Dear colleagues,

In my discussions last week, the need for interdisciplinary programs came up repeatedly. Interdisciplinary programs integrate resources and expertise from various departments, schools, or colleges, to foster collaboration across diverse fields of study. Gray’s data shows that interdisciplinary programs, as classified under CIP Code 30.XXXX, have seen significant growth in recent years, with a 40% increase in total enrollments over the past five years. New student enrollments in these programs continue to show annual growth, particularly at the master’s and postbaccalaureate certificate level. Not only is there enrollment growth, but a substantial number of students are also successfully completing these programs. In the past five years, the overall completions for interdisciplinary programs have grown by more than 54%, with master’s level completions experiencing an impressive 152% growth.

Employment metrics also reveal a significant demand for graduates from interdisciplinary programs, far outpacing the number of program completions. Due to the diverse nature of these programs, graduates may qualify for a wide range of job opportunities across multiple fields and sectors. Job postings at the master's level have grown annually by 48%, and at postbaccalaureate certificate level by 50%.

Based on current market demand in the U.S., the top interdisciplinary master’s programs this year are: Data Analytics and/or Data Science, Business/Financial Analytics, Cognitive Sciences, and Behavioral Sciences.

Under the leadership of Dean Ranjit Koodali and Associate Dean Rick Marlatt, our Graduate School has been evaluating models to promote, incentivize, and manage interdisciplinary programs. The new programs which were approved recently were mostly interdisciplinary. We have several faculty members and administrators on campus crossing the departmental/college boundaries to lead us forward in developing new programs. We take our responsibility seriously to fulfill the workforce needs in all industries including those evolving at the interface of disciplinary boundaries. We Are NMSU.

Lakshmi N. Reddi
Interim Provost
New Mexico State University