By combining coursework from diverse disciplines, you’ll develop the ability to think critically across boundaries—an essential skill in today’s complex world. The interdisciplinary approach equips you to analyze issues from multiple viewpoints, connect theory to real-world practice, and tackle challenges that don’t fit neatly into one academic category. This broad perspective is especially valuable in fields like education, social advocacy, and sustainability.

Interdisciplinary studies graduates are well-prepared for graduate programs in fields like law, public policy, business, and education. The flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your degree toward your future path—whether that’s a master’s program or an immediate career. Employers value the adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-functional knowledge that interdisciplinary students bring to a wide range of roles.

While the program is self-directed, students are never alone in the process. Faculty mentors guide you through the development of your individualized major, ensuring your plan meets academic standards and supports your ambitions. Manchester’s small class sizes and collaborative community create a supportive environment where your interdisciplinary goals are nurtured, challenged, and brought to life.

The interdisciplinary studies option at Manchester University is ideal for students with broad academic interests or career aspirations that extend beyond a single field. If you’re someone who enjoys connecting ideas across subject areas like political science, education, or environmental studies, this program offers a unique opportunity to pursue a degree that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Students in this program work closely with faculty members to design an individualized interdisciplinary degree, incorporating multiple disciplines into a cohesive course of study. This is particularly valuable for learners who want to tailor their academic journey around complex issues such as sustainability, public health, or social justice—topics that require both critical thinking and cross-functional knowledge.

The interdisciplinary approach appeals to students who value adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving. With guidance from faculty advisers, students build an academic plan that may include upper-division courses, research projects, and real-world applications. This flexibility prepares graduates for diverse career paths and graduate school opportunities.

If you’re passionate about building a curriculum that reflects your identity, values, and career goals, Manchester’s interdisciplinary studies is an excellent fit. It empowers students to think independently, work across boundaries, and graduate with a degree that is as distinctive as they are.

Absolutely. Interdisciplinary studies are excellent preparation for grad school. By design, the interdisciplinary studies course strengthens students’ research skills, critical thinking, and communication abilities—foundational elements that are highly valued in advanced degree programs. Whether you’re aiming for law school, a master’s in public administration, or graduate study in education or environmental science, this degree equips you with the academic rigor and flexibility to excel.

Students work closely with faculty to ensure their interdisciplinary curriculum includes upper-division courses that match their grad school focus. The ability to craft a targeted course of study allows students to align their undergraduate education with their future goals. For example, a student interested in policy development might blend courses from political science, business, and social sciences, while a student focused on health might combine biology, psychology, and ethics.

Graduate schools often seek applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a capacity to synthesize knowledge from diverse fields—exactly what interdisciplinary studies students develop. Manchester’s program encourages students to set academic and career objectives early and build a curriculum that supports their long-term trajectory.

In short, if you’re thinking about grad school, the interdisciplinary degree is a smart and strategic foundation.

Interdisciplinary studies open the door to a wide range of career opportunities across multiple industries. Because students create a personalized course of study that reflects both academic and career objectives, graduates are uniquely positioned to enter fields that value flexibility, innovation, and problem-solving.

Common career paths for interdisciplinary studies graduates include nonprofit program coordinator, human resources specialist, sustainability officer, communications manager, public policy analyst, and community engagement strategist. These roles often require cross-functional knowledge and the ability to work across disciplinary fields—skills that are central to the interdisciplinary approach.

Students can also explore careers in education, healthcare administration, business development, social advocacy, or even entrepreneurship. The degree program at Manchester provides students with research and critical thinking skills, making them competitive candidates for roles that demand analytical reasoning and leadership. With upper division classes tailored to each student’s chosen focus, the curriculum encourages both depth and breadth.

Manchester’s program offers the flexibility to design a career plan that is relevant, adaptive, and future-focused. Whether your interests lie in environmental policy, digital media, or political science, this degree prepares you to navigate and succeed in today’s complex and ever-evolving workforce.

To design your own interdisciplinary degree at Manchester University, you’ll collaborate with faculty members and submit a formal proposal to the Office of Academic Affairs. This proposal must include a clear academic focus, a list of selected courses from at least two disciplinary fields, and an explanation of how your custom major aligns with your academic and career objectives.

Your interdisciplinary degree proposal should demonstrate academic coherence and meet the standards set by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. Advisors and faculty members will support you in choosing upper-division classes that provide depth while maintaining an interdisciplinary structure. You’ll also need to articulate how your degree program prepares you for your desired career path or future grad school plans.

This process empowers students to build a major that reflects their passions, whether that means combining environmental studies and business or linking digital media and education. It’s ideal for students who want to explore complex issues through a tailored, problem-solving approach rather than following a traditional academic route.

The ability to create a personalized program is one of the most empowering aspects of Manchester’s curriculum—and a major advantage for students seeking a nontraditional, impactful education.

Yes. In addition to its individualized major option, Manchester University offers several structured interdisciplinary programs that combine academic disciplines to address key global and social issues. These pre-designed programs include Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, and Peace Studies, each with a distinct focus and cross-departmental curriculum.

The Environmental Studies program offers three tracks: Technical, Natural History, and Policy. These tracks integrate natural sciences, political science, and philosophy to explore topics such as climate change, resource management, and ecological ethics. Students gain a science degree foundation while analyzing human impact on the environment.

The Gender Studies Minor program examines how gender operates within social, cultural, and historical contexts. Students explore feminism, masculinity, LGBTQ+ studies, and intersecting systems of oppression. This interdisciplinary program blends insights from the humanities, social sciences, and communication studies.

Peace Studies engages students in topics like conflict resolution, human rights, and global justice, combining coursework in political science, history, philosophy, and sociology.

These programs provide students with critical research and thinking skills, and a strong academic base while also offering structured flexibility. If you’re looking to pursue interdisciplinary studies with a clearly defined path, these options offer robust academic and career preparation.

An interdisciplinary studies degree is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving job market. Employers increasingly seek professionals who combine deep subject knowledge with broad adaptability, critical thinking skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. This type of liberal education fosters those very traits, making interdisciplinary graduates valuable across industries.

Manchester University’s interdisciplinary studies program encourages students to engage with core courses from multiple academic fields such as business, education, political science, and the humanities. By drawing from diverse disciplines, students develop a problem-solving mindset and learn to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives—an essential skill in modern workplaces. Whether they are preparing for a science degree focus or a more humanities-based path, the curriculum allows for this flexibility.

The program includes upper-division courses that build depth in selected areas and provide students with opportunities for faculty-guided research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Maintaining a strong overall grade point average is essential, as it reflects academic rigor and readiness for graduate programs or competitive job placements. Advisors work closely with students to ensure their grade point average and course selections align with long-term academic and career goals.

In short, an interdisciplinary degree provides students with a well-rounded education that equips them to adapt and lead in a workforce that increasingly values versatility, innovation, and cross-disciplinary knowledge.