Is an Interdisciplinary Studies Program Right for You 

According to the Association of Interdisciplinary Studies (formerly Association of Integrative Studies), the interdisciplinary approach to education essentially tailors the educational experience for students. Find details on interdisciplinary learning at https://www.edutopia.org/. 

The objective is to give the student the tools and skills necessary to pursue a career path with studies that don’t necessarily fit in one specific mold. The person has the opportunity to follow multiple areas of study instead of focusing solely on one. It allows greater flexibility and control for the individual in preparing for their future. 

Graduates receive their bachelor’s from this program, with the student majoring in their preferred specialty. While some recruiters or hiring managers across varied sectors find candidates with this degree more appealing, others are stringent about applicants having followed a single discipline major. 

What Are the Advantages of an Interdisciplinary Degree 

Some young adults pursuing their college degree can’t find a specific area of study that fits with the objectives they have for the future. Now, more are curious, pondering “what is interdisciplinary studies.”  

The idea of having the flexibility to choose from a few academic programs to tailor their course of study in the major they prefer and achieve their degree is appealing. 

Many students find this educational approach appealing, but it isn’t for everyone. For those having difficulty deciding on a specific degree program, weighing the advantages of interdisciplinary studies will give you the insight to allow a more informed decision. Here are some benefits you might realize with this degree program. 

Critical thinking 

Approaching studies in a multi-faceted way facilitates critical thinking skills. Societal challenges can’t be resolved with a cut-and-dry solution in today’s landscape. 

When young adults are presented with complicated or broad circumstances, this program allows them to consider the outcome using varied perspectives instead of what would be construed as typical. This results in unique answers that others wouldn’t have considered. 

A person who comes to conclusions in this manner becomes more motivated to take on complexities around them, is better at problem-solving and decision-making, and has a better capacity for learning. 

Creativity 

When you focus on a single discipline, learn the specialty in-depth, and can produce an exemplary performance in that field, the downside is everyone will be doing the same job the same way without pondering the possibility of variances. 

When a graduate from an interdisciplinary program looks at the position from a multi-faceted view, there’s a prospect for improvements, transformation in that role. 

The interdisciplinary graduate will have an innovative approach, recognize when a concept is skewed, and present a different method; one other people couldn’t have imagined given their narrow thought processes. 

Adaptability 

In the current business landscape, the objective is to stand out from the tremendous competition in each industry. The teams need to collaborate to achieve dynamic results, with each person offering a unique concept. 

That’s tough for individuals who were presented with one theory while studying or chose a more streamlined path toward their career goals. Someone who gathered more knowledge in varied sectors is prepared with valuable input to encourage growth and expansion. 

More companies lean towards innovation, flexibility, and thinking outside the box; individuals prepared to lead the group and face challenges head-on. 

Passion 

College is a time when students pursue their passion. Some will decide to use it as a gateway to find that one job they intend to retire from after decades in the same role. 

Others will search for an exhilarating, thought-provoking, and exciting experience that leaves them with the potential for a broad range of opportunities. Interdisciplinary students use college as a means to explore many interests so that when graduation comes around, they can contribute to many sectors. 

This concept isn’t new. When faced with a new day, each person looks at it from different angles before setting out with a planned schedule. 

In the business landscape, companies have the same mindset. Business leaders look for innovators who will come in, look at the operations, and present innovative ideas to promote the company a step ahead of the competition. 

Management is on the lookout for teams that carry the same values as the company, with growth and new possibilities as their cornerstone. Read here on interdisciplinary education being a staple in the future. 

Final Thought 

More students are choosing interdisciplinary studies as their core program instead of selecting a single focus. This allows individuals to pursue various interests while in school, so when they graduate, they are presented with a range of opportunities from many sectors. 

It’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. A priority is to weigh the advantages against those of a single discipline study program to see which will progress you toward the career path you see for yourself better. 

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