Interdisciplinary studies in college — The fundamental idea of integrating insights from multiple disciplines has been an ancient concept dating back to Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. These thinkers did not confine their studies to single subjects and had broad, all-encompassing views that spanned over various fields of knowledge. The same concept of drawing on knowledge from multiple disciplines is what we formally call Interdisciplinary Studies in College today.
What is Interdisciplinary Studies?
The primary idea of introducing interdisciplinary studies in college was to allow students to embrace a holistic view of knowledge, drawing connections across multiple fields. It allows going beyond the traditional boundaries to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world. Real world problems aren’t confined to Science or just Music. They are challenging and multifaceted, and interdisciplinary studies in college prepare you to cultivate the right approach by giving you a broader perspective to face them better.
Interdisciplinary Studies in College Explained with an Example
Interdisciplinary studies in college gives you the freedom to expand and enrich your understanding of a concept as you get to draw insights from multiple overlapping perspectives. Let’s take the example of an interdisciplinary studies program like Environmental Studies. Environmental issues are complex and require the understanding of various topics. For example, a topic like Climate Change in itself requires the understanding of –
1. Natural Sciences subjects like
- Biology (Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Conservation)
- Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Pollutants, Atmospheric Processes)
- Physics (Thermodynamics, Climate Systems, Energy)
- Geology (Earth Systems, Resource Management)
2. Social Sciences subjects like
- Economics (Sustainable Development, Effects of Pollution)
- Sociology (Human Behaviour, Social Justice)
- Political Science (International agreements and Environmental Policies)
- Anthropology (Cultural Perspectives on Nature, Habits)
3. Humanities subjects like
- Ethics (Our duties towards the environment)
- Philosophy (Environmental Philosophy)
- History (Past examples, History of Environmental Movements)
- Literature (Portrayal of Nature)
You see, Climate Change has profound Social, Economic, Scientific, Political and Ethical dimensions and an Environmental Studies Program can bring in an interdisciplinary approach by bringing these diverse fields together. Students can thus opt for flexibility in college majors and pick up some of the disciplines like – Environmental Science, Environmental Economics, Environmental Law and Policy, Environmental Ethics and Urban Planning together.
Should You Consider Interdisciplinary Studies in College?
While deciding an academic path, you might ask yourself, “Should I choose interdisciplinary studies?” Choosing Interdisciplinary studies in college or interdisciplinary majors may not be suitable for everyone. However, it can prove to be rewarding for some as interdisciplinary majors allow you to tailor your education to precisely match your professional aspirations. We have listed a few reasons why and when one should consider it.
- If you have diverse interconnected interests and like learning about the bigger picture. For example, if both human mind and technology fascinate you, you can choose a major like Cognitive Science that blends Computer Science, Psychology, Neurosciences and Linguistics.
- If you are passionate about learning and solving complex real-world problems. We have already discussed the example of Environmental Studies.
- If you have a specific career goal in mind that requires an eclectic blend of knowledge from different fields. For example, if you like to write, communicate and enjoy learning about scientific concepts, and want to become an Environmental Journalist, you can combine Journalism and Natural Sciences.
- If you want to develop transferable skills that are not tied to a specific job, industry or field and can be applied across various roles and environments.
Combining Majors in University
Combining majors in university allows students to achieve a broader academic scope. This can be done by pursuing a double major or a dual degree. A double major involves two distinct fields of study culminating in a single diploma that mentions both specialisations. A dual degree, on the other hand, involves earning independent diplomas simultaneously from the same or two different universities. The fields of study in both double major programs and dual degree programs may either be related or unrelated to each other.
Finally, the purpose of interdisciplinary studies in college is to offer a more integrated approach to a topic of interest by weaving together courses from multiple disciplines, ultimately giving students a well-rounded and holistic perspective on the subject. Rather than two separate and independent majors, interdisciplinary studies emphasises on connections and the synergy that forms when different fields of knowledge are brought together to approach a subject more comprehensively. The number of majors you can take and the degree you will receive depends on the university.
Interdisciplinary vs Double Major – Know the Difference
That’s a tricky one to explain. Let us simplify it for you. If a student takes up a double major in order to gain insights into a specific topic of inquiry that spans two or more disciplines, then we can say that it is quite akin to interdisciplinary studies in college.
However, more often than not, students pursue double majors in order to gain a broader set of qualifications, not quite necessarily to integrate diverse methods and perspectives for a specific topic of interest. Double majors, thus, focus on taking courses in each discipline to major in. Interdisciplinary studies in college, on the other hand, focuses on digging deeply into the courses that are relevant to a specific interdisciplinary topic.
Benefits of Interdisciplinary Majors
- Tailored Learning – Students with diverse interests get the freedom to choose interdisciplinary programs and a curriculum that excites them and aligns with their academic and career goals.
- Soft Skills – Interdisciplinary studies in college help students develop soft skills like adaptability, time management, attention to detail, problem-solving and communication as they constantly interact with peers and faculty from various backgrounds.
- Holistic Perspective – Students develop a holistic perspective by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines and approaching problems from diverse angles. Students also get motivated to study the material at a deeper level.
- Analytical Skills – Constant collating, comparing, contrasting and synthesising various theories, methodologies and perspectives hone their critical thinking and ability to analyse things better.
- Creativity – Thinking out of the box by breaking down traditional academic silos encourages them to develop fresh insights and create unique and creative solutions.
- Versatility – Interdisciplinary studies in college develop a wide range of transferable skills like research, analysis, communication, synthesis, collaboration, teamwork etc. that are valued across several industries.
- Advanced Study – Interdisciplinary studies in college is a strong asset that opens a student’s doors to multiple options for advanced studies.
Careers with Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
With the world getting more connected and the job market always changing, interdisciplinary studies in college helps students build a strong, flexible profile making them a huge asset in the dynamic recruitment landscape. Here are some advantages –
- Flexibility in an Evolving Landscape
Many modern careers in fields like sustainability, data ethics, digital humanities etc. don’t fit into the traditional categories. Interdisciplinary studies in college offer career flexibility and prepare students to navigate these evolving landscapes and adapt to new roles and challenges.
- Fitting into Collaborative Workspaces
Interdisciplinary studies in college equips students for the collaborative nature of modern workplaces. Students are already trained to integrate knowledge from diverse fields and work with cross-functional teams.
- Adaptability & Mastering Complexity
Interdisciplinary education fosters adaptability. It enables students to learn new things quickly and apply their knowledge across different contexts. Interdisciplinary studies in college also empower students to navigate difficult issues, research designs and the complexities of organisations better.
- Evolving Employer Demand
Employers are increasingly demanding candidates who can connect ideas across disciplines and approach challenges with creativity, critical thinking and superior problem-solving skills.
Interdisciplinary Programs in Top Universities
| Interdisciplinary Program Areas | University/College |
|---|---|
| Computational ScienceMaterials Science | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Humanities and SciencesEarth SystemsScience Technology & SocietyHuman Computer InteractionDesignEnvironmental Solutions | Stanford University |
| Environmental Science & Public PolicyHistory & LiteratureMind, Brain & Behaviour | Harvard University |
| Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Economics & PolicyPublic HealthOperations Research & Management Science | University of California, Berkeley |
| Huntsman Program in International Studies and BusinessComputer & Cognitive Science | University of Pennsylvania |
| Peace StudiesPre-Medical Engineering Studies | Purdue University |
| Art, Design and Human Computer Interaction | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Health ProgramsLinguistics & Computer ScienceGlobal StudiesAncient Religion & Society | Duke University |
| Environmental SustainabilityPublic Policy ProgramsInterdisciplinary Studies in Social Science | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor |
| Native American & Indigenous StudiesFeminist/Intersectional Science & Technology | Barnard College |
| Various programs in -EngineeringNatural SciencesMedicineEconomics | Technical University of Munich (TUM) |
| Computational BiologyComputer Science-EconomicsModern Culture and Media | Brown University |
| Many Science ProgramsMany Technology Programs | National University of Singapore |
| Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience | UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) |
| Environment, Economics & Politics | Claremont McKenna College |
| Cognitive Science | Cornell University |
| Science and Engineering Programs | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| Computational Engineering & SciencesLiberal Arts, Technology & Health | University of Texas at Austin |
Understand the Intricacies of Interdisciplinary Studies with Ascend Now
Still wondering what subjects to choose in college? Are you a Musician with a Scientific bent of mind? Or a Sports Enthusiast with a knack for understanding the Psychology of a sportsperson? Or do Gender Studies fascinate you alongside Theology? If your interests span wide, then interdisciplinary studies in college is the ideal way forward for you.
Discuss one-on-one with our experts at Ascend Now and let them know your interests. They will analyse your requirements and recommend the perfect program for interdisciplinary studies in college for you in the best of universities. Not just that, our experienced set of counsellors are there to help you prepare and plan for university. Be it preparing for your standardised tests, essays, personal statements and interviews, our Ivy League tutors/experts will work out the best personalised solution for you to help you achieve your academic goals.
