Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally)

1. Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally) The Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University of Central Florida promotes online degree tracks. Unfortunately, many classes are not available online. This ultimately creates a bit of an academic hurdle for students that primarily study as distance learners. Likewise, this also poses a challenge to UCF because there are a myriad of accredited learning institutions that have created e-colleges offering a variety of Interdisciplinary Studies degrees. ( DeVry, Liberty, Kaplan)

2. Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally) Two additional core classes are required for this degree at U.C.F. (6 credit hours) • IDS 3933 Cornerstone Experience • Must be taken first • IDS 4934 Capstone Experience • Must be taken in the final semester Students Be Advised: • Classes are extremely intensive and require a lot of research time and homework. • Classes fill fast so enroll as early as possible. In Summer 2009, a mixed mode class will be available for those students whom do not want to take these classes strictly online. So, it is imperative to thoroughly check the schedule if you are a distance learner to ensure that you choose the web-based only approach.

3. Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally) • The Interdisciplinary Studies degree at U.C.F undergrad major offers a choice of two disciplines from thirteen academic study areas and one minor from any UCF minors. Students Be Advised: The IDS department assists with cornerstone and capstone classes only. Courses for your majors or minors must be set up through advisors from those specific schools of discipline.

4. Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally)“Not all programs are alike.” University of Central Florida California State University, Long Beach The Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP) offers students the opportunity to develop individualized, coherent, intellectually challenging, cross disciplinary academic plans, utilizing courses from selected departments. The area of concentration must meet three criteria: The area of concentration must be truly interdisciplinary. The area of concentration must not replicate any existing major. The area of concentration must be feasible. http://www.csulb.edu/isp For undergraduates, Interdisciplinary Studies offers unique degree tracks and many ways to create personalized programs of study. Students create combinations by choosing two of thirteen academic study areas plus one of many dozen minor degrees offered at UCF together with the two cutting edge Cornerstone and Capstone core courses. http://www.is.ucf.edu/index.php

5. Challenges Facing Interdisciplinary Programs (locally & nationally) Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who are; • Comfortable working across a wide array of disciplines • Can smoothly transition from one project to the next http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Bachelor_of_Interdisciplinary_Studies.html

6. Works Cited Page “Interdisciplinary Studies.” University of Central Florida. 2009. Source accessed 20, April 2009. <http://www.is.ucf.edu/index.php> “Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies.” California State University Long Beach. 2009. Source accessed 20, April 2009. <http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/grad_undergrad/isp/undergraduate/> “Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.” DiplomaGuide.com, 2009. Source accessed 20, April 2009. <http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Bachelor_of_Interdisciplinary_Studies.html>