Why PrIS Was the Appropriate Choice for Me…
I would like to start by saying that the benefits of an Professional Interdisciplinary Studies is not just in the capability to self-design a program of study but also the that it closely reflects how we live and work beyond our academic tenure. After school, we are required to work in amalgamation with all the knowledge and expertise we have gained through our experiences and education. By designing a Professional Interdisciplinary Studies course path, where one discipline works in combination with another, the integration of knowledge and skills becomes integral within your degree.
I started at Jackson State University in the summer of 2023 wondering what degree path would get me closer to my career goals, as well as, allowing me to transfer as many of my hours as possible. I started off as a Business major but after doing further research and reaching out to my advisor, I changed my degree path to Professional Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Human Resources and a minor in Sociology. My decision to start a degree and major that would grow and change alongside evolving interests and specific fields of study has been one of the best choices I could have made. That summer I was introduced to the idea of Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, a degree that would allow me to design my undergraduate program based on my interests and experiences.
I feel that this integrative method to higher education makes a Professional Interdisciplinary Studies student more sought-after to future pursuits in the academic world and the professional world. Professional Interdisciplinary Studies is often described as a “general studies” degree; however, I have found this to be very deceptive. Instead of a traditional degree where you are often required to follow the path prearranged by your major, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies allows you to pick classes that are more likely to line up with the career goals that you have set for yourself and subject that you may want to study. Due to that flexibility, I was able to build a curriculum combining various courses from human resources, sociology, business, psychology, and leadership, among other disciplines to build a Professional Interdisciplinary Studies degree that would permit me to address the intricacies of starting a career in the Human Resources Development field.
I have found that a Professional Interdisciplinary Studies degree is a great option for disciplined and creative thinkers, like me. This degree allows me to explore and make connections between a wide variety of ideas, approaches, and ways of thinking. A Professional Interdisciplinary Studies degree requires that I include two or more disciplines. This allows me to apply knowledge gained in one field to improve their comprehension of subject matter in another.
I found that this major is great for most students who, like me, had specific interests that might not necessarily be met through a more traditional degree path. As a Professional Interdisciplinary Studies student, I was able to better understand current and historical conflicts by simultaneously studying the politics, history, and culture of certain subjects. So, if you are a student like me who is looking for an undergraduate degree that is more specialized, or you are looking for a degree that can combine your interest in multiple disciplines, then I think Professional Interdisciplinary Studies may be the correct fit for you.
One area of concentration I am currently studying is Sociology, we look at how people think and how they act. Human behavior is influenced by a wide range of elements, including biological, social, and environmental effects. In order to have a better knowledge of oneself and others, it is important to learn more about sociology and its many sub-disciplines. For the most part, sociology deals with the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts, but that's only the beginning of what sociology can do for the society and people’s lives.
My main area of study is Human Resources. This is a very an important aspect of the employment sector. Human Resources manages fives main duties: talent management, compensation and employee benefits, training and development, compliance, and workplace safety. An HR department can help provide organizational structure and the ability to meet business needs by effectively managing the employee lifecycle. Other intermediary topics I would like to pursue are in the field of education. Most Professional Interdisciplinary Studies grads go into teaching at the primary or secondary level, which is the most common employment path. The possibilities for a career as an executive director, social worker, journalist, or any number of other professions are almost limitless. Even though a Professional Interdisciplinary Studies program will allow you to customize your education, most universities will still need you to finish fundamental general education classes. In certain cases, it's preferable to have a more diverse educational background. Educators who have a bachelor's degree in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, General Studies, or the liberal arts are preferred in several states. Dedicated instructors and staff make the Professional Interdisciplinary Studies major an expedited degree completion program that is valued and recognized both locally and nationally.
Professional Interdisciplinary Studies programs tend to be career oriented and goal-oriented. This option allows you to combine a wide range of academic fields, allowing you to tailor your education to the specific needs of your chosen professional path. Being a motivated student will come in handy when it comes time to develop and promote your program. In contrast, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies is like a "sample platter" of educational experiences. It's a great way to learn about a wide range of topics without having to worry about how they relate to one another. Some institutions allow students to choose their courses, while others prefer a more prescriptive approach. The purpose of Professional Interdisciplinary Studies programs provide students with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education that encourages lifelong study.