Interdisciplinary studies at National University is an innovative academic pathway that merges insights from multiple disciplines to tackle complex, real-world challenges. With two distinct programs, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with ITL Credential, students have the flexibility to tailor their education based on their career goals.
The BA Interdisciplinary Studies program, offered under the School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, focuses on three thematic areas: Culture and Identity, Globalization and Development, and Environment and Climate Change. This broad, versatile education equips students with the tools to approach issues from multiple perspectives, offering a foundation for a wide range of careers in fields such as business, public policy, and social sciences.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with ITL Credential program, offered within the Sanford College of Education, follows a two-stage structure. Students first complete their foundational coursework at the School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences before seamlessly transitioning to the Sanford College of Education for their credential coursework. This pathway ensures that aspiring elementary school teachers in California gain a well-rounded interdisciplinary education while meeting the state’s teacher credentialing requirements.
Table of Contents
- Defining Interdisciplinary Studies
- Why Earn an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
- Benefits of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
- Career Opportunities
- Explore the Educational Opportunities of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
By combining principles from fields such as science, technology, social sciences, and the arts, both programs help students develop innovative thinking, connect concepts across domains, and devise creative solutions for today’s challenges.
Defining Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary studies is a dynamic academic approach that combines knowledge and methods from various fields to provide a holistic perspective on complex issues. Rather than focusing on a single subject like biology, business, or psychology, students explore the intersections and interactions between disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of how diverse perspectives contribute to solving multifaceted challenges.
At National University, interdisciplinary studies programs are structured to address critical global themes. For example, solving environmental challenges may require integrating knowledge from biology, geology, economics, and public policy. Similarly, understanding cultural identity or navigating global development calls for insights from history, sociology, and communication.
The BA Interdisciplinary Studies provides a broad, flexible education for careers in a variety of fields, while the BAIS w/ITL Credential prepares students specifically for teaching in California. These distinct pathways offer students the opportunity to pursue separate career goals while benefiting from the interdisciplinary approach.
Types of Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
Interdisciplinary studies programs allow students to mix and match different fields, crafting an educational path that aligns with their unique interests and career ambitions. These programs pull from various academic disciplines, providing the tools to manage complex issues from several angles. Here are some common interdisciplinary focuses:
- Leadership Studies: Brings together psychology, business, and communication to build strong leadership abilities.
- Environmental Studies: Combines biology, ecology, and political science to address environmental issues.
- Health Sciences: Merges biology, psychology, and public health for a well-rounded look at health and wellness.
- Education Studies: Blends psychology, sociology, and educational theory to enhance teaching practices.
- Cultural Studies: Integrates literature, history, anthropology, and sociology to examine the influence of culture on society.
Why Earn an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
Earning an interdisciplinary studies degree is not merely about acquiring knowledge, it’s about cultivating critical thinking abilities across a spectrum of subjects that genuinely engage you. You’ll draw connections between different fields, diving deep into the complexities of everyday obstacles while sharpening your problem-solving instincts. Employers crave candidates who can think outside the box and overcome various hurdles in today’s ever-changing job market. This broad skill set gives you a distinct advantage over those who’ve followed a more singular academic path.
One of the standout perks of an interdisciplinary studies major? The power to design your curriculum around your passions and career aspirations. This unique feature empowers you to craft a personalized educational journey that’s as unique as you are. Whether you’re aiming for a niche career, planning to start your own business, or pursuing a position that requires a broad skillset, this flexibility ensures your education is focused on what matters most to you.
As you progress through an interdisciplinary studies program, you’re not just following a path; you’re shaping it, aligning your education with both personal and professional ambitions. This method equips you with the broad knowledge and versatile skills needed to excel, whether on a path you choose or one you forge yourself. The opportunity for personal and professional growth is immense, inspiring you to reach new heights in your academic and professional journey.
Benefits of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
Interdisciplinary studies offer an educational experience that’s both distinctive and deeply enriching, arming you with a wide array of skills and knowledge. By delving into the intersections of various fields, you’ll cultivate a broader outlook, sharpen your critical thinking, and learn to navigate complex, multifaceted issues. This interdisciplinary model enhances your intellectual agility and makes you a versatile asset in any professional setting. The unique and enriching nature of this educational experience is sure to intrigue and excite prospective students.
“The world of work is changing faster than ever, and employers want people who can adapt, pivot, and learn on the fly. By staying curious and continuously adding new lenses to your toolkit, you become both more resilient and more marketable in any industry.”
Consider some of the standout benefits that come with an interdisciplinary studies degree:
- Flexibility: You have the power to customize your learning experience to match your interests and career goals. Engage in a variety of subjects and shape your coursework to meet your specific needs, creating a personalized learning experience.
- Breadth of Knowledge: By researching multiple academic disciplines, you’ll develop a broad and nuanced understanding of the world. This exposure to diverse fields and methodologies empowers you to connect ideas across different domains, enabling you to craft innovative solutions to intricate problems.
- Critical Thinking: Interdisciplinary studies push you to think critically by challenging you to analyze information from multiple angles. This skill is crucial for thriving in both academic environments and the workplace.
- Adaptability: The interdisciplinary method teaches you to incorporate various perspectives when addressing a single issue. By integrating knowledge from different fields, you’ll learn to take on new challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and ease.
Structure of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
An interdisciplinary studies program is ideal for students who crave the freedom to craft their own educational adventures. Unlike traditional programs with rigid curriculums, this program allows you to select courses across various disciplines, enabling you to design an academic path that’s uniquely yours. If your interests are wide-ranging or you’re targeting a career that demands expertise from multiple areas, this program allows you to explore and integrate your passions into a customized learning experience.
In National University’s Interdisciplinary Studies program, you’ll work with an academic advisor to pick your areas of concentration or fields of study. These can range from broad themes like environmental studies or cultural analysis to specific combinations like psychology and business or technology and ethics. You’ll then craft a unique curriculum that combines University General Education requirements with courses across all the major disciplines: literature, social sciences, behavioral sciences, natural science, mathematics, and humanities that fit your chosen concentration. This ensures an education that is both cohesive and comprehensive.
The flexibility of interdisciplinary studies lets you immerse yourself in the subjects that truly ignite your passion while preparing you for careers that thrive on a comprehensive approach. By choosing concentrations that align with your goals, you’ll craft a distinctive skill set that helps you stand out in the job market and equips you for lasting professional success.
Career Opportunities
Graduating with an interdisciplinary studies degree unlocks a world of career possibilities, thanks to the diverse skill set you’ll cultivate during your studies. The versatility of these skills makes you a valuable asset in nearly any role, as you’ll be equipped to think critically, manage complex problems, and integrate insights from various fields. This degree emphasizes that success in any professional setting hinges on your ability to contribute meaningfully, make a real impact, and be a true asset to your team or organization, no matter your job title.
Interdisciplinary studies programs are designed to prepare students to confront practical, everyday issues that don’t fit neatly into a single discipline. For example, in the business world, graduates might use their combined understanding of psychology and marketing to decode consumer behavior and craft effective strategies. In education, you could apply knowledge from sociology and educational theory to develop better and more inclusive learning environments. Healthcare presents opportunities to blend biology, public health, and ethics to address public health challenges, while in government, you might leverage your studies in political science and environmental studies to shape sustainable policies.
Consider some of the most common career paths for interdisciplinary studies graduates, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Management occupations: Roles such as project managers, administrators, training and development directors, and even executive or C-suite positions.
- Educational instruction and library occupations: Positions include primary, secondary, and postsecondary teachers, adult educators, career and technical trainers, librarians, library media specialists, museum archivists and curators, and tutoring professionals.
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations: Careers like occupational therapists, EMTs and paramedics, dietitians and nutritionists, home health aides, laboratory technologists and technicians, and exercise physiologists.
- Business and financial operations occupations: Jobs such as accountants, financial analysts, economists, bookkeepers, financial examiners, and tax preparers.
Explore the Educational Opportunities of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
An interdisciplinary studies degree offers unparalleled flexibility, arming you with the tools to excel in any professional path you choose. By exploring theories and methods across various academic fields, you’ll develop a broad skill set that empowers you to think critically, tackle complex real-world problems, and devise innovative, thoughtful solutions. Whether your interests lie in business, education, healthcare, or another area, the interdisciplinary approach provides a strong foundation that not only prepares you for your chosen career but also gives you the adaptability to transition into other industries should your ambitions evolve.
If you’re inspired by the idea of shaping a personalized academic path that aligns with your passions and professional goals, consider pursuing an interdisciplinary degree at National University. These flexible programs empower you to make a meaningful impact in your field while drawing from diverse areas of study:
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Offered through the School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, this program allows you to design a broad-based curriculum tailored to your interests and career aspirations.
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education
Housed within the Sanford College of Education, this program is ideal for those seeking a multifaceted approach to educational careers, blending coursework across disciplines with a strong foundation in teaching and learning.
This content has been reviewed and approved by the National University Editorial Advisory Board. Learn more about our editorial process.