Today’s academic degree programs are undoubtedly distinct from those of the past. While traditional courses of study emphasized specialization and mastery of particular subject areas, this approach to learning has changed greatly in recent years, giving rise to new degree plans that offer an enriched foundation for graduates. One example is Interdisciplinary Studies, an academic pathway that provides students with unique intellectual connections drawn from various sources.
New graduates face a rapidly changing world, and the modern world demands a more holistic approach. Northern Kentucky University (NKU) rises to the challenge with its online B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – General Studies Completion Track. This program is a launchpad for passionate individuals ready to tackle an uncertain future head-on. Designed to align with students’ passions and professional interests, it prepares graduates for whatever comes next.
Defining Interdisciplinary Studies
Before prospective students can make the best decision about their future, they must learn the answer to an important question: What is an interdisciplinary degree? At its core, an interdisciplinary degree is a personalized academic journey. Students become the architects of their own education, crafting a curriculum that aligns perfectly with their interests and career aspirations. This tailored approach empowers learners to forge connections between seemingly disparate fields, unlocking new perspectives and innovative solutions.
According to Indeed, “An interdisciplinary studies degree is an academic credential that includes the study of multiple fields or disciplines.” In other words, a degree in interdisciplinary studies allows students to combine insights and coursework from multiple academic fields into a single program.
An interdisciplinary degree is often more specific to a student’s needs and passions than a typical degree program. As per Indeed: “Students often propose the program to the administration of the institution they study at. Interdisciplinary studies contain personalized curricula students can follow to earn a more specific and nuanced academic credential.” This flexibility can give students more power and agency in their academic journeys.
Core Principles of Integrative Learning
Education is about helping students learn to better navigate the world around them. However, as educators Allyson Even and Carleigh Race explain in an article for Edutopia, the world is complex and does not always fit neatly into disciplinary boxes. By contrast, interdisciplinary learning allows students to see how different school subjects relate to each other and connect to the real world. “Learning about related content in more than one class opened up cognitive bandwidth for our students to dive deeper because their schema for this knowledge was being reinforced and expanded,” Even and Race write.
At NKU, this could mean taking the Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies course, which helps students become “self-aware holistic consumers of knowledge and to see the interdependent aspects of all academic disciplines.” Likewise, NKU’s Interdisciplinary Inquiry course, a requirement for students who pursue an online B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – General Studies Completion Track, helps them develop the necessary skill set to pursue research across different disciplinary fields.
Preparing for a Diverse Career Landscape
Perhaps the most substantial benefit of a degree in interdisciplinary studies is how it can prepare students for a wide array of job opportunities. “Depending on what type of interdisciplinary program you design for yourself, you can access a multitude of job opportunities,” observes Indeed. “[B]y blending more than one discipline, you can develop a unique perspective that may give you an advantage on the job market.” Among the jobs that Indeed lists are teachers, journalists, entrepreneurs and public relations specialists.
Even students who wish to gain specialized knowledge in a field would benefit from an interdisciplinary education. “To prepare the strongest possible job candidates, colleges and universities should require every student to take a structured interdisciplinary core curriculum alongside their major-specific courses,” argues the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, a nonprofit organization that promotes academic excellence.
The world doesn’t operate in neatly defined boxes, so why should education? Interdisciplinary studies embrace the complexity of our world, encouraging students to see the interconnectedness of all knowledge. In a changing landscape, students need more than knowledge and subject area expertise. They need to draw connections across topics and blend insights from different disciplines in new and innovative ways. An online B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – General Studies Completion Track from NKU provides exactly this kind of future-oriented, flexible way of thinking.
Learn more about NKU’s online B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – General Studies Completion Track program.
