Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is interdisciplinary research and interdisciplinary studies?
"Interdisciplinary research (IDR) and interdisciplinary studies (IDS) integrate content, data, methods, tools, concepts, and theories from two or more disciplines or bodies of specialized knowledge in order to advance fundamental understanding, answer questions, address complex issues and broad themes and solve problems that are too broad for a single approach.” Julie Thompson Klein, Creating Interdisciplinary Campus Cultures: A Model for Strength and Sustainability (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2010) p. 15.
2) What is Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) at NC State University?
Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences fufils several tasks:
• At both the undergraduate and the graduate level, IDS is the home for a number of interdisciplinary major and minor programs. They offer students a course of study which focuses on broad themes and complex issues; incorporate classes from different disciplines and departments; and offers models for connecting and integrating these disciplinary perspectives into workable strategies for solving the complex problems of our 21st century world.
• Our programs have a strong basis in many fields of the arts, humanities, and social sciences, but also incorporate approaches (i.e. classes) from other disciplines taught across NC State University.
• Based on the broad issues addressed in IDS, we provide a large number of attractive offerings to fulfil the requirements of NC State’s general education program (GEP), many also available online through distance education.
• We offer strong undergraduate dual degree scholars programs that combine majors in CHASS with majors from the College of Management, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Engineering.
• Our scholars and instructors from different disciplines may work in teams and through networks, or they may themselves be trained in more than one discipline.
• IDS in CHASS aims to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and between departments and with regard to research projects, instruction, and external engagement.
3) What are the advantages and challenges of an interdisciplinary major?
Choosing an interdisciplinary major over a disciplinary program, or in addition to it (as a second major, which is common), will provide you the benefit of a broader education that generally gives you more options for employment rather than training for specific careers. Challenges include learning the methods, tools, and theories for more than one discipline; integrating them into useful strategies; and finding your own career path among the many available for interdisciplinary majors.
4) Will an interdisciplinary program take me longer?
No, it will take the same amount of time as a disciplinary major or minor. However, a dual degree (double major) may take an extra semester or two, depending on how many courses you take during each semester and over the summer.
5) Who can I talk to if I have other questions about IDS?
For general questions about IDS: Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Studies, Dr. Helga G. Braunbeck
For questions about one of the undergraduate programs: click on “undergraduate” on the left, go to the program site and click on “contact us”
