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First, some facts. Of the Interdisciplinary Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 165 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Interdisciplinary Studies graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 30% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Interdisciplinary Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 20% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Interdisciplinary Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHealth Supervisor Girl Scouts of Citrus Council May 2023 - Jul 2023 Onsite Medical Representative  Amazon Mar 2024 - Jun 2024 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When examining the job profiles of individuals with degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, a noticeable trend emerges. Many graduates have found employment in fields related to education, particularly as teachers or in educational support roles. This aligns well with the core competencies learned through an Interdisciplinary Studies degree, which often emphasizes a broad understanding of various subjects, educational theory, and the ability to adapt teaching methods for diverse learning contexts.
Furthermore, many of these professionals have jobs that require skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving, which are also foundational elements of an Interdisciplinary Studies education. For instance, roles like Instructional Coaches, Program Coordinators, or Case Managers often leverage knowledge from fields such as sociology, psychology, and education, which can be significant parts of an interdisciplinary curriculum. These positions utilize the graduates' capacity to understand complex issues from multiple perspectives, a hallmark of interdisciplinary training.
On the flip side, there are instances in the data where graduates of Interdisciplinary Studies have taken up roles that do not seem directly relevant to their field of study. For instance, positions in sales, customer service, and technical operations frequently appear but lack a strong connection to the interdisciplinary knowledge base. Jobs in these areas may rely more on general competencies rather than specific interdisciplinary skills. This discrepancy raises questions about the direct applicability of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in certain job markets, particularly in fields that don’t traditionally value liberal arts training.
In conclusion, while many Interdisciplinary Studies graduates have successfully transitioned into relevant educational roles, there are notable exceptions where their skills could be applied in various industries. Yet, the extent to which their degree is leveraged in non-educational capacities remains inconsistent. This scenario suggests that while the interdisciplinary approach fosters adaptable skill sets, the link between degree and profession can sometimes appear tenuous, prompting graduates to consider how best to communicate and apply their diverse range of skills to potential employers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, we see a wide range of career paths taken by individuals from different universities and graduating years. While some graduates have secured positions that align with their interdisciplinary training, others have ventured into jobs that appear less relevant to their degree. In general, many of these graduates initially enter teaching or education-related roles right after graduation, as it seems to be a common and accessible first step. This is evident in the profiles of many graduates who took on positions as teachers, instructional coaches, and educational coordinators shortly after completing their degrees. For example, graduates from Northeastern Illinois University and Hampton University went into teaching right after graduation, indicating a natural fit for those interested in applying their interdisciplinary skills in educational settings.
As we look further into their careers five or ten years later, the outcomes are varied. Many of those who began as teachers have continued in educational roles, transitioning into leadership or coaching positions within the education system. For instance, individuals who initially started as teachers later became instructional coaches or grade-level leads. This progression suggests that graduates from Interdisciplinary Studies can cultivate professional pathways that leverage their skills in education, mentoring, and community leadership effectively. However, there are also numerous instances of graduates who took less direct paths. Some ended up in roles in business, sales, or even project management, which seem to shift away from the educational or social science contexts where they started.
On the flip side, there are graduates whose career paths seem quite disconnected from their degree. For some, such as those who pursued various sales and marketing roles or administrative positions, it appears they may have shifted significantly away from their interdisciplinary training. This indicates that while the initial degree may offer flexibility and a broad skill set, the application of that education in the job market can vary widely from individual to individual. Overall, while some graduates have successfully aligned their early career stages with their education in Interdisciplinary Studies, others have navigated into areas that may not utilize the skills they developed during their studies. This mixed bag of outcomes denotes a level of uncertainty in the long-term career trajectories for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates, where potential and passion don’t always align with the definitive career pathways initially envisioned.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies can be as easy or as tough as you make it. It’s designed to let you mix different subjects that interest you, so if you’re passionate about what you choose to study, it can feel pretty engaging and less stressful. On the flip side, because you’re pulling from various fields, it can also get a bit challenging if you’re not familiar with the subjects you pick or if you end up taking some hardcore classes. Overall, it’s probably around average in terms of difficulty, but your experience really depends on your interests and how you approach your studies!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Looking at these graduates, it seems like some have found decent financial success while others might not be making as much. For instance, the person who graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 2012 with a franchise ownership shows a real entrepreneurial spirit that can lead to potentially good earnings if the business does well. In contrast, the roles of teachers listed for a few others, like the graduates from Texas A&M University and the University of North Texas, typically don't pay as well compared to many jobs in the corporate sector, although stable and fulfilling in their own right.
Others, like the graduate from Florida International University in 2018 who is now a Senior Director at AfroResistance, likely enjoy a better salary given their leadership role. It's clear that interdisciplinary studies can lead to various careers with varying pay scales; it really depends on the industry and specific roles. As you consider your future path, it's good to think about what kind of job you want and what it pays, but also remember to factor in your passions and interests!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Interdisciplinary Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: