General introduction:
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies is a versatile academic field that encourages students to explore and integrate knowledge from various disciplines. This program is designed for those who seek a broad-based education that transcends traditional academic boundaries. It caters to students who have diverse interests and wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex issues that cannot be adequately addressed within a single discipline.
In this field, students often have the flexibility to tailor their coursework to align with their personal interests and career goals. They may delve into subjects such as social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and more, allowing them to cultivate a unique skill set and perspective. This multidisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued in today’s job market.
Additionally, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies programs often emphasize collaborative learning and research, encouraging students to work with peers and faculty from different academic backgrounds. This collaborative environment not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students for the teamwork and communication skills necessary in many professional settings.
Graduates of this program are well-equipped for a variety of career paths, including education, public policy, healthcare, business, and the arts. Their ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources makes them adaptable and innovative thinkers, ready to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the modern world. Overall, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies provides a dynamic and enriching educational experience that prepares students for diverse opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape.
Graduates information
The data provided for the Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies program reveals significant trends in graduation rates and demographic breakdowns over recent years.
From the first dataset, we see a steady increase in total graduates from 3,955 in 2015 to 8,811 in 2023. This indicates a growing interest and enrollment in this field, likely reflecting the increasing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in higher education. Notably, the number of international students has also risen, from 72 in 2015 to 216 in 2023, suggesting that the program attracts a diverse range of students from various countries. The proportion of international graduates among total graduates has increased, highlighting the program's global appeal.
Breaking down the degrees conferred, we observe that the bachelor's degree remains the most common, comprising the majority of graduates each year. The master's and doctoral programs, while smaller in scale, indicate a commitment to advanced interdisciplinary studies at higher academic levels. The rise in graduate numbers, particularly in the master’s program, may reflect a trend towards specialization and advanced research in interdisciplinary fields.
The second dataset provides a nuanced look at the demographic composition of graduates in 2023. Among the associate degree holders, Hispanic students made up a significant portion (21%), which is particularly noteworthy given the demographic shifts in the U.S. population. The bachelor's degree demographic shows a strong representation of White (51%) and Hispanic (20%) students, with a notable percentage of African Americans (17%) as well. This reflects broader societal trends in higher education, where Hispanic and African American students are increasingly pursuing higher education degrees.
In the master's and doctoral categories, however, the numbers skew towards a smaller representation from underrepresented groups, particularly in the doctoral program where the number of Hispanic graduates is zero. This raises questions about accessibility and support for diverse populations in advanced studies.
Overall, while the data reflects a thriving interest in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies with increasing diversity among graduates, the disparity in representation at higher academic levels suggests that further efforts may be needed to ensure equitable access and success for all demographic groups in this field.
List of colleges that has Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. degree
The data on the number of graduates in the Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies program across various ranking tiers of U.S. universities showcases a diverse landscape of educational opportunities in this growing field.
Starting with the top tier of institutions ranked 1-50, we see notable contributions from prestigious schools. For instance, Duke University ranked 7th, produced 20 graduates, while Brown University at 9th place had 18 graduates, including 3 at the master's level. Lehigh University ranked 47th, also contributed 20 graduates, demonstrating a robust interest in interdisciplinary studies among elite institutions.
Moving to the 51-100 ranking tier, Temple University stands out with an impressive 76 graduates, showcasing its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Other schools like Syracuse University and Indiana University-Bloomington added 16 and 11 graduates, respectively, indicating a healthy interest in this program across mid-tier universities.
In the 101-150 range, University of Central Florida leads with a staggering 789 graduates, a remarkable figure that reflects its commitment to interdisciplinary studies. This figure dwarfs others in this tier, such as University of Arizona with 260 graduates and Florida International University with 327. These numbers highlight the growing demand for interdisciplinary education in larger public universities.
The 151-200 tier presents a mix of institutions with varying graduate counts. University of Mississippi produced 146 graduates, while Florida A&M University had 110. Such numbers indicate a significant engagement with interdisciplinary studies, especially in regional schools that serve diverse student populations.
In the 201-250 ranking tier, Florida Atlantic University emerged as a leader with 330 graduates, followed by West Virginia University with 144. The presence of these institutions highlights the increasing recognition of interdisciplinary studies in larger state universities, which often cater to a broader demographic.
Lastly, the 251-300 ranking tier features Loyola University New Orleans and Florida Institute of Technology with 9 and 1 graduate respectively. Even in these lower tiers, the presence of such programs reflects the expanding reach and importance of interdisciplinary studies across all levels of higher education.
Overall, the data indicates a strong and growing interest in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies across a wide spectrum of U.S. universities. Institutions at all tiers are producing graduates in this field, suggesting that students are increasingly valuing the skills and perspectives that interdisciplinary education offers. The variety in graduate numbers also reflects the distinct missions and student populations of these institutions, highlighting both competitive and collaborative trends in higher education.
