Best Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor's Degrees

1. Texas A & M University-Commerce

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,958	43%	43%	91%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

2. Southern Connecticut State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,406	69%	52%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

3. Sam Houston State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,536	83%	54%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

4. Stephen F Austin State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,844	68%	52%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

5. The University of Texas at Tyler

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,742	83%	42%	85%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

6. Fitchburg State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,505	88%	58%	91%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

7. Christopher Newport University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,924	72%	78%	75%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

8. The University of Tennessee-Martin

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,748	64%	47%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

9. Florida International University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,565	58%	63%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

10. Nicholls State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,898	88%	49%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

11. Radford University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,350	75%	55%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

12. Western Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,343	90%	68%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

13. Metropolitan State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,114	56%	34%	86%	No	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

14. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$5,785	36%	53%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

15. The University of Texas at El Paso

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,961	100%	37%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

16. Old Dominion University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,680	89%	53%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

17. William & Mary

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$22,922	38%	90%	56%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

18. Western Oregon University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,768	85%	41%	95%	No	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

19. Eastern Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,526	96%	54%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

20. Touro College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18,663	69%	61%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

21. Florida Atlantic University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$4,879	63%	50%	82%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

22. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,507	71%	68%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

23. University of Arizona

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,379	85%	65%	91%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

24. Texas Tech University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,300	69%	61%	78%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

25. Mississippi State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,910	54%	61%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

26. West Virginia University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,976	84%	61%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

27. University of Toledo

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,187	96%	50%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

28. Jackson State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,445	68%	38%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

29. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,063	80%	70%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

30. Kennesaw State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,456	75%	46%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

31. University of Central Florida

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,368	44%	72%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

32. Arizona State University-Tempe

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,338	86%	63%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

33. Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,272	80%	37%	71%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

34. Virginia Commonwealth University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,596	87%	67%	81%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

35. Boise State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,068	77%	51%	84%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

36. University of North Florida

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$5,964	72%	67%	84%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

37. Angelo State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,637	77%	40%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

38. Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,250	79%	56%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

39. Iowa State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,320	92%	74%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

40. Portland State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,872	96%	48%	82%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Degree programs in interdisciplinary studies can be earned at the associate's through doctoral degree levels. Courses cover a range of topics from comparative literature to environmental science to urban studies. Explore the degree programs, common coursework, career options and job outlook for this field.

Associate Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies

Associate degrees in interdisciplinary studies typically take two years or 60 credit hours to complete. An associate degree typically offers broad training in multiple disciplines, which can be helpful to students who are unsure of which major to select. This versatile degree program offers transferable skills for a number of career options, including lucrative positions in sales and customer service.

An associate degree is often a more affordable and flexible option for students who might wish to transfer credits to a 4-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree. It is important that students select an accredited associate degree program and if possible, inquire as to which 4-year institutions will accept the transfer credits.

Bachelor's Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies

Depending on the college or university, students may have the option to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Sciences (BS) in Interdisciplinary Studies. This individualized degree generally requires 120 credits. Many students opt to complete an internship participate in field work in order to gain professional work experience.

Some programs require a senior research or capstone project in which students demonstrate how the various disciplines they have chosen for their program of study interconnect. Students majoring in interdisciplinary students may wish to pursue a graduate degree--either in interdisciplinary studies or a traditional singular discipline--in order to further advance their career.

Master's Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies

A Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree usually takes two years or four semesters of full-time study to complete, though students are often permitted to enroll in classes on a part-time basis. Programs typically require that students complete 10 courses, in addition to an additional 1 to 2 units that count toward a thesis or capstone project. Most master's programs in interdisciplinary studies offer introductory seminars in addition to the courses students choose as part of their individualized academic plan. This degree can serve as a terminal degree or a preparatory degree to a PhD.

Doctoral Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interdisciplinary Studies is typically designed for students who wish to pursue a career in academia. A doctorate primarily prepares students to conduct scholarly research and teach at the university level, but it can also be useful for individuals who intend to pursue careers in a variety of fields, such as public policy, social work, scientific research, public relations, or even education administration. These programs usually require 30-45 credit hours beyond the master's degree.

In most cases, students must fulfill a number of requirements, which typically include writing a detailed proposal for their dissertation, mastering scholarship in their areas of specialization, successfully passing an oral exam in these fields, and completing a dissertation on an original research topic. A foreign language translation assessment might be required. Since the project is interdisciplinary in nature, some departments require that multiple faculty members serve as advisers.

Certificates in Interdisciplinary Studies

There are several different types of interdisciplinary certificates. These are ideal for students who are interested in working in digital humanities, nonprofit work, and museum studies. Other certificates complement careers in social work, the healthcare field, and urban studies. Credentials are often offered at the graduate level, though some may be offered as part of an undergraduate program. Requirements for certificates vary, though they typically range from 15 to 24 credits. Some examples include:

• Digital Humanities
• Museum Studies & Conservation
• Nonprofit Management
• Political and Civic Engagement
• Social Research in Health and Medicine

There are pros and cons to earning a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies. It provides a well-rounded education, academic versatility, as well as a number of essential skills that are highly valued in a number of different industries. These include skills in research and analysis, oral and written communication, and critical thinking.

While this type of program can prepare students for many lucrative professions, including teachers, lawyers, public policy analysts, writers, and film and video editors, it is essential that students create a coherent plan when selecting coursework. Potential employers might struggle with deciphering a student's area of expertise, and a well-crafted program will help guide their understanding.

Once a student identifies a certain field in which they would like to work after graduation, it is a good idea to earn certifications so that they can be considered for employment once they have their bachelor's in hand. Graduates with a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies can also continue their studies at the master's or doctoral levels. They may choose to continue with the same multidisciplinary scope or study a traditional discipline, such as English, history, or political science.

Doctoral programs prepare students for careers in research and higher education as university professors. Salaries vary according to institution and geographic region.

The field of interdisciplinary studies lends itself to a variety of concentrations. While some programs require that students design their own programs by taking courses in traditional disciplines, such as economics, history, or the sciences, they are often linked together to help students dig deeper into their research questions in order to understand each discipline more fully. Other programs offer a set of fixed concentrations that stem from a blend of these disciplines. Common examples include:

• African Studies
• American Studies
• Comparative Literature
• Environmental Science
• Film and Media Studies
• Human Rights
• Legal Studies
• Medical Humanities
• Urban Studies

A degree in interdisciplinary studies requires that students choose from at least two or three concentrations from a variety of disciplines. These disciplines might include combining interests from fields such as business, education, English, history, political science, as well as the natural sciences. In addition to offering introductory seminars to provide the foundation for interdisciplinary study, programs often place an emphasis on providing a versatile liberal arts education and gaining skills in oral and written communication. Courses generally revolve around the student's specializations, which might include:

• Diversity and race/ethnicity studies
• International law
• Mass media
• Organizational communication
• Psychology of personalities
• Public relations writing

It usually takes 4 years to earn the required 120 credit hours for a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies. Most departments require that students take anywhere from 30 to 60 credits in the major. Many require that students complete a set of established introductory courses or writing and discussion seminars, which can range anywhere from 6 to 12 credits. Some degree programs accept transfer credits, associate degrees from other institutions, or equivalent relevant work experience, all of which might count toward the bachelor's degree.

Accreditation ensures that certain academic standards are met and qualifies colleges and universities to receive federal and state financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education provides a comprehensive list of federally recognized accrediting agencies. Bachelor's programs in interdisciplinary studies are accredited through regional organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

In addition to the professional certificates mentioned, individuals with degrees in interdisciplinary studies might wish to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. To teach in public schools, proper certification is necessary, which includes a bachelor's degree and the completion of a state-recognized teacher preparation program.

Certification requires that candidates submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, pass a background check, and earn a passing score of all state required exams. Requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but many states offer reciprocity and teaching credentials can often be transferred at a later date if so desired.

When selecting an interdisciplinary studies program, studies should take into consideration their personal learning styles, intended areas of specialization, and why this type of degree is right for them. Once students have completed university course requirements, some programs offer complete freedom in course selection. Depending on the individual, this approach can produce positive or negative outcomes.

For some students, it allows them to create cohesive programs drawn from a variety of disciplines, while for others, it causes them to become lost in the many courses offered at the university. An academic adviser is typically helpful in guiding students toward designing individualized plans of study.

In addition, prior to beginning the program, students should create an outline of a general idea of what they would like to study in conjunction with the institution's course offerings. The plan may change over time, but drafting a preliminary outline will be beneficial in the planning of each semester. Finally, designing one's own major might sound like a great idea, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Students should reflect on why their field of study, whether it be in the liberal arts or natural sciences, requires drawing from multiple disciplines. If this is the case, then they are probably the right candidate for an interdisciplinary studies degree.

There are many careers that one can do with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. These include teachers, lawyers, writers, film and video editors, corporate managers, among many others. Students who study this field acquire practical and marketable skills that many employers value and are transferable to a number of different disciplines.

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

Individuals who earn a degree in interdisciplinary studies often wish to become elementary school teachers. In addition to earning a bachelor's degree, a teaching license is also necessary with requirements varying from state to state.

Elementary and middle school teachers instruct students in basic subjects such as math and language arts and they play an important role in the emotional and psychological development of children. Essential responsibilities include designing lesson plans, assigning and evaluating homework, grading tests and projects, and documenting student progress. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS), the median wage for elementary and middle school teachers was $59,420 in 2019 with a job outlook of 4% from 2019 to 2029.

How to Become a Lawyer

Those who find that they enjoy history or political science might decide to pursue a career as a lawyer. Students who are interested in this career might choose to earn a minor in pre-law in conjunction with their bachelor's or complete an internship working in a law firm or government agency. According to the BLS, lawyers earned a median salary of $122,960 in 2019, with a reported steady job outlook of 4% for 2019-2020.

Lawyers advise and represent clients in both civil and criminal manners in both courts and before government agencies. Lawyers are required to present clear and concise written and oral arguments, prepare and file legal documents in a timely manner, and conduct research pertaining to their cases. To become a lawyer, one must obtain a law degree, which requires 3 years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. In addition, most states require that lawyers complete a Juris Doctor (JD) from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association.

Students can receive funding to support their postsecondary education from a number of sources. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, prior to the start of the academic year. Once the financial information has been submitted to the institution where the student intends to enroll, the college or university will generate a report that lists the various types of aid for which the student is eligible.

Students must maintain a certain grade point average, as determined by the institution, in order to be eligible for financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed every year. Applications are usually due by the end of June prior to the academic year for which the financial aid will be applied, but it is recommended that students complete it as soon as possible once the application window opens.

Several different forms of financial aid are available at the postsecondary level, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of academic merit and do not have to be repaid. There are a number of scholarships available from national and private organizations.

In addition, some colleges and universities grant scholarships to interdisciplinary studies majors. Grants are another form of funding that do not need to be repaid, but they are awarded according to demonstrated financial need. Students may borrow loans to help finance their education but must begin repayment six months following graduation. Work study programs allow students to gain work experience on campus while also earning money to help support their education.