History of Interdisciplinary Studies

Before modern universities separated disciplines into different departments, these subjects were studied in conjunction. In their study of the seven liberal arts (Grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music), the ancient Greeks practiced interdisciplinary studies.As we now know them, Interdisciplinary Studies are an effort to synthesize multiple perspectives in order to better understand subjects that are neglected when studied from only one perspective.Examples include Women Studies and African-American Studies.Many Interdisciplinary Studies program were created to address a discipline that has been neglected or poorly represented.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program incorporates a variety of fields into one broad program.Often students are allowed to design their own programs.Under the supervision of an advisor, students add courses of their own choosing from multiple disciplines to the interdisciplinary core courses arranged by the department.

Students are taught to merge multiple perspectives of one subject into a cohesive approach.Students of an Interdisciplinary Studies program engage in research projects, extensive reading including works of literature and works of theory, and analytical assignments.

Related college programs include Social Science, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and General Studies programs.These programs all encourage learning across disciplines and often allow students the freedom constructing their own curriculum in addition to core classes.

Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges

Many campus colleges and online colleges have developed Interdisciplinary Studies programs.Grand Valley State University offers an Interdisciplinary Studies program that offers both online and campus courses.University of Maryland University College offers a MSM in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Cardean University’s Bachelor of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies can be earned one-hundred percent online.

Careers in Interdisciplinary Studies

The broad nature of a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies prepares students for a wide variety of careers.The reading, research, analytical demands of this program prepares gradates for careers in media, publishing, journalism, and education.Also, the nature of the program instills problem-solving skills that are valuable in practically any career.

However, because Interdisciplinary Studies do not provide a specific focus, students who have an idea of their career goals should consider an internship or a volunteer program in the field of their interest.