What Can I Do With An Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?

interdisciplinary studies degree programsTop Career Paths Explored

What can you do with an interdisciplinary studies degree? Focusing on a major in interdisciplinary studies during your time at college allows you to study subjects of all sorts. This degree gives you a wide range of careers to pursue.

An interdisciplinary studies degree offers you the unique opportunity to combine your interests in multiple subject areas, creating a customized educational experience tailored to your career goals. With this degree, you’ll gain knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines, such as communication, psychology, public administration, organizational leadership, and business, which can open doors to numerous career paths.

As a graduate of an interdisciplinary studies program, you’ll have the flexibility to pursue various career options, ranging from education administration to business management. This degree equips you with a broad range of transferable skills, enabling you to excel in diverse industries and roles. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting possibilities that await you with an interdisciplinary studies degree.

Depending on your chosen concentrations, you can craft a degree that aligns with your passions and professional aspirations. For example, you might combine psychology and art or business management and marketing. The versatility of interdisciplinary studies allows you to adapt to ever-evolving fields and stay competitive in today’s job market. Keep reading to learn more about the possibilities and potential careers for interdisciplinary studies graduates.

Understanding Interdisciplinary Studies

Definition and Purpose

An interdisciplinary studies degree allows you to combine more than one area of study, giving you the flexibility to pursue your educational and career goals across various fields. Unlike a specific major, this degree option enables you to intentionally explore topics from different disciplines that interest you.

Interdisciplinary degrees can be found at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level and are designed to provide you with a broad range of skills and knowledge. They are most suitable for students who have diverse interests and wish to create a unique educational experience that aligns with their personal and professional aspirations.

Flexible and Customizable Curriculum

The flexible nature of interdisciplinary studies programs allows you to customize your curriculum by choosing concentrations from different fields. You can effectively create your own major, combining two or more areas of interest into one degree program.

By exploring various subjects, you’ll benefit from developing critical-thinking skills, enhancing your creativity, and gaining the ability to analyze information across multiple perspectives. Interdisciplinary degrees encourage cultivating well-roundedness and adaptability, which are valued qualities in the rapidly changing modern workforce.

To make the most out of your interdisciplinary studies degree, it’s important to select concentrations that truly interest you and align with your professional objectives. As you navigate through your degree program, consider incorporating coursework that emphasizes practical applications and connects to desired career paths. This will help you become better equipped to secure jobs in diverse industries and demonstrate your unique skillset to potential employers.

What You Can Study as Part of Interdisciplinary Studies

An interdisciplinary studies degree program allows you to focus your studies on a variety of subjects in order for you to become a well-rounded, highly educated individual. With a degree in interdisciplinary studies, your career options are significantly broader than if you were to graduate with a degree in a specific degree (i.e., biotechnology or mechanical engineering).

Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to focus on learning various liberal arts while attending college. A few examples:

  • Literature
  • Language
  • Law
  • Psychology
  • Religion

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies involves studying various earth and life sciences. A few of the subjects you can focus your studies on while earning a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Geology
  • Medicine

Although they may differ drastically, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies share some core subjects such as:

  • Writing course(s)
  • Communications course(s)
  • Mathematics course(s)

Potential Career Paths

Entrepreneurship and Business

With an interdisciplinary studies degree, you can venture into entrepreneurship and start your own business. Your diverse skillset will allow you to explore business management, marketing, and communications, all of which are essential for running a successful enterprise. This degree program can also help you gain expertise in specific industries, such as technology or healthcare, depending on your chosen focus area.

Nonprofit and Social Work

Your interdisciplinary studies background can pave the way for a career in nonprofit organizations or social work. You’ll have the opportunity to use your unique combination of skills and knowledge to make a difference in your community or even globally. From project management to community outreach, your interdisciplinary studies degree can equip you with the tools to work towards a better world.

Education and Research

An interdisciplinary studies degree often includes strong research skills and analytical abilities. As a result, you can pursue a career in education or research, such as working as an education administrator or conducting studies in your desired field. Beyond teaching, potential roles include school principals, assistant principals, and college deans.

Creative and Media Industries

The creative and media industries can greatly benefit from your interdisciplinary studies degree. Your critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities will prepare you for a career in fields like graphic design, digital media, film, and public relations. From creating impactful visual content to managing communication strategies, your diverse skillset will be an asset in these industries.

Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers often educating one group of children in multiple subjects, including but not limited to math, language, and social studies. A teaching certificate may also be required. Other requirements may vary from school district to school district.

Wind Turbine Technician

A wind turbine technician performs basic maintenance procedures on wind turbines and their surrounding area, ensuring the area is clean so as to prevent any issues that may arise that could hinder the turbines from working properly. Keeping the area clean also helps reduce the risk of injury on employees and local nearby residents. A Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies may be shaped with courses that prepare the student for a career as a wind turbine technician.

Loss Prevention Manager

A loss prevention manager may develop or update cooperation plans for employees and customers to ensure the financial safety of a company. He, she, or they may work with law enforcement in order to best monitor a store or chain of stores to prevent internal and external theft. Companies typically require applicants to possess at least a few years of experience within their particular industry. Loss prevention managers may also possess bachelor degrees in interdisciplinary studies with focuses in management or other business-related areas of study.

Regulatory Affairs Manager

A regulatory affairs manager ensures that production procedures meet rules and regulations set by state and government officials. Duties include organizing inspections, reports, and records among other tasks, as well as acting as liaison between the company and government whenever government interaction is necessary. Employers require at least a bachelors degree in a field related to their particular industry, but a custom interdisciplinary studies degree can also be helpful. Employers also often require quite a few years of experience in one or more positions within the relevant industry.

Public Service and Government

Last but not least, you can use your interdisciplinary expertise to work in public service or government roles. Your broad understanding of various disciplines, such as psychology, public administration, and organizational leadership, can provide valuable insights for policymaking and governance. Careers in this sector can range from local government to international diplomacy, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on society.

Graduate and Professional Schools

An interdisciplinary studies degree can open many doors for you in various graduate and professional schools. Some programs where your diverse academic background are highly valued:

Law School

Your interdisciplinary background can be a great asset in pursuing a law degree. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial for success in legal studies. With the ability to think critically from various perspectives, you can excel in legal courses and stand out among your peers. Law schools often seek applicants with diverse backgrounds, so your interdisciplinary studies degree may make you an attractive candidate for admission.

MBA Programs

Business administration programs value the versatility and adaptability that interdisciplinary studies graduates bring to the table highly. Your background can provide you with a unique ability to approach business challenges from multiple viewpoints. MBA programs often focus on fostering well-rounded professionals who can excel in various aspects of a company’s operations. This means that your interdisciplinary studies degree can serve as a solid foundation for developing business acumen and advancing your career in business.

Social Science or Humanities Programs

If you wish to deepen your understanding of social sciences or humanities, pursuing a graduate degree in these fields is an excellent choice. An interdisciplinary studies degree encourages critical thinking, communication, and research skills, all of which are highly prized in these programs. Your capacity to connect disparate concepts can help you make unique contributions to your field of study, and your undergraduate experiences can prepare you for the rigors of graduate research and coursework.

STEM Programs

Your interdisciplinary studies degree may also serve as a springboard for pursuing graduate studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Many STEM disciplines require professionals who can think critically and holistically about complex problems. An interdisciplinary background can foster these skills, helping you excel in STEM programs. As the demand for professionals in these fields continues to grow, your unique perspective may provide a competitive edge when seeking opportunities in STEM industries.

Ultimately, your interdisciplinary studies degree can be the key to unlocking a wide array of graduate and professional school opportunities. By leveraging your versatile skillset, you can thrive in various academic pursuits and set yourself up for success in your chosen field.

Developing Marketable Skills

An interdisciplinary studies degree not only provides you with a diverse educational background but also helps you develop a variety of marketable skills. These skills are highly sought after by employers and can benefit you in any career path.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Interdisciplinary studies involve learning about different disciplines and finding connections between them. This approach naturally helps you enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as you are constantly required to analyze various perspectives, evaluate information, and develop innovative solutions to complex issues.

Communication and Collaboration

The interdisciplinary nature of these programs also exposes you to diverse perspectives and people, improving your communication and collaboration skills. You’ll learn how to effectively convey your ideas, understand other viewpoints, and work collaboratively with peers from different backgrounds.

Adaptability and Resilience

Demonstrating adaptability and resilience is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. The broad knowledge base you’ll acquire through an interdisciplinary studies degree will enable you to navigate and thrive in various professional environments. You’ll become comfortable with change and capable of handling uncertainty, valuable skills for any career path.

Leadership and Project Management

Interdisciplinary studies can help you develop leadership and project management skills by providing opportunities to take initiative, set goals, and coordinate efforts across different disciplines. As a graduate of such a program, you’ll be well-equipped to effectively manage projects, motivate team members, and make informed decisions that serve the organization’s best interests.

Skills Summary

An interdisciplinary studies degree offers you the chance to develop a diverse skill set that can be applied to various careers. By refining your critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and leadership abilities, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in any industry and contribute meaningfully to your future employer’s success.

Conclusion

interdisciplinary studies jobs

Pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree opens up a plethora of opportunities for you in various industries. As a graduate of this program, you’ll find that your creativity, critical thinking skills, and ability to analyze data are highly valued by potential employers.

By selecting relevant concentrations like communications, psychology, public administration, organizational leadership, or business, you can tailor your degree to align with your interests and career goals. This diverse educational background can make you a prime candidate for innovative roles and help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

As you venture out into the professional world (or imagine doing so after your degree), remember that an interdisciplinary studies degree equips you with the flexibility, adaptability, and unique skill set needed to succeed in a variety of fields.

Embrace the challenges that come your way and use your diverse education to make positive contributions in whichever career path you choose.