Frequently Asked Questions
What are 'Interdisciplinary Studies?'
According to Klein and Newell (in Newell, WT. 1996. Interdisciplinarity: Essays from the Literature. New York: CEEB.), there are five characteristics of Interdisciplinary Studies:
- Means for addressing questions or solving complex problems;
- Draws on multiple disciplinary programs;
- Works toward the integration of multiple disciplinary insights through the construction of a more comprehensive perspective;
- Goal is to construct a more comprehensive perspective in answering questions, solving complex problems, or obtaining a greater understanding;
- Results in correcting, complementing, and supplementing the limits of disciplinary approaches.
What can I do with a Liberal Studies degree?
The Liberal Studies degree is excellent for any job requiring critical thinking and communication skills. The Interdisciplinary Studies approach to education has gained acceptance from many forward-thinking business leaders because it generates graduates who are creative, independent, and solution-oriented. With a Liberal Studies degree you can do anything you want, because you'll have experience in several fields and the confidence to integrate them into your personal objectives.
Employers are interested in hiring interdisciplinary studies majors because of the following (Newell, WH. 1983. The case for interdisciplinary studies: Response to professor Benson's five arguments. Issues in Integrative Studies 2:1-19.):
- Ability of students to think conceptually
- Ability to identify and solve problems
- Ability to understand other value systems
- Ability to evaluate alternatives
- Ability to decide on a course of action
- Ability to change one's opinion in the light of facts
- Effective written communication skills
- Effective oral communication
- Effective group participation (team work)
- Ethical sensitivity
- Constructive response to criticism
What kind of jobs do Liberal Studies graduates obtain?
The Liberal Studies degree is good preparation for careers in law, teaching or any job requiring critical thinking and communication skills.
Why should I declare a Liberal Studies major?
If you aren't sure you want to major in a specialized discipline, then you should consider a Liberal Studies major. Many career opportunities will require you to specialize following your undergraduate education, so you may need graduate study to complete your schooling. You may find that the most important thing at this point is to receive a Bachelor's degree and gain some work experience, before you decide what you're going to do for your career.
When should I apply?
You may choose to pursue one of the Liberal Studies Tracks at any point in your academic career. The best time to apply for the Self Designed major is during your sophomore year. It is a good idea, however, to contact the coordinator as soon as you become interested in the Liberal Studies major, even if you have not yet met all the requirements for admission.
If I wished to pursue a Self-Designed Major how should I choose my fields of study?
Choose the disciplines from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences that fascinate you, that interrelate with each other, and that will help you achieve your academic objectives.
If I change my major to Liberal Studies, can I apply upper division courses I've already taken to the Liberal Studies major?
Yes.
Will a Liberal Studies major help me after I graduate?
Yes, but how it serves you is up to you. One of the things we emphasize with the Liberal Studies degree is independence. Your future will be in your hands, and this degree will give you the academic freedom and confidence to take advantage of the opportunities you create!
Program Coordinator
Sunita Manian, Associate Professor
316 Terrell Hall
Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(478) 445-5221
sunita.manian@gcsu.edu
