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What are Interdisciplinary Studies?
Degrees in interdisciplinary studies combine multiple fields into a more individualized major. Unlike a liberal arts degree, which requires students to study a wide range of subjects, an interdisciplinary studies degree allows students to specialize in a single topic spanning numerous disciplines.
If you want to work in business sustainability, for example, your education should include themes from several academic disciplines, including science, business, and ethics. An interdisciplinary studies degree allows you to specialize in various subjects, better preparing you for your career goals. The extra flexibility is perfect for students who wish to integrate numerous interests into one focus.
Quick Summarization:
Individualized programs have grown in popularity in recent years. The impact of automated technology on society is producing globally-minded individuals with access to the entire world at their fingertips. Specialized disciplines do not work for this out-of-the-box student. An interdisciplinary studies degree promotes creativity, problem-solving, imaginative solutions, and integrated course approaches, often overlooked in specialized learning with specific courses.
Methodology
If you are curious about the many fields of study and wish to gain some expertise in them, the Interdisciplinary Studies degree program can make it happen for you, and you can study this online at the associate level!
Interested? The first logical step is finding outstanding online schools offering the associate degree program in Interdisciplinary Studies. Our list consists of the country’s highly regarded colleges with online associate programs with the following features:
- Delivered 100% online or as a hybrid or blended program that offers students flexible scheduling and allows them to pace their schedule conveniently,
- Extensive coverage of all Interdisciplinary Studies courses and subjects for associate-level education for a deep dive into the basics of the program,
- Comprehensive coursework that prepares students to either choose a major for the bachelor’s program or find well-paying entry-level work,
- Online professors with the credentials, experience, and credibility as industry professionals,
- A top-rated Learning Management System (LMS) or learning platform that offers easy access to the coursework and resources for online students,
- Technical and support services are available to assist learners should issues relating to the LMS arise,
- Student support and career services from the Interdisciplinary Studies department or the educational institution, in general, to provide guidance to students as they navigate the steps toward their academic or professional goals after graduation,
- Financial assistance options for online students that meet the requirements,
- Officially (regionally and/or nationally) accredited by academic agencies,
- Acclaimed for the delivery of quality associate-level education, as acknowledged by academic organizations in which they maintain active membership.
See our Methodology page to explore our selection process.
18 Best Online Associates in Interdisciplinary Studies Degrees
University of Cincinnati Online
The University of Cincinnati Online offers an Associate degree in Individualized Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This online degree is one of the most transfer-friendly, flexible, and affordable per credit hour of interdisciplinary studies available.
Learners will tailor their own program based on what they take an interest in and have combined electives. Sample electives include English Composition, Math and Statistics, Natural and Social Sciences, and Fine Arts.
Together with a financial advisor, they can decide which combined courses will help them continue into a four-year educational institution and enter the job market quickly.
Liberty University
Liberty University is an institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school offers an online Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies that requires no on-campus visits.
The university’s online degree in interdisciplinary studies is customizable and takes two years to complete. Students can decide which course to choose based on their interests, experience, skills, and goals. The program helps learners train in career planning, composition and rhetoric, communication, and professional development.
Learners can choose multiple courses between Fine Arts, Business, Paralegal Studies, and Health Sciences.
Ohio Christian University
Ohio Christian University, accredited by HLC, has a two-year Interdisciplinary Studies major. The 60-credit Associate in Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies program is an excellent way to establish solid foundational knowledge while broadening your career options as a working adult. This program will help you improve your written and oral communication skills while broadening your understanding of various subjects.
Among the online courses available in Ohio’s interdisciplinary studies program are Business, History, and Math. Furthermore, students enrolled in this associate degree program have numerous opportunities to obtain one or more related professional certificates.
LeTourneau University
Having earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), LeTourneau University offers a 100% online Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies taught from a Christian perspective.
The program is 63 credit hours and takes at least two years to complete. Graduates can transfer their earned credits toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration, business management, psychology, and education.
The school assigns an academic advisor to help students choose what electives are suitable. LeTourneau’s associate of interdisciplinary studies degree has a Civic Engagement Elective, English Composition, Ingenuity Elective, LETU Orientation and Strategies for Success, MATH Elective, and Natural Science Elective with Lab.
National American University
The National American University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers a flexible online Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies that transforms a student’s experience into a degree that will allow them to compete in the job market.
However, unlike most associate degrees, this associate of arts in interdisciplinary studies degree requires 90 credit hours. Subject specializations include Business Management, Foreign Language, Strategic Security, Information Technology, Aviation Management, Communications, and Criminal Justice.
While this degree requires more credit hours, it offers more financial aid than any other interdisciplinary degree. The National American University provides a reduced military tuition rate for military students with active military status without any application fee.
Furthermore, the tiered undergraduate tuition will give learners significant discounts based on their qualified degree program credits.
SUNY Empire State College
SUNY Empire State College’s online Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a 64-credit program accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MCHE) that allows learners to explore its 12 areas of study and choose the best coursework that suits them.
While the foundations of the areas may differ, they will most likely be met through survey courses at the 1000 level with introductory principles or foundations.
Electives of the interdisciplinary studies degree include Arts, Cultural Studies, Historical Studies, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics.
University of Arkansas – Grantham
The online student can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Arkansas Grantham, accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
The development of skills and knowledge applicable to professional goals and future endeavors is achieved through a core of general education courses. This online associate of arts in interdisciplinary studies program is adaptable, allowing learners to pursue various career paths.
Upper-division courses include Composition in English, Natural and Physical Sciences, The Study of Computers, and Fine Arts and Humanities.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College, accredited by SACSOC, provides an online Associate Of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with faculty advisors who closely work with learners to select coursework from designated areas of concentration that best suit their career path.
Learning opportunities help learners gain academic and professional knowledge and skills needed for job placement or further online education. In addition to electives, GPTC offers two tracks for interdisciplinary studies online education:
- Associate Degree in Accelerated Online Interdisciplinary Studies with a Management Specialization
- Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Degree program Health Track transfer credit agreement to Georgia Highlands College’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Midlands Technical College
Midland Technical College, accredited by SACSOC, offers an online Associate in Interdisciplinary Studies program that encourages learners to collaborate with an academic advisor to tailor their coursework. Through the program’s English composition course, students will be able to demonstrate effective writing and communication skills.
Through multidisciplinary preparation, students will also develop analytical and critical thinking skills in response to various situations and problems, allowing them to pursue careers in entry-level teaching, business, government, and other similar fields.
Midlands Technical offers two certificates for specific groups of students in addition to its associate degree:
American Public University
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the American Public University offers an Interdisciplinary Studies associate’s degree. APU has one of the most affordable programs, with no application fee, free transfer credit evaluation, and zero textbook fees. Plus, scholarships and military benefits are readily available for qualified students.
The curriculum will help you form a solid academic foundation by offering diverse courses. Take up 30 semester hours of general education courses from various fields like Communication, Natural Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. You’ll also be able to enroll in lower-level electives, where you’ll get the chance to pick your course of choice and specialization.
Cairn University
Cairn University, an accredited institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), offers an online Associate of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. With this program, you’ll be able to select from various subjects and customize your field of study according to your interests while being exposed to Christian values and teachings. The program is both affordable and convenient since it can be completed fully online.
Cover a mix of core courses, like English Composition, Christian Theology, U.S. Government and Civics, and elective courses that you can customize. Depending on your interests, you can focus on one or two areas of study, such as computer and information systems, business, social science, music, humanities, or theology.
This program offers different career paths and endless opportunities. After completing your program, you may pursue marketing, psychology, ministry, or even business management roles.
Austin Community College District
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Austin Community College District offers various Interdisciplinary Studies programs suitable for students interested in multiple disciplines. ACC’s Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in American Studies attracts many eager students to learn about history and culture, particularly that of the United States.
As part of your general education program, you will take a variety of electives as well as general education courses. Take courses like American Literature, United States Government, and American Minorities.
Depending on your career goals, the associate’s degree program in interdisciplinary studies may help you improve your credentials while being employed. ACC’s fully online program will allow you to take courses conveniently from home or work.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College Online is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers one of the most affordable distance-learning programs in Interdisciplinary Studies. Its Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to study and integrate ideas from multiple disciplines in the arts and humanities fields.
With an additional 12 credit hours, the program offers various specializations, including African-American Studies, Latinx Studies, and Global Studies. The curriculum is ideal for those planning to take up a Bachelor’s degree since it will give you a chance to study various subjects, making it easier to determine your path to a bachelor’s major.
To help you with your virtual academic journey, HCC Online also offers a wide variety of student services like counseling, tutoring, and career guidance.
White Mountains Community College
Having been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), White Mountains Community College continues to provide quality and affordable programs. If you are looking to make connections between different areas of study and have multiple areas of interest, WMCC’s Associate in Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies is a good choice for you.
To prepare you for higher learning toward a successful career, this associate’s degree will allow you to develop important practical skills in leadership and critical thinking. Cover online core courses in fields such as Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Science.
In terms of flexibility, you’ll get a chance to make your own set of concentration courses with the help of an advisor.
Wilmington University
Formerly offered as the AA in Liberal Studies, the Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree at Wilmington University provides students with a wide academic base covering humanities, math, science, social science, and English composition topics. The program comprises 60 credit hours and is offered online and at the New Castle campus.
While students can use the AA degree for added skills or launch a new career, they can also stay at Wilmington to pursue further higher-level studies in any of their bachelor’s degree programs. Aside from core content, students choose electives focusing on their particular skills or areas of interest.
Students can also earn their degrees faster by way of transfer credits. Wilmington University is officially accredited by the MSCHE – Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Rose State College
While it isn’t a 100% online program, Rose State College offers an Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies Emphasis degree program with an accelerated degree path where most courses are offered online.
This AA degree program is an ideal exploratory route for students who may not yet be sure exactly what they want to major in, as they get to try out courses from various disciplines. This degree program is mainly meant to prepare students for eventually transferring to a baccalaureate degree program.
Students can choose many electives from the wide-ranging curriculum, including courses on ethics, criminal justice, public relations, psychology, public administration, and leadership. With the accelerated degree path, students can earn their degree in just 14 months!
Maranatha Baptist University
The Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program at Maranatha Baptist University is ideal for students to gain flexible transfer options, especially those who have completed professional training. Their degree program has a minimum requirement of 64 credit hours and is offered both on-campus and online. Their classes are offered year-round, with six start dates every year.
Maranatha’s curriculum has a unique feature in that it has a Biblical Studies core, which provides students with an added layer of foundational knowledge. Students also have nine credits of open electives and 18 credits worth for their customized major.
With potential concentrations in Science, Business, English, and Digital Media, students can explore careers in the fields of Education, Journalism, Business, or Ministry.
Aside from career options, graduates of the AS degree program can pursue further studies with Maranatha’s online bachelor’s degrees.
Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers a versatile Associate of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies degree program that is 100% online. It is ideal for those looking for additional skills to use in their careers or to boost their resumes with sought-after workforce-related skills.
The 60-credit hour program is divided into nine credits for Framework courses, 27 credits for Integrative General Education, and 24 credits for the Multidisciplinary Studies Major courses.
Students may select courses that suit their area of interest, both for their program’s General Education and Multidisciplinary Studies Major components. Courses come from various disciplines and topic areas, including the Natural Sciences, Technology, Problem-Solving/Quantitative Skills, Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership.
Students can use the Student Coaching service to help them stay on track. They can also earn their degree faster with Bellevue’s generous credit transfer policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can students expect in an Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies program?
Many general education courses, such as English, humanities, social science, math, public speaking, and health, will be included in associate degree-level programs in interdisciplinary studies.
Most of these interdisciplinary degrees will require you to select one or two subjects of interest; thus, your specific interests and focus areas will heavily influence the classes you take.
An online associate degree in interdisciplinary studies usually only requires an online application and official high school transcripts or the equivalent as admissions requirements. However, official high school transcripts are not enough in some colleges and universities.
Applicants may be required to pass entrance exams, have a minimum GPA, submit SAT and ACT scores, and finish their state’s pre-college curriculum, which often includes English, science, and math courses.
This online associate degree typically takes two years to complete. However, some interdisciplinary studies degrees are accelerated, which allows the student to complete the track faster.
Before applying to any interdisciplinary program, you should always request information from the school and evaluate if the degree fits your needs.
What career opportunities await Associate in Interdisciplinary Studies graduates?
Associate’s degree programs in interdisciplinary studies are designed to prepare students for further education or employment in fields that do not require a specific associate’s degree program.
Perhaps the two more popular careers that can be obtained with a degree in interdisciplinary studies are Kindergarten Teacher, with a median annual salary of $61,620, and Employment Counselor, which makes $60,140 yearly.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of interdisciplinary studies?
There are many benefits of interdisciplinary studies. It gives you a well-rounded and broader education that opens the door to numerous exciting careers in research and development.
On the other hand, pursuing interdisciplinary studies in higher education may cause you difficulty drawing lines of connection between multiple disciplines. Because of this, you may not get in-depth knowledge about any of its departments.
Are there any doctoral programs in Interdisciplinary Studies?
Online doctoral programs in interdisciplinary studies are hard to find. Most programs are Ph.D. degrees in this field and are conducted on-campus only. An interdisciplinary Ph.D. allows learners to pursue innovative research, various employment options, and a fascinating intellectual life.
Key Takeaways
- Interdisciplinary studies programs allow you to study various subjects while tailoring your field of study to your interests and career aspirations. You’ll take a variety of general education and elective courses. You’ll also probably be able to concentrate on one or two areas of interest, such as arts, business, social science, technology, health, or education.
- These associate’s degree programs are especially beneficial if you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree later because credits from your completed curriculum will likely satisfy many general education requirements. It allows you to explore various areas, making choosing a bachelor’s degree easier.
- An interdisciplinary studies program may benefit you more if you are presently employed and want to customize associate-level learning in this field to help you achieve your career goals.
Before you go, check these out:
- Find an Associate degree program that suits you: Associate Online Degrees
- Best Online Associates in General Studies Degrees
- Best Schools Offering Online Professional Studies Degrees