Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies
Majors Overview January 24, 2015Students interested in a broad liberal arts education will be given the chance to customize their academic options in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students may choose from several concentrations, including computers, psychology, English, education, or business.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program in Interdisciplinary Studies
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in interdisciplinary studies are allowed the freedom to learn from a wide range of subjects and tailor the curricula to suit their interests and goals. Elements from a variety of majors can be combined and personalized in programs, under the watchful eye of the program advisor, in two or three areas of concentration.
The primary emphasis of some programs is to provide a versatile liberal arts education in social sciences, philosophy, history, literature, and written and oral communication.
Students usually take four years to complete the program, which enhances students’ research, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Students with previous college credit would particularly benefit from some programs, although incoming students don’t necessarily need to have earned prior credit.
Coursework
Students may choose combined concentrations or concentrations in several areas; these include information technology, education, communication, multicultural studies, public relations, English, and psychology, among others. Students may be required to complete a culminating project or capstone in order to underscore their learning. Coursework may include these topic areas:
•International law
•Organizational communication
•Mass media
•Public relations writing
•Social psychology
•Diversity
•Management
•Politics
•Psychology of personalities
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete the program can expect to gain the diverse experiences and professional philosophies necessary for seeking various career options. These professionals can pursue specific job titles such as:
•Educator
•Business manager
•Administrator
•Librarian
•Social worker
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, librarians, social workers, and business and administrative services managers have been predicted to have job growth rates of 7%, 19%, and 12%, respectively. During the same decade, human resource managers and sales managers are expected to see growths of 13% and 7%, respectively (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, librarians brought home an average annual wage of $55,370, while social workers, administrative services managers, human resource managers, and sales managers earned respective average annual wages of $54,560, $81,080, $99,720, and $105,260 (BLS).
Both job growth rates and wages for teachers vary according to the level taught. Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a 12% job growth rate has been predicted for elementary and middle school teachers; during this period, high school teachers are expected to see 6% growth. In May 2012, elementary, middle, and high school teachers brought home respective average annual wages of $53,400, $53,430, and $55,050.
Continuing Education
Thanks to the academic breadth of the bachelor’s degree program, graduates can seek continuing education via a wide array of master’s degree programs, including in their chosen concentrations. Schools also allow incoming students to the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interdisciplinary Studies to tailor their coursework.
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