Post on 31-Dec-2015
Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally)
The Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University
of Central Florida promotes online degree tracks.
Unfortunately, many classes are not available online.
This ultimately creates a bit of an academic hurdle for
students that primarily study as distance learners.
Likewise, this also poses a challenge to UCF because
there are a myriad of accredited learning institutions
that have created e-colleges offering a variety of
Interdisciplinary Studies degrees. ( DeVry, Liberty,
Kaplan)
Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally) Two additional core classes are required
for this degree at U.C.F. (6 credit hours)
• IDS 3933 Cornerstone Experience
– Must be taken first
• IDS 4934 Capstone Experience
– Must be taken in the final semester
Students Be Advised:
• Classes are extremely intensive and
require a lot of research time and homework.
• Classes fill fast so enroll as early as
possible.
In Summer 2009, a mixed mode class will be available
for those students whom do not want to take these
classes strictly online. So, it is imperative to thoroughly
check the schedule if you are a distance learner to ensure
that you choose the web-based only approach.
Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally)
• The Interdisciplinary Studies degree at U.C.F undergrad major offers a choice of two disciplines from thirteen academic study areas and one minor from any UCF minors.
Students Be Advised:
The IDS department assists with cornerstone and capstone classes only. Courses for your majors or minors must be set up through advisors from those specific schools of discipline.
Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally)
“Not all programs are alike.”
University of Central Florida
For 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 UCF
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
Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally)
Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who are;
• Comfortable working across a wide array of disciplines
• Can smoothly transition from one project to the next
http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Bachelor_of_Interdisciplinary_Studies.html
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>