Interdisciplinary Studies
Programs that combine methods and perspectives from multiple academic disciplines. Includes neuroscience, environmental studies, data analytics, global studies, and sustainability.
Common careers: Data Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Research Coordinator, Sustainability Officer, Program Manager, Policy Researcher
Specializations
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
International/Global Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies
Sustainability Studies
Nutrition Sciences
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Behavioral Sciences
Gerontology
Natural Sciences
Mathematics and Computer Science
Cognitive Science
Systems Science and Theory
Human Computer Interaction
Science, Technology and Society
Museology/Museum Studies
Human Biology
Dispute Resolution
Computational Science
Historic Preservation and Conservation
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
Marine Sciences
Maritime Studies
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Classical and Ancient Studies
Biopsychology
Top Earning Programs
Highest median earnings one year after graduation
Career Paths
Occupations linked to interdisciplinary studies programs
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Financial Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Treasurers and Controllers
Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Investment Fund Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.
Natural Sciences Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Clinical Research Coordinators
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Water Resource Specialists
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Software Developers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Database Architects
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
Data Warehousing Specialists
Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.
Economists
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Environmental Economists
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Data Scientists
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Business Intelligence Analysts
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
Clinical Data Managers
Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
Facilities Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.
Security Managers
Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.
Mathematicians
Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.
Top States
States with the most interdisciplinary studies programs