Interdisciplinary studies is a degree program that allows students to combine multiple fields of study. For example, if you love biology but also want to study philosophy, there’s an interdisciplinary studies degree program for that! Interdisciplinary studies is a great degree program for students who want to combine multiple fields of study and learn more about their interests. Instead of focusing on just one subject, students in this type of degree program will be required to take classes that cover multiple topics.
What Is Interdisciplinary Studies?
Are you interested in interdisciplinary studies? Do you want to add a broad range of skills and knowledge to your resume? If so, this is the right place for you! Interdisciplinary studies combine two or more fields of study into one degree. For example, a sociology and psychology major who plans to teach at the middle school level could combine their interests by earning an interdisciplinary degree in education and also doing research on adolescent development. After finishing their degrees, they’ll have a strong understanding of both disciplines while being able to use them together in their work as teachers.
If teaching isn’t really your thing but research sounds more appealing, then an interdisciplinary degree might be right up your alley! Many companies hire people with a background in business administration and management sciences who know how these fields relate to each other–so if this sounds like something that would interest you then consider earning an MBA with specializations like entrepreneurship or leadership studies.
Examples of Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary studies degrees are available in many fields, including business, education, and social sciences. These degree programs allow students to combine multiple fields of study. Examples of interdisciplinary studies degrees include:
- Anthropology and Archaeology
- Cultural Studies or Multicultural Education
- Gerontology (the study of aging)
- Human Development and Family Studies
The good thing about interdisciplinary studies is that it allows individuals who want to work in more than one field of study but don’t have the time to earn a double major or two separate bachelor’s degrees. It also gives them more opportunities for job placements after graduation since they’ll have learned how to think outside the box when looking at things from different perspectives.
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses
While many students will choose to double major or minor in order to achieve their desired degree, interdisciplinary studies can also be a stand-alone major. In this case, you would take classes from various departments and subjects that complement one another. For example, you might take English literature while also studying art history as part of your interdisciplinary studies program.
As with any degree program, the exact courses that are required depend on the school and your chosen concentration area. However, some of the more popular choices include:
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Art History
You’ll also be required to take a variety of core classes, such as introductory courses in literature and history. These will help you develop your critical thinking skills and give you an overview of the subject matter being covered. You may then choose to focus on a specific area of studies, such as art or literature, by taking additional classes in that discipline.
What Skills Will I Develop With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
You’ll develop some of the most important skills you need for success in any field. For example, an interdisciplinary studies degree teaches you how to:
- Solve problems systematically and effectively by breaking them down into their component parts.
- Think critically about issues from multiple perspectives and identify innovative solutions.
- Communicate clearly with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and other stakeholders in a variety of situations for various purposes—in person, via phone or email, and over social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter (yes!).
- Work well with others by contributing positively to group discussions; identifying shared goals; working collaboratively on projects; resolving conflicts that arise among team members; managing time effectively so that all deadlines are met…all while maintaining excellent attendance!
- Apply theories and principles to new situations by analyzing and synthesizing information; identifying differences between situations, people, and data; evaluating possible solutions, and providing recommendations for action.
- Analyze problems from multiple perspectives and develop creative solutions that are consistent with the organization’s mission and goals. Work well under pressure by prioritizing tasks; managing time effectively so that all deadlines are met; delegating tasks to others as appropriate; taking appropriate action when problems arise.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
As a graduate of an interdisciplinary studies degree program, you can work in a variety of industries. The field offers a wide-ranging set of skills that make you well-suited for jobs in business, education, and healthcare. You can also get hired as a consultant or take on positions at government agencies or non-profit organizations. In fact, many people with an interdisciplinary studies degree end up working in jobs that are entirely unrelated to their academic field of study. This is because many employers want employees who can work well in teams and have strong communication skills, both of which are common among those who get an interdisciplinary studies degree.
An interdisciplinary studies is a degree program that allows students to combine multiple fields of study.
An interdisciplinary studies is a degree program that allows students to combine multiple fields of study. This means you can take classes in multiple disciplines, often taught by professors from different departments. It’s a great way for students to get a broad education and prepare themselves for careers where they’ll need to draw from several different areas of knowledge. This type of degree is often offered by colleges and universities that want to offer students a broad education but don’t have enough faculty members and/or resources to create an entirely new major.
The Bottom Line
We hope this article has helped you understand what an interdisciplinary studies degree is, and what it can do for you. If you’re still wondering whether interdisciplinary studies is right for your future plans, consider what field of study interests you and how this new degree program could fit with that. Don’t forget: An interdisciplinary studies degree will give you a chance to combine multiple disciplines into one course of study, so there’s no limit to where your passion might take them!
