Interdisciplinary Studies have a special advantage over routine single-disciplinary ones.
Throughout school education, the students are exposed to all the available subjects, such as social, language, science, mathematics, and arts, such as drawing, singing, dancing, etc.
As one proceeds ahead, he is allowed to go for specialization studies like either STEM, law, social or arts, etc.
Though this system is effective, with changing trends and the development of technology, there are chances of missing some important opportunities that would have otherwise been possible if multidisciplinary programs had been implemented.
A person with pure science subjects like zoology till post-graduation level may miss out on interesting options like astrobiology, and an engineering graduate with excellent creativity in technology may miss out on business opportunities if he does not take up management courses.
There is good scope for jobs in the private and public sectors for those with diverse knowledge. This is where multidisciplinary studies seem to be important.
What is Interdisciplinary Studies?
- Studies exposing to different disciplines of knowledge and subjects are multidisciplinary studies. This can be either.
- Taking up some graduation with multidisciplinary subjects,
Ex Bio-medical Science, Pharmacy, etc.
- Taking up one disciplinary subject for graduation and another disciplinary in post-graduation.
Ex: Science in graduation and law in post-graduation, or Engineering in graduation and management studies in post-graduation.
Advantages of multidisciplinary studies:
They improve the scope of jobs:
- In major companies, candidates with multidisciplinary education will be preferred over normal candidates talent-wise.
- This is because the needs of a company are so diverse that to be efficient, they need a guy who has knowledge of the laws of the land, the business, and market opportunities besides the basic skills required at work like for production or manufacture or testing.
- You will even notice that in a software company, previously, programmers were paid well, but now consultants, i.e., those with knowledge of programming and experience in some non-related areas like mining, pharmacy, and metallurgy, are paid well.
- This is because a programmer can just program, but a guy with multidisciplinary study can take up the job to build a program required for the company’s needs.
Improve the scope of learning:
- The horizons of learning become vast when one takes up multidisciplinary programs.
- This is because one has to get thorough in more than one line of knowledge to be efficient.
Shows more innovative ways to research:
- Most scientists and researchers face problems when they think of new innovations to take up.
- This is because the field is so competitive that almost all the ideas for innovation are already taken by someone else.
- So when they go for multidisciplinary subjects, they can find chances of innovation by applying the combined knowledge of subjects.
Ex: If a guy with a Bachelor’s in electronics takes up a Master’s in material science.
- Then he can know what material or combination is better for improving the memory of computers, the material for better performance, etc.
Ability to apply knowledge of one discipline to another for better benefits:
- We come across many diagnostic machines in a hospital.
- Do you think it is possible for doctors to make all those instruments? This is quite impossible.
- However, the application of engineering techniques to evaluate body physiology helps doctors to go for better diagnoses.
Employment Statistics for Interdisciplinary Graduates
According to recent studies:
- Graduates with interdisciplinary degrees earn 5-12% more on average than those with traditional single-discipline degrees within 5 years of graduation (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2023)
- 78% of employers report that candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds demonstrate stronger problem-solving skills (Harvard Business Review Survey, 2022)
- The employment rate for graduates from interdisciplinary programs is 7% higher than the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
- 65% of innovation-focused companies prefer candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds for leadership positions (McKinsey Global Institute, 2024)
- Interdisciplinary professionals report 23% higher job satisfaction compared to single-discipline counterparts (Journal of Career Development, 2023)
Examples of Innovative Interdisciplinary Programs
Stanford University
- Program: Symbolic Systems
- Combines: Computer science, psychology, linguistics, and philosophy.
- Career Outcomes: Graduates work in AI research, UX design, and cognitive science
MIT
- Program: Computational and Systems Biology.
- Combines: Biology, computer science, and engineering.
- Career Outcomes: Roles in pharmaceutical research, biotech, and healthcare analytics
Carnegie Mellon University
- Program: Human-Computer Interaction
- Combines: Computer science, psychology, design, and communication.
- Career Outcomes: UX researchers, product managers, and accessibility specialists
Duke University
- Program: Environmental Law and Policy
- Combines: Environmental science, law, sociology, and public policy
- Career Outcomes: Environmental lawyers, policy advisors, and sustainability consultants.
How to Choose the Right Interdisciplinary Program
In choosing an ideal interdisciplinary program, one should evaluate his or her interests, career goals, and the program’s structure.
Below are few points to help you make this important decision:
Assess Your Potential Interests and Strengths
Before opting for specific programs:
- Identify your passions: What subjects genuinely excite you? Which topics do you find yourself reading about in your free time?
- Recognize your strengths: What skills come naturally to you? Where have you excelled academically or professionally?
- Consider your learning style: Do you prefer project-based learning, research, theoretical work, or hands-on application?
Research Career Possibilities
Investigate potential career paths that align with interdisciplinary education:
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals working in fields that interest you
- Analyze job postings to identify what combinations of skills are in demand
- Explore emerging careers at the intersection of traditional disciplines
- Consider salary prospects and advancement opportunities in various interdisciplinary fields
Evaluate Program Quality and Structure
When comparing programs, consider these factors:
Curriculum Design
- Is the program truly integrative or simply a collection of courses from different departments?
- Does it teach methodologies for combining insights from different disciplines?
- Are there capstone projects that require interdisciplinary problem-solving?
Faculty Expertise
- Do professors have backgrounds spanning multiple disciplines?
- Is there evidence of interdisciplinary research and collaboration among faculty?
- Are instructors recognized for innovation at the boundaries of traditional fields?
Flexibility and Customization
- Can the programs be customized to your specific interests?
- Are there opportunities to design your own courses or independent studies?
- Does the program have diverse learning paths?
Consider Practical Factors
Pragmatic considerations that impact your educational experience:
Resources and Facilities
- Does the institution have labs, studios, or resources that support interdisciplinary work?
- Is there funding available for innovative student projects?
- Are there interdisciplinary research centers or institutes on campus?
Networking Opportunities
- Does the program connect students with professionals across multiple industries?
- Are there interdisciplinary student organizations or events?
- Does the alumni network span diverse career fields?
Post-Graduation Support
- How does the career center help interdisciplinary graduates market themselves?
- What is the program’s track record for job placement in interdisciplinary roles?
- Are there partnerships with organizations that value interdisciplinary perspectives?
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of programs that:
- Lack of clear integration between disciplines
- Have high dropout rates or poor job placement statistics
- Receive negative reviews from alumni about career preparation
- Operate in isolation from employers or industry partners
Questions to Ask Program Representatives
- “How do you help students integrate knowledge from different disciplines?”
- “What percentage of graduates find work in truly interdisciplinary roles?”
- “Can you share examples of innovative projects or research from current students?”
- “How does the program stay current with emerging interdisciplinary fields?”
- “What support exists for students creating new interdisciplinary pathways?”
Making Your Final Decision
As you narrow down your options, consider:
- Visiting campuses or attending virtual information sessions
- Speaking with current students and recent graduates
- Reviewing sample syllabi and course materials
- Assessing the return on investment based on tuition costs and career prospects
Employer Quotes on the Value of Interdisciplinary Education
“In our rapidly changing tech landscape, we actively seek candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds. They consistently demonstrate more innovative approaches to problem-solving and adapt more quickly to new challenges.”
— Sarah Chen, Director of Talent Acquisition at Microsoft
“The most valuable employees are those who can bridge different departments and translate complex ideas across disciplines. That’s why our leadership development program specifically targets graduates with interdisciplinary education.”
— James Patterson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Johnson & Johnson
“We’ve found that teams with interdisciplinary members deliver 35% more innovative solutions than homogeneous teams. It’s simply good business to hire people who can think across boundaries.”
— Raj Patel, Innovation Director at IBM