The Value of Interdisciplinary Education: How Lehigh Encourages Students to Think Beyond Their Major

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report reveals that by 2027, 44 percent of worker skills will face disruption. This transformation calls for a stronger emphasis on key skills for the future, such as cognitive abilities like analytical and creative thinking and socio-emotional skills, including curiosity, flexibility, and lifelong learning. These competencies enable individuals to address complex, multi-faceted problems, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary education. Lehigh University recognises this need and has woven interdisciplinary learning into its academic foundation. This blog explains the importance of multidisciplinary education, why it matters, and Lehigh’s unique approach.

Understanding interdisciplinary learning and its importance:  

Interdisciplinary learning combines knowledge and skills from multiple fields, encouraging students to explore topics through various lenses like science, humanities, business, and technology. This approach broadens their understanding, builds adaptability, and nurtures the ability to connect ideas across disciplines. Employers appreciate candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds, as their diverse training equips them for collaborative, cross-functional roles and enhances creativity, innovation, and cultural awareness. These candidates can bridge communication gaps, support strategic initiatives, and readily adapt to new trends, making them valuable assets in today’s dynamic work environments. 

Lehigh’s unique approach to interdisciplinary learning

Professors at Lehigh University recognise that the world’s problems aren’t neatly divided into disciplines. The university believes that future problem solvers shouldn’t be limited to just one or two areas of study. It, therefore, offers a personalised academic experience that allows students to merge courses from traditionally different fields. Students engage in a dynamic and experiential learning environment supported by structured programs across its colleges, diverse course selections, close faculty collaboration, and opportunities for independent research projects. This approach immerses students in a setting prioritising real-world relevance and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Here are five ways in which Lehigh University encourages interdisciplinary learning: 

1) Inter-college programmes

Lehigh University’s unique inter-college programmes address the complexity of today’s interconnected world. They allow students to integrate two distinct disciplines from separate colleges within the university. In doing so, students can earn specialised degrees that prepare them for dynamic, multifunctional roles across industries. Here’s an overview of some of the standout programmes: 

• Computer Science and Business (CSB): CSB combines rigorous computer science training with in-depth business education, offering graduates the versatility to excel in tech, consulting, public accounting, and top software firms. Class of 2025, Zoe Sherman says, “There is a vibrant startup ecosystem at Lehigh. There is a lot of support provided through mentoring, workshops and online resources. My favourite aspect of the startup community at Lehigh is how supportive it is. Everyone wants to help each other out. It creates a very collaborative environment.”
• Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE): With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, market understanding, and product development, IBE graduates have the engineering expertise and vital communication and leadership skills—an ideal foundation for innovation-driven industries. Lucas Koranda, from the class of 2026, says, “Lehigh’s interdisciplinary curriculum has equipped me with core skills and values essential for navigating complex situations in our ever-changing world. Through active participation and constructive feedback, IBE classes foster initiative, adaptability, confidence, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills.”
• Integrated Business and Health (IBH): This program shapes graduates capable of navigating and influencing the conditions that impact community health and equity, ready to tackle industry challenges with a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective. The IBH is Lehigh’s newest inter-college programme, launching in Fall 2025 and accepting its first applications this year. 
• Integrated Degree in Engineering and Arts & Sciences (IDEAS): IDEAS produces “renaissance thinkers” who are adept at tackling technical challenges with a broad, innovative mindset, preparing them for a wide array of careers requiring cross-disciplinary insight. Ryan Javier, Class of 2027, says, “It is NOT just an interdisciplinary program. As an IDEAS student…we get to explore all aspects of our interests, but what makes us different is our commitment to making a change in our corner of the world, as Professor Bill Best, director of the IDEAS program puts it.”

2) Dual-degree programmes

Lehigh’s dual-degree programmes require additional commitment, as students complete the full requirements of two programmes, often extending their studies by a semester or year. However, the outcome is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education that offers greater flexibility in career choices and equips graduates with the tools to excel in roles that demand technical, analytical, and creative competencies. Here’s a closer look at some of Lehigh’s dual-degree offerings:

• Arts & Engineering: Lehigh’s five-year dual degree in Arts & Engineering enables students to combine their technical engineering studies with complementary fields within the liberal arts. This program allows students to complete the full engineering degree requirements while earning a Bachelor of Arts or Science in the College of Arts and Sciences. This dual focus fosters a broad academic experience essential in innovative fields such as technology design, product development, and policy-making.
• Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth & Environmental Sciences: This dual degree programme prepares students to address critical issues related to sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to tackle ecological protection, urban planning, and climate resilience challenges, leveraging engineering techniques and scientific knowledge.
• Electrical Engineering and Engineering Physics: This programme combines electrical engineering with a deeper exploration of physics, particularly in areas relevant to electronic device development and applied physics. This program is ideal for students aiming to work in high-tech fields, such as semiconductor technology, quantum computing, and renewable energy, where engineering skills and a strong physics foundation are essential.

3) Interdisciplinary majors: 

Interdisciplinary majors within Lehigh’s College of Arts and Sciences allow students to blend knowledge and methods from multiple fields into a single, integrated course of study. These majors bring together perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences, equipping students to understand and analyse complex topics through diverse lenses. Below are some of the interdisciplinary majors offered:

• Africana Studies: Explores the history, culture, and experiences of African and African-descendant populations worldwide, integrating insights from history, sociology, politics, and cultural studies.
• Asian and Asian American Studies: Focuses on the cultures, histories, and socio-political landscapes of Asian countries, fostering a deeper understanding of this diverse region and its global impact.
• Cognitive Science: Merges psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and philosophy to explore how the mind processes information, covering topics like memory, perception, and language.
• Environmental Studies: Addresses pressing environmental issues through the combined perspectives of biology, chemistry, policy, and ethics, preparing students to tackle challenges in sustainability and conservation.
• Film and Documentary Studies: Integrates film theory, production, and critique to study how film and documentaries shape and reflect cultural and social narratives.
• Global Studies: Examines worldwide cultural, political, and economic systems, encouraging students to understand global interconnections and international relations.
• Health, Medicine & Society: Brings together biology, psychology, ethics, and policy to study health systems, public health, and the social dimensions of medicine.
• Jewish Studies: Explores Jewish culture, history, and religious practices, incorporating history, literature, theology, and cultural studies.
• Latin American & Latino Studies: Focuses on the diverse cultures, histories, and issues in Latin America and among Latino populations in the U.S., integrating political science, sociology, and cultural studies.
• Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies: Examines gender, identity, and social structures, drawing on sociology, psychology, literature, and law to understand social dynamics and promote equity.

4) Personalised interdisciplinary opportunities

Lehigh University offers students the flexibility to create their own interdisciplinary academic paths with abundant support for customising studies based on individual interests and career goals. Admitted undeclared, students at Lehigh have access to personalised advising, workshops, and information sessions that guide them in building a unique programme that draws from multiple fields.

• Double majors: Lehigh’s approach also includes numerous options for double majors, where students can combine complementary disciplines from different colleges. For example, students can pair Environmental Science with Economics or blend Engineering and Management, creating powerful interdisciplinary qualifications that broaden career prospects. Typically, double majors can be completed within four years, depending on course requirements and planning, providing students with a robust, multidisciplinary foundation suited to various industries.
• Minors: Lehigh provides a diverse selection of minors open to students in any college, allowing them to add new dimensions to their primary areas of study. Among these are options in Business, Data Science, Education, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Global Health, Indigenous Peoples Health, Marketing, Population Health, Real Estate, and Supply Chain Management, along with many other fields that reflect Lehigh’s interdisciplinary strengths.

5)  Research and real-world projects

At Lehigh University, interdisciplinary learning transcends traditional classroom settings, immersing students in hands-on research and project-based opportunities where they collaborate across multiple fields. This approach enables students to apply diverse skills and knowledge to real-world challenges, creating a rich environment for innovation and problem-solving. Here are the prominent projects include: 

• Mountaintop Initiative: Through this programme, students and faculty work in an open, collaborative setting, often partnering with industry experts or community stakeholders. The projects span various topics, from sustainable energy solutions and public health interventions to educational technology. This initiative fosters creative exploration and teamwork, allowing students to apply their skills in impactful ways beyond the classroom.
• Health, Medicine, and Society (HMS): This programme enables students from biology, psychology, sociology, and public health to tackle pressing healthcare challenges from multiple perspectives, including policy, ethics, and clinical practices.

Career impact and earning potential for interdisciplinary graduates

Graduates of multidisciplinary programmes are equipped with versatile, real-world skills that make them sought after in high-demand fields. These skills allow them to navigate and adapt to the challenges of today and the future. Here’s a snapshot of starting salaries for Leigh University graduates in key interdisciplinary fields:

• Computer Science & Business (CSB): USD 101,871
• Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE): USD 89,176
• Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences (IDEAS): US 83,118
• College of Arts & Sciences Interdisciplinary Graduates: USD 71,321

Interdisciplinary Learning in the Real World: Lehigh’s Industry Connections

Lehigh University’s interdisciplinary education extends beyond the classroom into valuable real-world connections that prepare students for impactful careers. Through robust industry partnerships across sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering, students gain practical exposure through internships, co-op programs, and mentorship opportunities.

For instance, Lehigh’s partnership with B. Braun Medical Inc. enables students from health and engineering fields to address pressing medical and technological challenges, while collaborations with global leaders like IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and PwC bring real-world business applications into the classroom, fostering the development of adaptable, industry-ready graduates.

Lehigh University’s interdisciplinary education equips students to navigate complex, evolving career landscapes with confidence and versatility, empowering them to drive meaningful impact across industries. For admission inquiries, send an email to admissions@lehigh.edu. For assistance with your application, contact  The Red Pen Undergraduate Admissions Team. Meanwhile, read our blogs: Students of Lehigh Blog and Lehigh Exposure