What Can You Do with an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?

A discipline is a specific area of study and the methods associated with that field. An interdisciplinary studies degree combines multiple disciplines and creates the possibility for unique degrees.

Many colleges have a department of interdisciplinary studies to support students who combine multiple fields of study.

Graduates of interdisciplinary studies programs often become:

• journalists
• public relations specialists
• teachers
• public health administrators
• project managers

Learn more about career paths and options for graduates of interdisciplinary studies degree programs.

Career Paths with an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

Here are some common career paths for graduates of interdisciplinary studies bachelor's degree programs, master's degree programs, and doctoral degree programs.

Journalist

Journalists must have a broad body of knowledge as they craft engaging narratives and research articles. Graduates of interdisciplinary studies degrees will be well-suited for careers in media and journalism. An interdisciplinary background will give students practice finding new angles and perspectives.

Teacher

Teaching is a career that requires personal, professional, and academic skills. Students who have studied multiple topics during their bachelor's degree often make excellent teachers. Interdisciplinary studies degrees also provide teachers with rich learning experiences to share with the classroom.

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are experts at finding ways to solve problems and get things done as they develop new business projects. A background in interdisciplinary studies can give entrepreneurs the skills they need to plan, manage, and scale many different types of companies.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources management is well-suited for an interdisciplinary studies degree. Human resources managers combine skills from disciplines such as psychology, management, legal studies, and communications.

Admissions Counselor

Many students find career success working in the same higher education institution they graduate from. Universities may prefer to employ admissions advisors with an interdisciplinary background due to their broad understanding of multiple areas of study.

Financial Advisor

Graduates of interdisciplinary studies programs make great financial advisors due to their broad knowledge base, communication skills, and ability to think analytically.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists utilize many different skills to help organizations share their goals and visions with the world. The ability to communicate in multiple contexts and understand the needs and expectations of different populations are important qualities that are developed in an interdisciplinary studies degree.

Public Health Administrator

A public health administrator is a great career for someone with an interdisciplinary studies degree. Supporting the health and well-being of a population requires knowledge of data analytics, public policy, psychology, sociology, science communication, human development, and physiology.

What Is Interdisciplinary Studies?

Interdisciplinary studies is the combination of different disciplines to provide a new perspective on a topic of interest. Interdisciplinary studies programs can help balance the specialization that often occurs in science and academia.

Often, theories and methods have been developed specifically within the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences but can be fruitfully applied to different domains.

Some examples of interdisciplinary programs include the following:

• Public health requires multiple disciplines such as sociology, computer science, marketing, and communications that support the development of new research or interventions.
• Environmental studies can benefit from interdisciplinary approaches that explore interactions between multiple perspectives such as science, humanities, and social sciences.
• Science communication requires knowledge of scientific practice, sociology, information systems, social media, behavior change, and philosophy.
• Human-computer interface combines aspects of computer science, engineering and design, and psychology.

Earning Your Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

While an interdisciplinary studies degree blends multiple subjects, students often choose a concentration such as English, political science, or computer science to master skills that can easily be applied to multiple careers.

Make sure to speak with an academic advisor to ensure that your program of study is feasible and will be well-supported by the available instructors.

Advantages of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

An interdisciplinary studies degree offers many benefits. It allows students to create a personally meaningful education by selecting courses that align with their career goals and personal interests.

Interdisciplinary studies students will have more variety in their studies and will be less likely to become bored with their coursework. Taking classes on a wider range of topics can keep the learning experience fresh and exciting.

These programs are also excellent preparation for graduate school since students will know how to synthesize large amounts of information and develop new ideas.

What Can You Do with an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?

The path each student takes after completing an interdisciplinary studies program depends partly on the specific disciplines combined.

The ability to combine different ideas may make graduates of interdisciplinary studies degrees well-suited to creative roles. Interdisciplinary studies students also oversee projects with multiple moving parts and may be well-prepared for careers in management.

Many graduates also find success leading non-profit organizations, developing humanitarian campaigns, or becoming involved in local politics.

Real-World Applications of an Interdisciplinary Approach

Many important real-world problems require interdisciplinary solutions. For example, combating climate change requires insights from:

• sustainability
• political science
• computer science

Attempts to alleviate global hunger have brought together disciplines such as:

• economics
• logistics
• nutrition
• sociology
• game theory

Children's programs, such as Head Start, were developed through interdisciplinary research combining:

• child development
• systems theory
• sociology
• public health
• public administration

How Does an Interdisciplinary Studies Program Differ from a Traditional Major?

Compared with a typical degree program, an interdisciplinary studies program gives students more autonomy to select courses from multiple departments.

Most programs will still have some required classes and general education credit hours, but the core major requirements will be significantly more flexible than a traditional major. Interdisciplinary studies programs often emphasize liberal arts while allowing students to select electives and specialized concentrations to dive deeper into areas of interest.

Interdisciplinary Studies FAQs

Find answers to these common questions about interdisciplinary studies.

How Do Interdisciplinary Studies Enhance Problem-Solving Skills?

Students completing a traditional degree program are often asked to master a pre-defined body of knowledge. Interdisciplinary studies programs are more flexible and require students to bring together new ideas.

Blending multiple fields of study requires students to solve both theoretical and practical problems as they create new knowledge.

What Is a Liberal Arts Degree?

A liberal arts degree is a program that emphasizes the humanities to give students a well-rounded education. Liberal arts degrees require courses in writing, literature, sociology, psychology, and the arts. A liberal arts degree is typically a Bachelor of Arts degree.

What Types of Concentrations Are Allowed When Seeking a Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies?

Interdisciplinary studies programs are designed to be flexible but the specific degree requirements vary from program to program. Students should make sure to check each college's course catalog and talk to an academic advisor about their intended degree plan.

Common concentrations for interdisciplinary studies majors include:

• public relations
• urban studies
• sociology
• environmental studies
• political science
• communications
• gender studies

Can I Work While Getting an Interdisciplinary Degree?

Yes, many degree programs are designed to allow students to continue working while they learn. Students interested in working while they earn an interdisciplinary studies degree should consider flexible online programs. Flexible programs allow students to create a customized schedule that fits their specific situation.

Find An Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program Today

An interdisciplinary studies degree is the perfect way to combine your interests and develop a wide range of skills. Find a program that fits your needs and start learning today.