What Can You Do With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What transferable skills do you gain from an interdisciplinary studies degree?

Interdisciplinary studies degrees encourage students to build a wide range of skills. These include critical thinking, communication, and adaptability— the very abilities that employers prize most.

A NACE survey shows that over 90% of employers identify these abilities as critical hiring priorities. Similarly, workforce data reveal that 36% of interdisciplinary studies graduates enter management positions, where such skills are put into practice every day.

Other transferable skills from interdisciplinary studies that match employer demand include:

• Teamwork and collaboration – 83% of employers rate this as essential for new hires
• Leadership – employers value graduates who can take initiative and guide teams effectively.
• Adaptability and flexibility – highlighted by the World Economic Forum as one of the fastest-rising skills for 2025.
• Research and information synthesis – supports evidence-based decision-making, a core employer expectation.

Graduates who pursue religious studies or theology within an interdisciplinary framework can also leverage these skills in MDiv jobs, where leadership, counseling, and organizational abilities are highly valued.

How do employers view interdisciplinary studies degrees compared to specialized degrees?

Employers increasingly recognize the value of interdisciplinary studies degrees because they prepare graduates to work across different functions and industries. Unlike specialized degrees that focus on one narrow field, interdisciplinary programs emphasize adaptability, research, and collaboration. This positions interdisciplinary graduates as strong candidates in a job market where transferable skills carry as much weight as technical expertise.

Data USA shows that people working in interdisciplinary studies are steadily gaining ground in the workforce. Their numbers grew by 2.6% in 2023, reaching 1.01 million. This growth points to the rising demand for graduates with versatile skill sets.

What career paths offer the highest earning potential for interdisciplinary studies majors?

One of the biggest strengths of an interdisciplinary studies degree is its flexibility to fit into high-earning roles across multiple industries. Instead of being locked into one narrow path, graduates can tailor their career trajectories to combine leadership, analysis, creativity, and communication.

This versatility often places them in positions where decision-making and cross-functional expertise drive higher salaries.

Here are some of the most lucrative career paths for graduates of a fast-track online interdisciplinary studies degree:

• Financial Manager – Oversees an organization’s financial planning, budgeting, and investment strategies to ensure long-term stability and growth.
• Computer and Information Systems Manager – Directs a company’s IT operations, aligning technology strategies with overall business goals.
• Clinical Research Coordinator – Leads scientific projects and research teams, ensuring effective coordination between science and administration.
• Sales Manager – Develops sales strategies, manages teams, and drives revenue growth through customer relationships and market analysis.
• Human Resources Manager – Manages recruitment, employee relations, and workplace policies while shaping organizational culture.
• Policy Analyst – Researches and evaluates social, economic, or political issues to provide recommendations that guide policy decisions.
• Assistant Professor – Works in academia or education administration, blending teaching, research, and program development. Earning the top online specialist degree in special education boosts the skills needed for this role.

Can interdisciplinary studies graduates pursue law, medicine, or other professional degrees?

Interdisciplinary studies graduates can pursue law, medicine, or other professional degrees. Since an online bachelor's degree interdisciplinary studies allows students to combine concentrations, they can include the prerequisite classes needed for law school, medical school, or graduate study in business and public policy.

Law schools accept students from all majors. The American Bar Association confirms there are no required pre-law fields of study. In medicine, AAMC data show that about 60% of medical school applicants major in biological sciences. However, applicants from the humanities, social sciences, and math also apply in significant numbers.

For medicine, interdisciplinary graduates must plan carefully to complete the necessary science prerequisites. While the Association of American Medical Colleges notes that about 60% of medical school applicants major in biological sciences, many come from humanities, social sciences, and math. By blending biology and chemistry with broader studies, students can meet requirements and bring unique perspectives to healthcare.

Are there international career options for interdisciplinary studies majors?

Interdisciplinary studies graduates are well-positioned for international careers. Data from Lehigh University’s Global Studies (an interdisciplinary program) shows that graduates have secured roles in international organizations, global media, policy, and more. Employers listed include CNN, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. 

Employer recognition is growing worldwide as well. The Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (2025) found that 86% of employers in China are familiar with evaluating interdisciplinary graduates. In contrast, Canada, India, Japan, and the MENA region show more variability in acceptance.

This suggests that while some markets differ, interdisciplinary graduates are finding more doors open to meaningful international careers. For example, those who follow a fast-track liberal arts degree online path gain broad skills in critical thinking and communication that appeal to global employers.

What internships or work experience benefit interdisciplinary studies students the most?

Internships remain the strongest pathway to post-grad success across disciplines, including those with interdisciplinary backgrounds. Paid interns receive, on average, 1.61 job offers, compared to just 0.77 offers for non-interns.

Here are paths that let students apply their broad training while building transferable skills employers value:

Nonprofit & Community Organizations

These roles strengthen communication and leadership skills. According to the NACE, volunteer and nonprofit internships still rank among the top 5 sources of transferable experience that employers value.

Corporate Management & HR Internships

Many interdisciplinary graduates move into human resources, project management, or organizational development. Employers report that teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are the most in-demand attributes.

Media, Communications, & Marketing

Many interdisciplinary graduates move into roles like human resources, project management, or organizational development. These careers directly rely on teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, the very attributes employers rank as most in demand.

Government & Policy Research

Internships with local government offices, policy think tanks, or research institutions help students apply their diverse backgrounds to real-world challenges. 

Technology & Data-Driven Roles

Students with coursework in IT or data science can pursue internships in data analysis, UX research, or digital project management. Employers emphasize that analytical thinking and data literacy are among the top 3 skills required across industries.

What are the most common graduate school paths after an interdisciplinary studies degree?

Many interdisciplinary graduates continue into advanced programs that value broad academic training:

• Liberal Studies or Humanities (MALS, MH) – Over 130 U.S. universities offer interdisciplinary master’s programs that let students deepen critical thinking across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. For those looking to advance quickly, a fast-track online humanities degree offers rigorous study with the flexibility to finish sooner.
• Public Policy and Administration (MPP, MPA) – These degrees integrate economics, sociology, and statistics for careers in government and nonprofits. MPP programs are explicitly interdisciplinary.
• International Studies (MIS) – prepares students for global careers by combining coursework in politics, economics, and cultural studies.
• Library and Information Science – merges technology, ethics, and organizational studies, leading to roles in digital archiving and knowledge management.

What certifications boost job prospects for interdisciplinary studies graduates?

Interdisciplinary studies graduates excel in roles that demand adaptability, cross-functional thinking, and problem-solving. Earning certifications strengthens their profile by showcasing practical skills like agile project management or digital tools.

Recommended certifications for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates include the following: 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) The globally recognized PMP certification validates expertise in leading and delivering complex projects. Certified professionals often earn 20-25% more and gain access to leadership roles across industries.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Highly valued in agile environments, the CSM credential equips professionals to manage collaborative, iterative projects. It’s a great option for those who’ve studied across multiple fields and thrive in dynamic team settings.
• Google Career Certificates These credentials (e.g., Data Analytics, Project Management, Digital Marketing) are gaining attention for helping learners quickly build practical skills and be job-ready.
• IT Certifications In tech-heavy roles, certifications can be game-changers. Examples include CISSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Google Cloud Architect. According to Skillsoft (2024), 97% of IT leaders say certified professionals deliver up to 50% more value.
• Stackable Credentials and Microcertifications Recent research shows that combining certifications with a degree can dramatically improve employability. This is a compelling advantage for interdisciplinary majors transitioning into technical fields. Additionally, combining an interdisciplinary background with targeted credentials can open doors to master of engineering management jobs, where professionals leverage both technical and leadership skills to manage engineering projects, teams, and operations effectively.

Which industries hire the most interdisciplinary studies graduates in 2025?

Interdisciplinary studies majors find demand across education, healthcare, public service, and emerging private sectors. Their training in problem-solving, communication, and systems thinking makes them adaptable in roles where broad skill sets are essential. 

• Education – This is the largest employer of interdisciplinary graduates. Schools value their ability to teach across multiple subjects, design flexible curricula, and support student development.
• Healthcare – Interdisciplinary graduates are recruited for patient education, care coordination, and administrative roles. Healthcare systems increasingly need professionals who can bridge clinical, organizational, and community perspectives. For students exploring what can you do with a nutrition degree, interdisciplinary skills can complement clinical knowledge, opening pathways in wellness programs, community health initiatives, and patient advocacy positions.
• Business and Consulting Services – Many graduates also enter project management, HR, and organizational development.
• Technology and Data-Driven Roles – Demand here comes from the tech sector’s need for professionals who combine technical literacy with human-centered thinking.
• Public Administration and Social Services – Government agencies and nonprofits employ interdisciplinary graduates in policy analysis, program coordination, and community outreach. Choosing a course from among the best online humanities degree programs can strengthen the versatile skills needed to address complex social issues.

What is the job outlook for interdisciplinary studies degree holders in 2025?

The job outlook for interdisciplinary studies degree holders in 2025 is cautiously optimistic. Workforce data shows that their ranks continue growing, with over 1.01 million people now employed. 

However, the job outlook for interdisciplinary studies graduates in 2025 is moderately challenging due to a tightening labor market. The unemployment rate among recent college graduates has risen to nearly 6%, above the national average of 4.2%.

Hiring is particularly slow in fields like tech and professional services. Graduates may face underemployment if they lack specialized skills. Therefore, pursuing certifications or advanced training can improve prospects. For instance, exploring what can you do with a PMHNP graduate certificate can open pathways in psychiatric nursing, mental health care administration, and specialized patient care, providing interdisciplinary graduates with a strong foothold in the healthcare sector.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

Other Things You Should Know About Pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

What is the difference between interdisciplinary studies and general studies degrees?

Interdisciplinary studies degrees let students intentionally combine two or more distinct fields into a single, cohesive program. For example, a student might pair computer science with environmental science to prepare for careers in data-driven sustainability solutions. The program is structured to align closely with specific career goals and allow students to gain specialized knowledge.

General studies degrees, in contrast, provide a broad, flexible curriculum that spans multiple disciplines without concentrating on a specific career path. This approach suits learners who are undecided about their long-term goals or want a versatile educational background.

What are the advantages of an interdisciplinary degree?

One of the biggest advantages of an interdisciplinary degree is the flexibility it offers compared to single-discipline majors. Unlike traditional liberal arts or science degrees that focus on one area, interdisciplinary programs train students to integrate knowledge across fields.

Research shows that graduates with greater interdisciplinary exposure in the sciences see a 4% increase in first-year earnings for each added unit of interdisciplinarity. This shows that interdisciplinary graduates build broader skills and gain a clear career edge over single-discipline peers.

Are there niche or emerging careers specifically for interdisciplinary studies graduates?

One emerging career niche for interdisciplinary studies graduates is GIS and mapping technologies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for cartographers and photogrammetrists between 2023 and 2033. This equals about 1,000 openings each year.

The field is expanding because GIS tools now power urban planning, disaster management, climate research, and logistics. These industries demand talent able to connect data, technology, and social impact. Interdisciplinary training makes graduates well-suited for these roles.

Is it hard to get a job with an interdisciplinary studies degree?

Graduates with an interdisciplinary studies degree do not face worse employment outcomes than other majors. According to Data USA, about 1.01 million people were employed in interdisciplinary studies-related fields in 2023. This 2.61% increase from the previous year shows that graduates are finding work and that opportunities in the field continue to grow.