Challenges facing Interdisciplinary Studies degrees in colleges today are

endless. Most modern disciplines must create an awareness of the importance

of change.

Educational systems should be able to contribute to the economic and social development of our country

as well as our world.

Likewise, educational systems must adapt to and deliver courses made up of many new and unexplored

terrains in an effort to forward the advancement of interdisciplinary

foundations.

In a world-class university

In the United States, all Interdisciplinary Studies programs are not alike.

Comparison of U.C.F. vs. Cal. State LB

University of Central FloridaFor undergraduates, Interdisciplinary Studies offers unique degree tracks and many ways to create personalized programs of study. Students create combinations by choosing two of thirteen academic study areas plus one of many dozen minor degrees offered at U.C.F. together with the two cutting edge Cornerstone and Capstone core courses.

http://www.is.ucf.edu/index.php

California State University, Long BeachThe Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP) offers students the opportunity to develop individualized, coherent, intellectually challenging, cross disciplinary academic plans, utilizing courses from selected departments.

The area of concentration must meet three criteria:

1. The area of concentration must be truly interdisciplinary.

2. The area of concentration must not replicate any existing major.

3. The area of concentration must be feasible.

http://www.csulb.edu/isp

Globally: • U.C.F. Along with other major colleges and universities are facing problems of such magnitude and complexity that the answers are rarely found within the boundaries of any single discipline.

• Specialists from different disciplines must be able to communicate effectively with one another and work together to find common ground.

Nationally:– A growing number of businesses are hiring people who do not have a specific concentration. Employers are currently looking for individuals who are very comfortable working across a wide array of disciplines yet can smoothly transition from one project to the next.

The IDS department at U.C.F. is always reaching out for new and innovative ways to approach this demanding degree track from every angle. Ideas and inquiries are always encouragedhttp://www.is.ucf.edu/index.php

Works Cited Page “Interdisciplinary Studies.” University of Central Florida. 2009. Source accessed 20, April 2009.<http://www.is.ucf.edu/index.php>

“Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies.” California State University Long Beach. 2009. Source accessed 20, April 2009.<http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/grad_undergrad/isp/undergraduate/>

“Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.” DiplomaGuide.com, 2009. Source accessed 20, April 2009. http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Bachelor_of_Interdisciplinary_Studies.html

“Creativity or Conformity? Building Cultures of Creativity in Higher Education” A conference organised by the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff in collaboration with the Higher Education Academy Cardiff 2007. Source accessed 25, April 2009. <www.creativityconference07.org/tabled_papers/Davison_Interdisciplinary.doc>