by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you have more than one interest that you want to pursue in college? Does double majoring sound too difficult, time consuming, or expensive? If so, you have another option. You can get your degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies. This will allow you to explore topics in different study areas. Choose to get your degree in a major that is already established or work with an advisor to create your own. Any path will require a lot of work as you juggle classes from different subjects and make connections between different disciplines.
There are numerous major options you can choose from. One popular choice is Mathematics and Computer Science which allows you to combine interests of math with computer programming and software development. A major in Behavioral Science teaches you about human behavior and biology, while students interested in international relations and exploring foreign cultures may choose to major in International Studies. Another choice is Nutriton Science where students will study how food relates to health. These are just a few of the many options in this field.
Studying Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies covers Multi/interdisciplinary Studies. Instructional Programs That Derive From Two Or More Distinct Programs To Provide A Cross-Cutting Focus On A Subject Concentration That Is Not Subsumed Under A Single Discipline Or Occupational Field. Read on to learn the essential details every multi / interdisciplinary studies major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering multi / interdisciplinary studies programs.
Nationwide, multi / interdisciplinary studies draws strong interest, with 134,694 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 1,658 schools to determine the best overall colleges for multi / interdisciplinary studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of multi / interdisciplinary studies programs later in this article.
Coursework for Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations multi / interdisciplinary studies graduates commonly enter.
Students in this field will need to be creative and critical thinkers as they juggle classes from a variety of subjects. Whether you are examining a scientific journal or medieval literature, you will need to read closely and carefully. You will need the ability to think abstractly and make connections between various disciplines.
Listen to professors and peers to gain new insight into issues. You will be working closely with others in labs, research, study groups, group projects and debates. Work on your communication and corporation skills to achieve success. Written communication is also important as you document your findings and write papers.
The skill set developed in a multi / interdisciplinary studies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a multi / interdisciplinary studies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several multi / interdisciplinary studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,954 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 31,048 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 59,105 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 40,922 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,439 |
People currently working in careers related to multi / interdisciplinary studies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 30.3% |
| Master’s degree | 25.7% |
| Doctoral degree | 23.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.4% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.9% |
| Some college courses | 2.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.4% |
| First professional degree | 0.7% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.7% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in multi / interdisciplinary studies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates in this field acquire skills they can apply to many different occupations. Many choose to go into graduate school and focus more specifically on a subject. However, the critical thinking and analytical skills gained in college also prepare grads for careers in a variety of fields.
<A degree in multi / interdisciplinary studies prepares you for numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to multi / interdisciplinary studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to multi / interdisciplinary studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | 3,155,854 | 1.4% |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,638,816 | 11.6% |
| Curators | 1,554,871 | 4.1% |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 1,421,275 | 11.1% |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,273,615 | 14.3% |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,269,153 | 10.5% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of multi / interdisciplinary studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,366 |
| 4 years | $46,079 |
| 5 years | $53,317 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for multi / interdisciplinary studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers multi / interdisciplinary studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $125,305 |
| Information Technology Project Managers | $124,655 |
| Blockchain Engineers | $123,667 |
With 1,658 different multi / interdisciplinary studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased multi / interdisciplinary studies school rankings to help you.
Students interested in multi / interdisciplinary studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
