, this program allows you to select courses from a variety of departments to build an academic plan that best suits your educational and professional objectives.
However, this degree program is not without its difficulties, and some factors need to be taken into account while choosing an interdisciplinary studies program.
Advantages
- You’ll acquire knowledge in several fields.
- You’ll know how fields intersect.
- There are various possibilities for new developments in research.
- Since you created it, you’ll have a passion for what you’re learning.
- This program offers a balanced, comprehensive education.
- It offers abilities that can be useful across numerous industries such as communications, critical thinking, literacy, and math.
- You’ll have access to academics and professionals in several domains.
- You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to pursue your love studies and skip pointless or useless classes.
- Professors might not understand the disadvantages ● Your program.
- Professors might not recognize your particular requirements as a student of interdisciplinary studies.
- It is challenging to switch between subjects because the two may not always be related.
- Because it’s a specialized degree, some employers might not understand it.
- Getting into graduate school could be challenging.
- Jobs might not comprehend your degree.
- You may not possess specialized knowledge or in-depth expertise in a single field.
- It could be challenging to convince separate departments to cooperate.
- If you decide to switch majors, it could be challenging to transfer all of your credits.
Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum & Courses
An interdisciplinary studies program can assist you in creating your educational plan but most universities will still require you to finish fundamental general education classes.
Regular general education classes consist of
- English
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physic
- Other natural sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Political science
- Other social sciences
- Humanities including arts, music, languages, communication, speech, literature, and religion
Each university will outline the courses you must take but most universities will let you choose an additional 36 credits that are appropriate for the path you want to take.
So instead of selecting complete majors, you can select the pertinent courses you want from several departments.
Examples of interdisciplinary studies programs are below:
| Major | Courses |
| American Justice and the Deaf Community | Sociology, Criminal Justice, American Sign Language |
| Bioethics | Philosophy, Biology, Sociology, Psychology |
| Buddhist Studies | Asian Studies, Anthropology |
| Church Administration | Communication, Humanities, Business, English |
| Community Organization | Communication, Pan-African Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
| Computer Crime Sociology | Sociology, Criminal Justice, Information Systems |
| Conservation | Communication, Biology, Geography, Health, and Sport Sciences |
| Diversity in Education | Education, Pan-African Studies, Gender Studies |
| Forensic Science | Forensic Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Biology, Philosophy |
| Equine Science (Pre-Vet) | Biology, Equine Science, Chemistry |
| Healthcare Relations | Math, Communication, Chemistry, Biology |
| Industrial Design | Art, Physics, Engineering, Humanities |
| Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy) | Psychology, Health & Sport Science, Biology |
| Law & Advocacy (Pre-Law) | Communication, Political Science, Psychology |
| Medicine & Private Practice (Pre-Med) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business |
| Military Health Studies | Military Science, Biology, Clinical Lab Science |
| Music Industry | Communication, Political Science, Music, Business |
| Non-Profit Fundraising & Grant Writing | Communication, English, Psychology, Economics |
| Racial Identities & Societal Influences | Political Science, Pan-African Studies, Anthropology |
| Speech Pathology (Pre-Speech-Language Pathology) | English, Communicative Disorders, Sociology |
| Urban Planning & National Security | Political Science, Linguistics, Anthropology, Geography |
| Web Writing & Development | English, Business, Communication |
| Women & Minority Issues (Pre-Law) | Gender Studies, Communication, Education |
Is An Interdisciplinary Degree Useless?
Interdisciplinary degrees are not useless, most students think it’s the best approach to receive the education they want.
There isn’t a major for legal administration, but you can mix courses from paralegal studies, political science, and business under interdisciplinary studies.
Even if your institution does not have a sociology major, you can enroll in some of the classes that are offered.
Students believe that if they are interested in a field of study that is more diverse than what their university provides, interdisciplinary studies are the better option for them.
What Kinds Of Students Succeed In Interdisciplinary Studies?
Students who are likely to succeed in interdisciplinary studies have these qualities:
1.Creative
You’re most likely to be creative if you’re interested in interdisciplinary studies. You want to forge your own, original path rather than taking the ones already taken.
This quality will be useful to you when you connect various topics and organize your course schedules because creating new connections between disciplines is a key component of an interdisciplinary studies degree.
2.Motivated
You’ll need to be a determined student to make interdisciplinary studies work for you because it doesn’t have the clear path that many majors do.
Together with your advisers, you’ll create your course schedule and program, which will need more effort from you as a student than typical.
If you want to be successful as an interdisciplinary studies major, you need to maintain your motivation.
3.Collaborative
Interdisciplinary studies may be unique to you as the lone student at your school, but it doesn’t mean you won’t work with others on projects.
Since you’ll be paving your route, connecting with others who share your interests is a terrific way to enhance your own experience.
You’ll also spend a lot of time collaborating with teachers and advisors to design your academic path.
4.Critical Thinkers
In college, many fields overlap, but for interdisciplinary studies, you’ll primarily be discovering that overlap on your own.
Even if the connections between your classes aren’t made explicitly for you, you’ll be thinking about them all concerning one another.
You will probably be addressing all of the ways your courses and fields overlap if your program calls for a thesis or capstone project.
For this reason, critical thinking is an important quality for students in interdisciplinary studies.
5.Disciplined
You must follow different standards than those for traditional degrees if you want to pursue interdisciplinary study.
Although you’ll probably develop a plan with your counselors and instructors, you’ll be in charge of carrying it out effectively.
Students that are disciplined and adept at creating objectives, meeting deadlines, and planning will succeed more readily.
Why Choose An Interdisciplinary Studies Major?
One of the biggest issues with higher education is that you might not be sure what you want to do with your life when you start a degree program, especially an undergraduate one.
If you want to improve your creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities, you should enroll in an interdisciplinary studies degree program.
Interdisciplinary studies give students a clear understanding of the connections between many fields and the various approaches that might be taken to solve problems or accomplish goals.
Students can take charge of their education by selecting electives that pique their curiosity and equip them for a related career.
Some reasons why you should choose an interdisciplinary studies major are.
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1.Build Your Curriculum
Students whose interests don’t always fall under one particular discipline are catered to by the integrated studies program.
Multiple interests do not require students to double or triple major, instead, they’ll be combined into one degree.
Even better, an interdisciplinary studies program allows you to select topics that pique your interest.
Your classes in an interdisciplinary program are more likely to fall in line because you’ll be working with advisors to construct the best major, so you can study the subjects you choose.
For students with particular interests that won’t necessarily be satisfied by a regular degree, interdisciplinary studies are fantastic.
If you’re interested in the connections between biology and linguistics, to earn your degree, you can enroll in linguistics and biology courses.
If you participate in an interdisciplinary program and study those subjects, you’ll be carefully creating your major to comprehend the connections between the two fields.
2.Prepare For Multiple Careers
A Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies can provide you with a versatile skill set that you can utilize throughout your life, even if you already have a general concept of what you want to accomplish.
It opens students to new, various vocations that they may not have been aware of previously because students inside the program can study all of their interests at once and understand how they all combine.
The bachelor of interdisciplinary studies program gives students the flexibility to design a degree that incorporates a variety of interests from other academic fields.
To prepare them for a job market that is always evolving and where having knowledge from multiple disciplines offers a distinct advantage, students in the interdisciplinary studies program can mix courses.
3.Graduate On Time
Students who change their major multiple times graduate later but you can graduate on time when you pursue all your interests at once.
At MacLean, the interdisciplinary studies program consists of a three-course, eight-credit series that introduces majors to interdisciplinary studies, aids students in creating plans and research strategies for an interdisciplinary capstone project, and supports them as they finish their work, think back on their experiences, and share their findings.
To create a suitable and unique plan of study that incorporates courses from several emphases, BIS Program students collaborate with the Director and the BIS Student Success Advisor.
What Schools Offer Interdisciplinary Studies Programs?
Interdisciplinary studies programs are offered by numerous universities around the US and are provided at some amazing schools, such as
- Boise State University
- Bowling Green State University
- Brown University
- College of William and Mary
- Creighton University
- Duke University
- George Washington University
- Lehigh University
- Lipscomb University
- New York University
- Purdue University
- Portland State University
- Stephen F Austin State University
- SUNY at Fredonia
- University of California – Berkeley
- University of California – Los Angeles
- University of Connecticut
- University of Denver
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Virginia
- Valparaiso University
What Are Interdisciplinary Programs Like?
Interdisciplinary studies programs are rarely offered by every college, and even when they are, they may not receive much funding.
Interdisciplinary studies programs can vary significantly amongst universities since they are tailored for each student who pursues them.
All of the programs below provide comprehensive information on their interdisciplinary studies programs.
1.UC Berkeley
Interdisciplinary studies provide students the freedom to create their major, but Berkeley has a system in place to make sure that they get a well-rounded and thorough education.
Interdisciplinary studies are regarded as a component of the bachelor of arts degree at UC Berkeley.
So no matter which fields you combine, you will receive a BA upon completion of your degree.
Your interdisciplinary studies program must include a minimum of three fields, according to Berkeley.
The program should be created to address a particular research issue, although there are many different angles that the question can be taken, such as regional, comparative, and historical.
For each prerequisite, there will be a list of permissible courses that you can take, including introductory courses, courses on specific world regions, and courses about methodology.
2.Tufts
Interdisciplinary studies are not merely a way to design a special major, they are a specialized field of study that should be regarded seriously.
The standards at Tufts are in line with their beliefs that multidisciplinary study is a serious endeavor.
A thesis, which is the product of your work and research, must be submitted and defended in front of an advisory committee to receive a degree.
A tenured member of the faculty from the Arts and Sciences must be one of the three instructors on the advisory group that the students form.
Interdisciplinary studies students will create their major with the help of their advisory committee.
Major proposals must include a title, an explanation of why it must be interdisciplinary, a list of the problems that the program will attempt to solve and the methodology that will be employed, as well as letters of support, a bibliography, and a schedule of the courses that the applicant intends to take.
Before you can start your program, the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty Committee must approve that plan.
3.University of Florida
The University of Florida already offers several multidisciplinary courses in subjects including Middle Eastern languages and culture, sustainability studies, and biological illustration.
Students who want to create their majors must submit a second application to the IDS program via the Dean’s office.
They must also locate at least two tenured advisors to assist them in creating their program and doing a thesis to graduate.
Interdisciplinary Studies Careers & Salaries
Education is the most popular employment choice for graduates of interdisciplinary studies, with the majority choosing to work as elementary or secondary school teachers.
But you can become almost anything depending on the area of study you pick, such as an executive director, social worker, or journalist.
Graduates of interdisciplinary studies make yearly median incomes ranging from $49,300 to $121,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Below is a table of some careers in interdisciplinary studies and salaries:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $69,600 |
| Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives | $65,420 |
| High School Teachers | $62,870 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,810 |
| Top Executives | $107,680 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $118,430 |
| Human Resources Managers | $121,220 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $60,660 |
| Social Workers | $51,760 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $49,300 |
What Kinds of Interdisciplinary Studies Jobs Exist?
One advantage of a typical degree program is that, even in highly specialized fields, potential employers will likely understand what you mean.
Interdisciplinary degrees are a little different; because employers might not fully get what it means to earn a degree that encompasses both fields.
Here are some jobs that will profit from interdisciplinary studies:
1.Teacher
The starting salary of a teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies is about $60,477.
The job includes teaching a certain subject to kids or adults, having a solid grasp of one or more particular disciplines, an understanding of educational ideas, and a desire to collaborate with others.
2.Accountant
No degree is required, but a bachelor’s or above in interdisciplinary studies is strongly advised, with a starting salary of $77,920.
The job includes carrying out financial analysis to produce reports for corporations, excelling at math, paying attention to detail, and loving analysis.
3.Counselors
A master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies is required with a starting salary of $42,840.
Counselors provide people with information and counsel in a range of situations. They need to possess excellent listening abilities, the capacity for objectivity, and a mastery of communication
4.Journalist
A bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies is strongly advised for a starting salary of $40,077.
Journalists create news stories, films, or other reports by writing and conducting research on several subjects.
They need to possess writing skills, are curious, and love learning.
5.Archaeologist
An undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies is required for a starting salary of $59,040.
Archaeologists take part in excavations and dig to discover more about history. So they need to possess an eye for detail, are inquisitive, and are adaptable in terms of where they reside and how long they stay.
6.Human Resources Coordinator
Starting salary of a human resources coordinator is about $32,000.
A human resources coordinator is in charge of overseeing all crucial HR procedures and initiatives.
This includes concerns expressed by present and potential employees as well as issues of employment, pay and benefits, contract negotiations, and employee relations.
7.Human Resources Generalist
The starting salary of a human resources generalist is about $41,000.
Generalists run the daily functions of the HR department such as administering leave and enforcing company policies or practices.
8.Human Resource Specialist
$36,000 is the starting salary of the human resource specialist.
Specialists in human resources hire, screen, interview, and position employees. They frequently undertake additional human resources tasks such as those involving employee relations, pay and benefits, and training.
9.Human Resources Assistant
The starting salary of the human resource assistant is about $27,000.
A professional who handles the routine administrative and HR responsibilities of an organization is known as an HR Assistant.
They serve all employees’ clerical needs and assist with recruitment and record-keeping for payroll processing.
10.Sales Consultant
Sales agents for manufacturers and distributors market their products to corporations, the public sector, and other organizations.
Customers are contacted, product characteristics are explained, any queries customers may have are addressed, and prices are negotiated by these sales consultants.
11.Account Executive
Account executives are in charge of maintaining the company’s ties with its clients and caring for the company’s clients.
Their objective is to increase the volume of transactions a business has with certain clients.
12.Recruiter
Recruiters pick qualified applicants after screening applications and manage the planning of interview questions and other hiring and selection materials in addition to scheduling interviews.
They also participate in and conducts interviews with managers, directors, and other stakeholders to assist with the hiring process.
13.Legal Assistant
To assist lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants perform a wide range of responsibilities, such as maintaining and organizing files, doing legal research, and writing documents.
14.Marketing Coordinator
To determine if a product or service will be sold, market coordinators look at current market conditions.
They also assist businesses in determining who will buy certain things and at what price.
15.Office Assistant
General office assistants carry out a range of clerical duties, such as taking phone calls, typing documents, and filing paperwork.
Getting Your Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Online
Online Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs may be the ideal way to enhance your education and increase your earning potential if you can stay on track.
Earning your degree in interdisciplinary studies online has several benefits because obtaining this degree online enables you to continue your education without having to put your life on hold.
You can fit class work around your responsibilities to your family, your job, and other activities by studying whenever and wherever it works for you.
Other benefits of online education are
- Self-paced format
With the online program, you have the option of taking a few lessons at once or an expedited program.
- Possibility of selecting your workplace
You can make it happen whether you require complete silence, prefer a busy coffee shop, or can learn while traveling.
You can also avoid difficulties like traffic, bad weather, transit problems, illness, childcare issues, erratic work schedules, and travel.
Popular Interdisciplinary Studies Degrees Online
These popular online interdisciplinary studies degrees are some of the best options if you’re looking for a degree program that will let you explore numerous different disciplines, they include:
1.Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (General Studies)
Programs in interdisciplinary studies, often known as integrated studies, are frequently career-focused.
This choice can give you the possibility to mix different academic fields, fusing elements from each to create the ideal education for your desired vocation.
Interdisciplinary studies can be appealing to you if you are focused, motivated, creative, and an enthusiastic learner, which will be helpful because you’ll need to create and promote your program.
It is the objective of General Studies programs to provide students with a broad, well-rounded education that encourages lifelong learning.
Although many graduates continue to seek higher education, it can provide you with the chance to acquire crucial skills that can help you transition into a range of occupations.
2.Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts
An interdisciplinary degree in the liberal arts assists you in gaining a more rounded perspective as opposed to having a narrow field of specialization.
You can also gain the ability to integrate ideas from several areas and use critical thinking skills.
These degree-related abilities are frequently useful in fast-paced businesses where you must constantly acquire and digest new knowledge.
Professionals in the fields of education, commerce, social work, or human resources, benefit from having an awareness of many perspectives and worldviews.
What Should You Look For In An Interdisciplinary Studies Program?
If you’re interested in earning an interdisciplinary studies degree, here are a few things to look for in these programs:
1.Track Record
You will receive greater help from schools that already have policies in place for interdisciplinary studies students.
But you can also establish a plan for your program’s approach if these frameworks for success don’t already exist.
To find out more about their experiences, talk to former students and alumni of multidisciplinary studies.
And to make sure you get the most out of the program, take some time to learn more about interdisciplinary studies at your institution.
2. Pick A Focus And Stick With It
Interdisciplinary studies are excellent for students who are interested in a variety of topics. But if you find it difficult to commit to a single subject for an extended period, your diversity of interests could become a problem.
Make sure your program is one you can stick with when you plan it with your advisers because for students pursuing interdisciplinary degrees, changing your major and losing credit hours can be challenging.
3.Professor Support
A typical degree program includes a clear path to accomplishment as well as teachers and counselors who are skilled at guiding students to success.
But in interdisciplinary studies, teachers may not fully comprehend how one component fits into another since they may not be familiar with your program.
And unlike typical degree programs, your classes may be in completely unrelated subjects with no effort to bridge them.
Thus, maintaining a relationship with your teachers and advisors is crucial. And your lecturers will be more willing to assist you in achieving your objectives if you are clear about them.
Conclusion
While studying Interdisciplinary Studies, you’ll need to create your educational plan, interact with teachers, and speak up for yourself.
But choosing interdisciplinary studies can help you take control of your education again and give you the freedom to design the finest possible education for your future.
Before you make a decision, read through this article to get all available and related information on interdisciplinary studies.
FAQs
Is Interdisciplinary Studies A Hard Major?
Interdisciplinary studies degrees might be challenging, but most worthwhile endeavors are also challenging. Most students find that the nature of interdisciplinary studies programs facilitates success.
What College Has Interesting Interdisciplinary Program?
Everyone interested in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary studies should look into Stanford University.
What Is A Example Of Interdisciplinary?
Interdisciplinary learning is defined as combining two fields of study, for example, a class that studies the New Testament from both literary and historical perspectives.
What Is A Masters In Interdisciplinary Studies?
Instead of focusing on just one discipline, the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) program gives students the chance to design their MA or MS degree to meet their unique academic, professional, and personal goals.
What Can You Do With A Degree In Interdisciplinary Social Sciences?
You can work in human resources, criminal justice, or urban planning; or enroll in graduate or professional programs in the social sciences, education, law, social work, public administration, public health, medicine, or business.
What Are Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies?
Programs in the multi-interdisciplinary fields of study integrate two or more programs under a single umbrella and enable students to tailor their degrees to a variety of interests.
Is It Possible To Major In Two Things?
You can pursue and complete two separate majors at once by declaring a double major. If you decide to double major, keep in mind that you’ll need to satisfy the particular academic criteria for each major.
Why Is Interdisciplinary Important?
Students that receive interdisciplinary training are better able to comprehend the origins and effects of problems, as well as the best course of action for policy to take to resolve them.
When Did Interdisciplinary Studies Begin?
According to the study, “interdisciplinary studies” as a word first originated in the 20th century, but it has roots in the work of ancient cultures, where Mesopotamians, Egyptians, and Greeks first applied interdisciplinary to their work many centuries ago.
What Does Interdisciplinary Mean In Healthcare?
Interdisciplinary teamwork is a challenging process in which many staff members collaborate to contribute their skills, knowledge, and expertise to improve patient care.
