Program Overview
Jefferson University's Interdisciplinary Studies program tailors coursework to students' career goals, offering specializations in areas like Global Studies and Sustainability Studies. Through hands-on learning and personalized advising, graduates develop essential leadership skills and prepare for a wide range of professions, including management, healthcare, and education. Students can complete the program in as little as three years and benefit from internships with Philadelphia organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Jefferson's Interdisciplinary Studies program is designed to help students pursue their professional goals through a customized and tailored program. It is a rapidly growing field developed to address the need for versatile talents, as problems in today's world require innovative solutions that transcend traditional disciplines. The program features specializations such as Global Studies, Diversity Studies, Sustainability Studies, and Health & Society, allowing students to customize their education to work towards their desired career path. The program offers tailored specializations and the ability to work with the department to create a personalized curriculum.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, examining pressing issues and devising ways to study them with an eye towards effecting change. The program is distinguished by its professional focus and the small size of the College of Humanities and Sciences, ensuring students receive personalized advice and support from faculty.
Careers:
The individualized nature of interdisciplinary studies means that graduates can be found in diverse professions ranging from software developers and nurses to teachers and managers. The breadth of knowledge covered by the flexible curriculum prepares students for leadership roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations account for the largest percentage of jobs held by interdisciplinary studies graduates. The program prepares students for careers and opportunities in growing fields such as:
- Civil service/government professional
- Diversity officer
- Entrepreneur
- Foreign Service Officer
- Human Resources in health care professions
- Healthcare case manager
- Journalist
- Pharmaceutical (or other specialized profession) sales
- Nonprofit Manager/Administrator
- Political scientist
- Public relations specialist
- Teacher/educator
- Sustainability consultant
- Climate justice advocate
- Healthcare trends analyst
Other:
- The program emphasizes the development of critical skills demanded by workplaces, such as complex problem-solving, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and empathy.
- Students can take advantage of internships with Philadelphia's cultural institutions, nonprofits, and corporations.
- The program can be completed in as little as three years, with classes available throughout the summer semesters.
