Best Master's Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies

Students can enroll in undergraduate degree programs for interdisciplinary studies at the associate and bachelor's levels. The curriculum for an associate degree in interdisciplinary studies may be beneficial to students who are unsure of what they want to study in a bachelor's degree program. Instead, a two-year interdisciplinary studies program allows students to explore courses from a multitude of disciplines while acquiring transferable skills, such as critical and analytical thinking, writing, and research methods. An associate degree in interdisciplinary studies is typically 60 credits of general education requirements and electives, usually culminating in an Associate of Arts (AA).

Graduates with an associate degree may continue their education in a four-year bachelor's degree program for interdisciplinary studies. A bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies is usually 120 credits of general education requirements (which may be fulfilled in an associate degree program), core requirements of two or more concentrations, and electives. Similar to master's degree programs, a letter of intent of study must be approved by the program director and students may need to submit a focused academic project or paper to conclude their studies. Depending on the type of curriculum, a bachelor's interdisciplinary studies degree is usually a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS).

It should be noted that there is a key difference between dual degrees and dual majors as they relate to interdisciplinary studies. Dual degrees are two separate degrees that students pursue at the same time. Dual majors, however, are usually two majors housed in the same academic department. Students are expected to fulfill all of the required coursework for both, ultimately taking longer to complete their programs. Interdisciplinary studies, on the other hand, allow students to incorporate courses from unlikely academic departments to develop an intentional program that aligns with the student's interests.

Students interested in enrolling in an interdisciplinary studies master's program need to complete the online application on their prospective school's website. Additionally, students should have their previous school(s) send official transcripts to their graduate school's admissions office. Most colleges charge a nominal fee to complete these steps.

Other common admissions requirements may include:

• Personal statement
• Writing samples
• Letters of recommendation
• A current resume
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Minimum grade point average, usually a 2.5 or 3.0

For acceptance into an interdisciplinary studies master's program, students need to submit a letter of intent to their program director outlining two or more concentrations they propose to study. Students can contact their graduate admissions office or academic advisor to determine what additional criteria are required of them to submit for this type of degree.

When choosing a master's interdisciplinary studies program, students should take several factors into consideration. While students will be working alongside their program director to generate a unique curriculum based on their chosen concentrations, they may want to consider partial or fully remote distance learning interdisciplinary studies programs for greater academic flexibility and scheduling, as well. Additionally, some schools offer a more regimented preplanned interdisciplinary studies curriculum for students to enroll in, rather than the option to design a curriculum themselves.

Other factors to consider when enrolling in a graduate interdisciplinary studies program include internship or study abroad opportunities, job placement, career resources, and other practical experience that may be suited to the student's study plan. Additionally, students should ensure they attend a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. We will discuss accreditation further in the next section.

Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies Program Accreditation

While accreditation may not be available to interdisciplinary studies master's degree programs specifically, students should opt to enroll in a college or university that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Students who attend an accredited school can be assured that the standard of academic excellence at their institutions has met a measure of sophisticated quality with regards to curriculum, instruction, and other educational and professional criteria. Perhaps more importantly, federal financial aid, most scholarships, and even gainful employment oftentimes require attendance at an accredited school.

To learn more about a school's accreditations, students can visit their college or university's website. Additionally, students can look up a school's accreditations by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

At the graduate level, curriculums for interdisciplinary studies combine advanced coursework across multiple disciplines, allowing students the ability to integrate and embrace various perspectives, themes, and transferable skill sets consistent with their concentrations. With a customized interdisciplinary course of study, students may be better equipped for emerging industries outside of traditional academic disciplines.

Seeing that these customizable curriculums are so varied, the following sections will explore many foundational, specialist, and elective course options available to students in interdisciplinary studies master's degree programs.

Interdisciplinary Studies Foundational Courses

In many master's interdisciplinary studies programs, students are required to take 6-9 credits of foundational courses that emphasize writing, reading, and critical thinking at the graduate level. Examples of common foundational courses may include:

• Research Methods
• Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Cultural Theory

Additionally, students enrolled in interdisciplinary studies master's programs typically must choose between a research-focused thesis track or a professional non-thesis track. In most cases, students are required to enroll in an introductory thesis or capstone courses that prepare them to develop a thesis/dissertation or professional project and/or portfolio in order to culminate their studies. Students who intend to continue their education in a doctoral program typically opt to pursue a thesis track.

Interdisciplinary Studies Specialist & Elective Courses

Specialist and elective course offerings in graduate interdisciplinary studies programs are as varied as the subjects that students may combine in their customized curriculums. Most interdisciplinary studies programs allow students to concentrate on two academic disciplines; although, some programs enable students to include a third concentration with approval from their program director.

Depending on the school, interdisciplinary studies degree programs may require students to take a minimum number of credits from both concentrations, while other programs require that students fulfill additional credits from the dominating discipline of study. Typically, students may take other elective course offerings that pertain to either concentration or that may be further applied to the student's career aspirations.

Licensure & Certification in Interdisciplinary Studies

Depending on one's chosen career path, licensure and certification vary for graduate-level interdisciplinary studies majors. For example, students who combine traditional biology and molecular genetics with clinical counseling or psychology courses may decide to become genetic counselors. Typically, in order to obtain state licensure, genetic counselors must obtain certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Eligibility criteria comprise graduating from an accredited master's degree program and passing a comprehensive exam. Additionally, students can maintain their certification by enrolling in continuing education courses.

Likewise, recreational therapists can seek certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Candidates must meet the education and professional criteria designated by the NCTRC, which includes completing a supervised internship and passing a comprehensive exam. The NCTRC also provides credentials for five other specialty therapeutic practices that must be renewed every five years. Recreational therapists can seek additional certification outside of the NCTRC for music therapy, art therapy, aromatherapy, and other specialties, as well.

Graduates with interdisciplinary studies degrees in environmental engineering may obtain credentials through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). The AAEES certifies licensed and non-licensed environmental engineers, as well as environmental scientists with teaching backgrounds as a mode of showcasing their field expertise. Candidates must meet the AAEES-required education and professional criteria, as well as pass an exam and sit for a committee review.

Be sure to look into your chosen career's licensure requirements.

Practicum/Work and Internships in Interdisciplinary Studies Master's Programs

Students enrolled in interdisciplinary studies master's degree programs are oftentimes encouraged to partake in internship opportunities related to their concentrations. In many programs, internships may also fulfill the capstone experience requirements necessary for obtaining a graduate-level interdisciplinary studies degree.

Students tend to have wide-ranging possibilities for internship sites across several industries in governmental departments or agencies, non-profit organizations, and local or regional businesses. Internships may provide practical training that allows students to apply their learning to the actual workplace while gaining invaluable professional skills and expertise within their specialized fields.

Internships must be approved by the student's program director or advisor, and many times students must also complete a project or paper discussing their internship experience and learning outcomes.

Graduates with master's degrees may decide to continue their education in a doctoral interdisciplinary studies program. A doctorate is the highest level of academic scholarship that students can obtain to become experts in their field and are ideal for those who wish to pursue managerial, research, or post-secondary teaching positions.

A doctorate in interdisciplinary studies is usually delivered in a similar method as master's degree programs in which students may integrate two or more disciplines (approved by their program director, mentor, or academic advisor) in developing a unique yet rigorous curriculum. Typically, students can expect to complete about 45-60 credits of postgraduate work in approximately three to five years, although credit requirements may vary by school.

Additionally, many doctoral interdisciplinary studies require that students complete teaching apprenticeships, practical field experience, a thesis/dissertation and defense, as well as comprehensive examinations to culminate their programs with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Because there are such broad possibilities for customizing a holistic, integrative curriculum, graduates tend to have endless career options with an interdisciplinary studies degree. A master's program for interdisciplinary studies generally aims to provide students with oral and written communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, critical thinking, and research development skills.

While there are many well-paying jobs available to individuals with an interdisciplinary studies bachelor's degree, other types of roles may require at least a graduate degree. Some professionals may choose to obtain a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies for greater career advancement opportunities or higher wages, as well.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following interdisciplinary studies careers have a median salary of:

• Economist: $105,020
• Recreational Therapist: $48,220
• Postsecondary Teacher: $79,540
• Environmental Engineer: $88,860
• Genetic Counselor: $81,880

Job Outlook for a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies

The job outlook for a master's in interdisciplinary studies greatly depends on the industry and type of position. For example, the projected employment growth for recreational therapists is expected to increase by 8 percent between 2019 and 2029. This is due to an aging population that may benefit from unconventional therapeutic practices, such as music therapy, sports therapy, or art therapy. However, because this field is relatively small, employment prospects tend to be competitive.

Genetic counselors, however, anticipate employment growth of 21 percent in the coming decade. Those who hold a master's degree and obtain licensure have the greatest job prospects in the field.

An individual with an interdisciplinary studies degree in economics and social science may want to pursue a career as a social economist. Economists, particularly those who conduct research and consultation services in a firm, are expected to see an increase in job growth of 14 percent (2019-2029).

How to Become an Economist

Generally, economists are responsible for analyzing and collecting data regarding the manufacturing and distribution of assets, products, and services. Many economists apply research methods to forecast fiscal trends, develop statistical models, and interpret numerical information pertaining to employment prospects, wages, and production. Oftentimes, their efforts may advise individuals, corporations, and governments about various economic issues, including recommendations for solutions to key economic problems.

Graduate students who major in interdisciplinary studies may wish to integrate a traditional economics discipline with environmental science, social science, or a health-related subject. Doing so may inform students on the economic aspects of these industries in particular. For example, an environmental economist or natural resources economist may evaluate the profits, outlays, incentives, and effects of renewable energy alternatives.

Economists typically work on the national or global scale in government agencies, private firms, and think tanks. The most common skill set for economists includes analytical and critical thinking, attention to detail, oratorical skills, and research and writing skills.

How to Become a Recreational Therapist

Graduates of interdisciplinary studies programs may choose to pursue a career as a recreational therapist. Likely discipline combinations may include psychology and leisure studies or recreation studies. A recreational therapist may utilize several unconventional therapeutic modalities, e.g., art, music, sport, aquatics, aromatherapy, etc.; to assist people with various incapacities, illnesses, or injuries.

Typically, recreational therapists must assess the needs of the patient, develop individualized treatment plans, educate patients about several tools for coping with anxiety or depression, and keep progress notes to measure their patients' improvements. A recreational therapist may, for example, work with stroke survivors to adapt to various activities, such as using a fishing rod or golf club. Other recreational therapists may work with individuals to build social skills through partaking in different team activities.

Although recreational therapists usually work out of an office for administrative purposes or consultation with a patient, oftentimes they travel to outdoor settings to meet their clientele, as well. As mentioned previously, most recreational therapists require certification through the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); and while a bachelor's degree is typically sufficient to work in the field, individuals with a master's degree may have greater job prospects.

Tuition for a master's degree interdisciplinary studies program can be expensive; students who require assistance paying for their education may apply for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, and grants. To determine how much money they qualify for, undergraduate and graduate students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility requirements typically include proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, attendance at an accredited school, and demonstrating financial need.

Scholarship and grant opportunities are also widely available online for graduate students pursuing an interdisciplinary studies master's degree. Students can search for these opportunities according to school, location, programs, and/or their academic and personal interests. Other financial assistance may be available through employer tuition reimbursement programs, as well as military or veteran academic benefits.

Students can contact their school's financial aid office to speak with a representative about tuition and financing, FAFSA, and scholarship opportunities that they may qualify for.

Neila Skinner Petrick and Thomas W. Petrick Endowed Scholarship

Graduate students majoring in interdisciplinary studies at the University of Texas-Dallas may apply for the Neila Skinner Petrick and Thomas W. Petrick Endowed Scholarship. Students can apply by filling out the scholarship application, writing a one-page essay about their academic progress in their program and professional aspirations, and submitting a completed FAFSA form. One winner will be selected each year to receive a scholarship award of $1,000.

O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Awards

The O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Awards is available to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in one of the University of Florida's College of Arts and Sciences disciplines, including those who are pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Applicants must fill out the online application and submit two letters of recommendation and an essay describing their academic and professional aspirations. One graduate student will be selected annually to receive a scholarship award. Typically, award amounts vary between $300 and $10,000.