Benefits of an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

Most colleges offer a variety of degrees that can lead to many different career paths, but you might not find a specific program that matches what you want to do in your career. If this is the case for you, consider an interdisciplinary degree, which gives you the chance to customize your field of study.

What is an interdisciplinary studies degree?

Interdisciplinary studies programs are programs that draw from multiple academic disciplines to create a single specific and personalized degree. A bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies is an ideal choice if you want to earn a degree to qualify for a job but don’t yet have the educational requirements. For example, you might have credits from studies at a previous college but didn’t finish your bachelor’s degree. An interdisciplinary study program can create a unique educational experience that focuses on your career goals.

At Herzing University, we offer the ability to take interdisciplinary courses in several program areas. Students can take courses in areas such as:

• Business
• Health and Human Services
• Health Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Network Security
• Psychology

While interdisciplinary degrees may be perfect for some students, they aren’t for everyone. If you are on the fence about what degree to pursue, here are some benefits of interdisciplinary study degrees to consider.

Most students go to college with a plan to focus on a particular field of study, such as nursing. Others might have multiple passions and try to combine them into one collegiate educational experience, which is where an interdisciplinary studies degree comes in.

For example, students looking to work in an administrative role at a healthcare institution may concentrate their study in business and healthcare administration and pursue an interdisciplinary studies degree in those areas.

Students who are truly passionate about their degree can connect their studies to real-world content, which makes their college experience even more meaningful and exciting.

Students who focus on a degree that requires specific skill sets – such as medical assisting, paralegal or IT – will work on learning and perfecting those skills during their college experience.

If you pursue an interdisciplinary studies degree, you have a chance to become more knowledgeable about what is required – both hard skills and soft skills -- for multiple industries and careers.

Since the business world is constantly changing, an interdisciplinary studies degree can help you adapt and adjust to changes within your field.

Since you are attaining your degree across two or more areas of study, there are many exciting opportunities to discover and contribute to new research in the industry. While you may not formally publish any of your research, you can help identify potential gaps in your field as well as observations that you may make about your organization or the industry. You cover topics in more depth because you are considering the many and varied perspectives from which a topic can be explored.

Another added benefit of an interdisciplinary studies degree is that you will have access to professionals and experts in multiple fields, especially as you earn your degree. You will form valuable networking connections that others in your field may not have.

How many people can say they have proudly earned their interdisciplinary studies degree? You chose to pursue your degree, and it is unique to your educational experience. While everyone has their own educational pathway and story, an interdisciplinary studies degree is a specific experience.

Employers may not have a clear understanding of what you studied in college, so it is your time to shine and show what you learned! You will stand out from others who may be interviewing for a position.

While an interdisciplinary studies degree may not be for everyone, it does show how you can work with your school to blaze your own path and pursue your career aspirations!