Understanding Interdisciplinary Studies: Definition, Benefits, and Christian Worldview Integration

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Between 2009 and 2014 the number of Interdisciplinary Studies degrees conferred to undergraduate students increased by 37 percent (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2016). However, despite this growth in degrees conferred, many individuals do not know what a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies entails. When some people think of a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, they think it means having a degree with more than one area of study, similar to having two minors instead of one major. However, a degree in Interdisciplinary studies is much more than having a degree with multiple areas of study. The intention of this paper is to define Interdisciplinary Studies, explain how a degree in Interdisciplinary studies can bring two unique areas of study into a cognitive area of study using a metaphor and show the benefits of obtaining a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Further the application of a Christian worldview will be explored when integrated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. As stated in Colossians 3:23, “whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord…” (New Revised Standard Version). According to Frank (1988), the term interdisciplinary studies first was used …show more content…

Most often a new understanding of a prior areas of study is discovered or innovative approaches are developed. For example, when an individual pursues a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with areas of study in Criminal Justice and Psychology new insights can be discovered in both applications. While these two areas of study vary greatly, when Criminal Justice procedure is combined with Psychological theory a greater understanding of human behavior can be observed, criminal procedure can be adjusted to reduce recidivism rates and crime. In a way these two areas of study can be thought of as the human body and the

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