Interdisciplinary communication entails the application of writing, speaking, and visual skills, as well as critical thinking and research, in a wide range of professions, leadership roles, and social settings. Interdisciplinary communication is available as a major at some colleges, while it is also available as a minor in communication studies, mass communication, or organizational communication at others. Students who complete this program are typically prepared for careers as communication specialists or other related positions.
Students at interdisciplinary communication schools can usually choose from a variety of specializations and combine them with courses in the social sciences, business, or journalism. Some colleges, for example, provide interdisciplinary studies that cover a variety of topics. One track might focus on mass communications with courses like news writing, graphic design, and public speaking, while another might focus on public relations and advertising with courses like media writing, marketing principles, and social psychology. Other tracks may include courses in persuasive communication, human resource management, and organizational and industrial psychology as part of their organizational communication curriculum.
Other universities provide multidisciplinary studies tracks. They offer interdisciplinary communication programs with specializations in marketing, journalism, and digital media, among others. Each specialization, such as advertising, magazine writing, or interactive multimedia, has a curriculum that is relevant to that field of study. In addition, general communication courses such as travel writing, popular culture, and media and politics may be required for all programs.
Most interdisciplinary degree programs aim to give students a broad understanding of communication, which can help them improve their research, analysis, speaking, and writing skills. A communication studies program, for example, might include courses in interpersonal, mass, and oral communication, as well as communication theories. In addition to economics, computer programming, and linguistics, students may need to take courses in English, sociology, and other social sciences such as psychology and anthropology to meet degree requirements.
Interdisciplinary communication studies often prepare students for further education and a variety of careers. Graduate programs in education, journalism, business, or communication management, as well as law, film and television, and international relations, are available to those interested. Undergraduate and graduate courses typically prepare students for careers in government, print or broadcast journalism, as well as private and nonprofit organizations. Work can be found in a variety of fields, including public relations, technology, and finance. Interdisciplinary studies can also provide training in teaching, social work, and human resources.