Specific major vs Interdisciplinary Studies

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by NMTTD, Apr 30, 2012.

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  1. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    My advisor at ASU has suggested that I might want to do a Interdisciplinary Studies degree since I enjoy both Political Science and Communications. I was thinking of adding a Communications minor to my Political Science major, but she said an Interdisciplinary Studies degree would serve me better.

    I've never heard of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree. Do they hold much weight? Seems like having a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies would be kind of confusing to grad schools and potential employers since it doesnt actually tell them what I studied. Wouldnt a lot of explaining always be in order with a degree like this? Does it make one seem unfocused because they couldnt settle on one particular major? Is this like a double major, or something completely different?

    Im just not sure what the best way to go is here. Like I said, I was planning on majoring in Political Science and possibly minoring in Communications, but now that my advisor threw this suggestion out there, Im not sure what the better choice is.
     
  2. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    I feel the degree matters more for some areas than others. Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Business, Biology, etc... you would want that degree, perhaps,to be in a particular related discipline. Political science is just a social science discipline....I don't think it carries much more weight than the Interdisciplinary studies would. the Inter. is probably being suggested as its a bit easier to fill the specific requirements for it. That said...its your money and time.

    No chance of getting you to do a year or so at the CC level huh? You would save a bag full of money. All of this, plus 30 or more credits can be done cheaper elsewhere https://catalog.asu.edu/index.php?q=ug_gsr ASU is what ? $400 a semester hour?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 30, 2012
  3. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    I already answered this on a different thread but I'll go ahead and put it here, as well. Yes, Im going to test out of 4 classes and go to ASU as well as do some community college for other classes at the same time. Im planning to knock out 9 classes from community college while working on classes for my major. My advisor (academic) at ASU said that since Im transferring in 24 credits already and will be testing out of 4 more classes before school starts I can do a few classes for my major since they mingle them in with gen ed classes. I will technically be part time at both schools but carrying a fulltime courseload. But its all good.
     
  4. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I agree with rebel100 on this. A Poly Sci and communications interdisciplinary degree would not be any worse than one of those degrees alone. None of them will translate directly into a job in a specific field, so you would not have to worry about it. Having a BA is better than not having one for job prospects, but a degree in Accounting, Finance, Etc. would yield greater employment opportunities. However, your previous experience will be the main factor in determining your employment prospects, not what degree you hold.
     
  5. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    I plan on going on to grad school when I finish my undergrad, so do you think doing the Interdisciplinary Studies degree would actually work out ok for that?
     
  6. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Yes and yes. If you're really interested in Politicial Science, then pursue that as your major and select a minor of your choosing. I would not listen to your advisor in this particular instance.
     
  7. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Your grad school application will be stronger with a specific major vs. an interdisciplinary major. Graduating with an Interdisciplinary major will make it sound like you didn't know which major to choose and you didn't know what you wanted to do after graduation.
     
  8. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    This is what I was thinking, as well. Thanks. Im going to stick with the Poli Sci degree and just add Communications as a minor. I appreciate the help!!
     
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I agree with this. There are only a few combinations where I think an Interdisciplinary degree would be as good as a focused major. For example, I think that a Philosophy/PolySci/History combo would get you into law school as easily as any one of those alone.
     
  10. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    Do whatever works for you. I chose to go the multidisciplinary route because I wanted to get a degree done with the last of my G.I. Bill money. If Political Science makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, have at it.
     
  11. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    My opinion is that if you're definitely going to graduate school, then your undergraduate major doesn't really matter all that much. There are exceptions, such as many M.B.A. programs requiring "leveling" courses if you don't have a Business or Management degree, but other than those exceptions, I say study what interests you just to get the entry ticket to graduate school.

    As for a minor, I have a minor in Communication, but it was totally by accident. I just happened to take enough free elective credits in Communication courses to qualify for the minor. I can't say it's helped me since I don't know, but I'm sure it hasn't hurt me.
     
  12. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    So there you go. You got the usual answer when you ask members of DI what you should do. Here is a synopsis: You definitely should not go for an interdisciplinary degree but you definitely should go for an interdisciplinary degree. Clear? :smile: Ultimately, it's your choice. You are probably OK either way, but, IMO, you might be a little better off with a PolySci degree. Hats off to you; that subject puts me to sleep in about 10 min.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 1, 2012

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