Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.

Degree Overview

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (CIP 30.9999) is a flexible, student-centered degree designed for learners who want to combine multiple fields of study into a single, coherent academic path. Instead of fitting into one traditional major, this program allows students to integrate courses from different disciplines—such as science, technology, humanities, social sciences, business, or the arts—to address complex interests and career goals that do not fall neatly into a single category.

For a degree search site, this CIP code is especially important because it represents customization, adaptability, and modern career reality. Many of today’s most impactful careers sit between disciplines, not inside them. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies is ideal for students who think broadly, make connections easily, and want an education tailored to emerging fields, hybrid careers, or personalized goals. It is often chosen by students who want flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.

What Is a Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?

A Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies degree is an academic program that allows students to design a customized curriculum drawing from two or more disciplines. Programs under the “Other” designation typically support unique or nonstandard combinations that are not already defined by a named interdisciplinary major.

Rather than following a fixed course map, students work with academic advisors to build a structured plan around a central theme, question, or career objective. Examples might include:

• Technology + psychology + design
• Environmental science + policy + economics
• Health sciences + sociology + data analysis
• Business + communications + computer science
• Humanities + education + public service

Universities offer this degree to:

• Support custom academic pathways aligned with individual goals
• Encourage integrative thinking across disciplines
• Prepare students for careers that span multiple fields
• Accommodate emerging industries and evolving job markets

The key distinction is intentional integration—this is not a random collection of courses, but a thoughtfully designed program with a clear focus.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how to synthesize knowledge from different disciplines and apply it to real-world problems. You’ll develop the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives and combine tools, methods, and frameworks that are usually taught separately.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Interdisciplinary synthesis—connecting ideas across fields
• Critical thinking—evaluating problems from multiple angles
• Problem framing—defining complex issues clearly
• Research and analysis—integrating qualitative and quantitative methods
• Adaptability—learning new concepts quickly across domains
• Communication skills—explaining complex, cross-disciplinary ideas
• Project planning and execution—managing long-term, multi-part work
• Self-directed learning—taking ownership of educational goals

These skills are especially valuable in careers that change rapidly or require cross-functional collaboration.

Topics You May Explore

Because this degree is customizable, coursework varies widely. Common areas of integration include:

• Science and Technology: computing, data, engineering fundamentals
• Social Sciences: psychology, sociology, economics, political science
• Humanities: philosophy, ethics, history, cultural studies
• Business and Management: leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship
• Health and Human Services: public health, human biology, wellness
• Environmental Studies: sustainability, policy, ecology
• Communication and Media: writing, digital media, public relations
• Education and Public Service: teaching, community engagement, policy

Many programs culminate in a capstone project that demonstrates how the student’s interdisciplinary focus applies to a real-world problem.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Because this degree is flexible, career outcomes depend heavily on how the program is designed and how students articulate their skill set. Graduates are often competitive for roles that value versatility and integrative thinking.

Common career paths include:

• Project or Program Coordinator: managing cross-functional initiatives
• Business or Operations Analyst: bridging strategy, data, and execution
• Policy or Research Assistant: working on interdisciplinary issues
• Communications or Content Specialist: translating complex information
• UX, Product, or Strategy Roles: combining user, business, and tech insights
• Nonprofit or Community Program Roles: addressing social challenges
• Education or Training Roles: developing interdisciplinary curricula
• Graduate or Professional School Path: pursuing specialized advanced study

This degree is especially strong for students who can clearly explain the logic behind their academic design.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in diverse environments that value broad skill sets:

• Corporations and startups
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
• Educational institutions
• Consulting and strategy firms
• Technology and innovation teams
• Healthcare and social service organizations

Interdisciplinary graduates often thrive in roles that sit between departments or require coordination across teams.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary widely depending on industry, role, and complementary skills.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level analyst or coordinator roles: often $45,000–$65,000
• Mid-level interdisciplinary professionals: commonly $65,000–$95,000
• Specialized or leadership roles: can exceed $100,000 with experience

Earning potential increases significantly when paired with technical, analytical, or graduate-level credentials.

Is This Degree Hard?

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies is considered intellectually demanding because it requires students to manage ambiguity and integrate ideas independently. There is often less structure than traditional majors, which means students must be proactive, organized, and self-motivated.

The challenge is not depth in a single subject, but breadth with coherence. Students who thrive are those who enjoy making connections and taking ownership of their learning.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Have interests that span multiple academic fields
• Want a customized education aligned with a specific goal
• Enjoy synthesizing ideas and solving complex problems
• Are preparing for an emerging or hybrid career
• Prefer flexibility over rigid academic tracks

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for an interdisciplinary studies program:

• Take a wide range of courses across sciences, humanities, and social sciences
• Develop strong writing and critical thinking skills
• Practice connecting ideas across subjects
• Get involved in projects that combine multiple skills
• Learn to articulate your interests and goals clearly

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (CIP 30.9999) is a degree for students who do not think in silos. It empowers learners to design an education that reflects how real problems—and real careers—actually work: across boundaries, disciplines, and traditional labels.