Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Oklahoma's interdisciplinary studies program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $46,614 in their first year, outpacing 95% of similar programs across the country and sitting $11,000 above the national median. That's exceptional performance for a degree that typically struggles in the job market. The 60th percentile ranking within Oklahoma is less impressive at first glance, but it actually reflects the small number of programs in the state (just five total) and OU matching the state median exactly. With moderate debt of $23,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, graduates aren't strapped with the burden that makes interdisciplinary degrees risky at many schools.

The earnings trajectory shows steady but modest growth to $50,003 by year four—a 7% increase that suggests stable employment rather than dramatic career advancement. This program seems to work because OU students are building marketable skill combinations rather than the vague "liberal studies" path that sinks outcomes elsewhere. At a flagship university with reasonable selectivity, that interdisciplinary credential apparently translates into real opportunities.

For families concerned about the "what can you do with that?" question common to interdisciplinary majors, OU's track record provides a clear answer: graduates find solid-paying work and manage their debt comfortably. This is one of the safer bets in a program category that's often a gamble.