Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies
If you are not sure which career path to pursue, you can work towards an interdisciplinary studies program and receive a well-rounded education. A program in this area can possibly prepare you for several career opportunities. You will get a chance to chart your own course of study and study a wide array of subjects, including language, sociology, literature and physical sciences. Once you complete a program in interdisciplinary studies, you can potentially become an editor, teacher, writer, researcher, social worker or advertising manager. Employment of advertising and promotions managers is expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations between 2010 and 2020, as according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for writers is also expected to soar as online publications and services are growing in number and sophistication.
Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
There are several schools that offer degree and certificate programs in interdisciplinary studies. Students can essentially work towards a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. These programs may require 2-4 years for completion. The certificate in interdisciplinary studies may take 6 months or a year to complete. The duration of a program depends on the enrollment status of the studies. The ones who already hold a degree or those who seek to switch careers can work towards a certificate program.
Students enrolled in the interdisciplinary studies programs can pick an area of focus such as management, digital media arts, literature museum studies philosophy, social psychology or mass media.
Earning an interdisciplinary studies degree or certificate helps candidates acquire leadership, communication, problem-solving as well as analytical skills. They can also hone their administrative and interpersonal skills that can help them qualify for various professions.
Program Coursework
Students in interdisciplinary studies programs can choose their own courses. They can take subjects such as commercial law, political science, fundamentals of marketing and entrepreneurship. Classes are also available in environment and psychology, writing, social theory and cultural analysis, HRM, music and more.
Online Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
Degree and certificate programs in interdisciplinary studies are also available in an online format. The ones who cannot pursue the program offered at the traditional schools can pursue the online programs and study from any location, any time. Other than providing students with the flexibility of completing these programs as per their own schedules, earning online degrees also save time and money as students do not have to travel to the campus every day.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in a program in interdisciplinary studies, candidates should hold a high school diploma or GED. They may also have to provide letters of recommendation and a statement of intent. Other admissions factors may vary by school.
Career Prospects
Graduates of interdisciplinary studies are in a better position of finding work in various settings such as hospitals, schools, colleges, advertising agencies or nonprofit organizations. They can possibly become administrators, social workers or librarians. In addition, students with degrees in interdisciplinary studies can also qualify for positions such as teachers, writers, advertising managers or business managers.
The median annual wage of postsecondary teachers in 2010 was $62,050 while the median annual wage of advertising and promotions managers was $83,890.