<p>I've been wondering about interdisciplinary degrees because I can't seem to make up my mind. Do you know anyone who has one? What do they do for a living?</p>
<p>You would have to get a master's degree and specialize AFTER you really find out what you want to do because no one takes a Liberal Arts, Studies, General Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, or whatever else you want to call it major seriously. You'll be asking, "Do you want fries with that?" or bagging groceries.</p>
<p>If you are ever in doubt, always get a general business degree...is what I always say.</p>
<p>Interdisciplinary majors are simply majors which are comprised of two or more fields. Say women's studies for example. Some women's studies programs are interdisciplinary which means the courses that comprise the major are from departments such as history, sociology, anthropology, English, etc. which focus on women, gender, etc. They aren't courses that are titled women's studies, but rather they create a women's studies major of study. </p>
<p>veryspoiledgirl, the arts and sciences are more intellectually rewarding, and often harbor more intelligent students than the general business students who simply fall in there to get a degree and think they will get a job. A well-rounded arts and science major is going to have a larger pool of opportunity, and will be actually learning, not just memorizing common sense information from a textbook.</p>
<p>Since I'm a history major, I'll point out that Forbes magazine released a study earlier this year which had history higher on the ladder than business in regard to highest median starting salary. So if I'm going to be working fast food, I'd hate to see what you will be doing.</p>
<p>Who said interdisciplinary studies would include two majors in the liberal arts? Interdisciplinary studies could mean health studies and recreation studies. I think employers would find you unfocused and since it is still a new field of study wouldn't understand what the hell it is.</p>
<p>Are you still in school? Maybe when you get out the economy will be better. I'm a psychology major, who graduated this year. So I understand all that liberal arts crap about being able to think, write, or whatever and skills that are transferable to any job. That is one of the reasons why I majored in it.</p>
<p>I've been applying ALL over the country (and in my own city) for all types of entry level jobs and I can't find one. No, it's not my resume because I get all types of compliments on it nor my interviewing skills. I'm told every job I apply for there are hundreds, probably even thousands of applications. I've had five business internships and even started my own freelancing company. Corporations really want to point liberal arts grads to sales, which I don't want to do...I got enough of it with my own company. Every advertisement wants either business, engineering, or computer science grads. I'm going back to school to get a master's degree in information technology so I can find a job. I really wish I had majored in MIS...it would have made my life so much easier. So when you get your history degree, please let me know what you do with it assuming the economy is still the way it is?</p>
<p>I believe you can find a job as an "Interdisciplinary Studies" major, maybe with the government or a nonprofit or something. Somewhere where the major doesn't matter, but it will be a long and hard road to find that first job...and you better have relevant internships. If you want to major in "General Studies" go right ahead but be planned to get laughed at, not called, or wasting more money on school for a master's degree.</p>
<p>I majored in an interdisciplinary program and it really depends on your coursework and general public knowledge. For example, my field of study is commonplace in the fields of government, social services and higher education. The hiring managers have a general idea what it is and what I can do. I knew I didn't want to work in a traditional business environment right out of college. That's why I haven't had a problem with unemployment.</p>
<p>I do say be careful what you major in (if you're really passionate about it and know what kind of career path you want, I say go for it) because the corporate world looks for people who can serve their needs. Business internships and technical minors such as economics or foreign language really do help if you are majoring in a liberal arts field and want to work in a corporation.</p>
<p>"I'm told every job I apply for there are hundreds, probably even thousands of applications."</p>
<p>Are you applying for jobs in big cities? Have you looked at government or non-profits? I'm not looking to take my history degree and become a corporate executive or anything. I will prefer to stay out of the private sector. I've been looking at careers in state government and much list psychology, sociology, and other liberal arts majors as prime applicants. Ive got one year left, and I have no problem staying in the city I am living and going to school in (roughly 100,000 population) and starting off at 25-30K in a local organization, non-profit, or government. </p>
<p>So when you get your history degree, please let me know what you do with it assuming the economy is still the way it is?</p>
<p>Prospects with a history degree (as well as other arts and science) weren't that much bleaker, if at all, even before the economy went down hill. There are simply more degrees out there than jobs. There are Ph.Ds who are waiting tables and doing office work. I understand hiring is being cut back, but even if we get out of the current state, I don't expect that will automatically open any more doors for a history major. </p>
<p>If you want to major in "General Studies" go right ahead but be planned to get laughed at, not called, or wasting more money on school for a master's degree.</p>
<p>I'm not sure what "general studies" are. I'm assuming you are referring to the arts and humanities? Regardless, no degree is a waste, especially a master's degree. The point of an education is to learn, even if doesn't lead to a lucrative careers in lucrative, high paying career.</p>
<p>Yes, I've looked at nonprofits and government positions. Those take forever to get and the waiting on those jobs are long too especially federal. It can take a year or more to get a job. I know from experience and because my parents worked in the public sector. But maybe it varies from state to state.</p>
<p>Yes, I'm looking at big cities preferably, but I've also been applying for jobs in cities I've never even heard of.</p>
<p>Like you, I would prefer to stay out of the private sector too. But money is money and right about now I'll work in the private or public sector until I can get into the public sector.</p>
<p>I do believe some education is a waste if you can't find a job with it and have to get more education to find a job. That is a big waste of time and money. I really hope with my master's degree I will not be overqualified for entry level positions in the IT field. I have been applying for internships and getting interviews, but I'll see next year when the time comes for permanent positions.</p>
<p>I wish you good luck with your career. You should start applying for public sector positions now. I know in my state you can start applying during your senior year. The wait for a job can be a long one.</p>