Embracing Interdisciplinary Learning: Shaping the Future of Higher Education

Let me start with the concept of the Medici Effect. This concept posits that true innovation and creativity originate at the intersection of diverse disciplines and cultures. It suggests that combining knowledge and learning from various fields leads to unique breakthroughs that would not be possible using a single discipline.

In our rapidly evolving world, the lines between disciplines are blurring at a rapid pace. Economists now use algorithms to gain insights into consumer behaviour, biologists turn to philosophical frameworks to navigate the ethical complexities of genetics, and computer scientists explore psychology to create technology that respects human values. The future clearly belongs to those who can weave together ideas from various fields to create a new, better world.

This is the empowering vision behind interdisciplinary education, which equips individuals to think innovatively and address the multifaceted challenges of tomorrow.

NEP 2020 Alignment with Ashoka’s Model
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform higher education into a new system aligned with the aspirations of the 21st century: one that fosters holistic and multidisciplinary learning. This policy not only emphasises tenets like access, quality, affordability, and accountability but also urges all students to explore diverse academic interests, combine arts with sciences, and think beyond the traditional educational boundaries.

Have you ever dreamed of studying a combination of subjects you are truly passionate about, only to feel that it is out of reach? At Ashoka University, this dream becomes a reality for thousands of students. The university offers a distinctive curriculum that emphasises flexibility, breadth, and depth, empowering students to forge their own academic journeys by choosing from a variety of majors, minors, and concentrations that reflect their evolving interests.

Ashoka is dedicated to developing not just high-achieving experts in their chosen field, but well-rounded individuals. The university focuses on building a solid academic foundation while fostering critical thinking and a passion for innovation. In addition, it equips students with crucial soft skills such as leadership, communication, responsibility, and adaptability. Ashoka’s vision and curriculum are closely aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, striving to create an inclusive community that nurtures responsible leaders and actively contributes to social impact and educational transformation in India.

Major-Minor Mobility at Ashoka
At Ashoka, one has the liberty to explore any discipline they are interested in and delve deeper to understand if it is something they see as a promising future career. Students at Ashoka have no restrictions when it comes to selecting a major or a minor; the only requirement is for students to possess an exploratory spirit and the willingness to try new things.

An Ashoka student has the option to major in Economics and minor in History to explore how past events shape the economic reality of the present, or to combine Psychology with Political Science, examining how cognitive biases influence voting behaviour. One can combine Computer Science with philosophy to understand the ethics that should govern AI or pursue an exciting fusion of English Literature with International Relations to convey the nuanced understanding of different cultures through storytelling.
The implementation of a flexible major-minor policy provides students with the unique opportunity to integrate diverse perspectives into their academics. This approach encourages them to engage in interdisciplinary exploration, allowing for a more holistic educational experience. By moving beyond the stereotypical rigid academic structures, students are empowered to venture beyond their primary fields of study and delve into new subjects, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation. On the other hand, the interdisciplinary capstone projects at Ashoka provide them with chances to implement their knowledge creatively in a way and space of their choosing. Capstone projects don’t just add academic depth, they cultivate a mindset that’s analytical, adaptive, and creative, all while giving them the courage to move beyond.

The Role of Interdisciplinarity in Boosting Employability

In today’s job market, employers are not only looking for people who thoughtlessly “do”, but they are on the lookout for people who can connect. They are not only concerned about your academic GPA or technical skills, but they also value soft skills, extracurricular activities, and flexible thinking. Your chance of getting employed does not simply depend on how long your resume is, it is also determined by how you can adapt, synthesise and cross boundaries to tread unfamiliar territory. Hence, students who have tasted an interdisciplinary education often stand out due to their critical thinking, quick problem-solving abilities, empathy, and analytical skills, all of which are essential for success in a fast-paced global economy. They are usually the ones who end up bridging the gap between teams: either by being the economist who understands behavioural psychology or a scientist who can converse with policymakers.

A liberal arts education provides a holistic learning experience that equips students with essential skills needed to perform well under pressure and communicate effectively. At Ashoka, this education is woven into the very fabric of daily learning experience. Through specially designed courses, foundation courses and independent projects, Ashoka guides students not only to hone their academic skills but also to cultivate their mindset. This mindset is what employers value most: a student’s creativity, curiosity, and confidence are what set them apart, allowing them to navigate the complexity of the job market.

For example, an English Literature major can secure a top-tier consulting job thanks to their strong communication and writing skills, innovative thought process, and valuable industry experience. Similarly, Psychology majors are frequently hired for marketing and consulting roles because of their practical experience and ability to analyse consumer behaviour and preferences to develop effective marketing strategies. This illustrates how an interdisciplinary approach can translate into real-world adaptability.

Following the Footsteps of Global Leaders
When we look at all the top universities around the world, we see a common factor linking them all together: all true innovations occur at intersections of fields and disciplines that were never thought to be related.

For instance, at Harvard University, students are not limited to their departments. You will find students fearlessly exploring new fields well beyond their major and finding creative ways of incorporating this additional knowledge into their field of study, thus establishing a new way of thinking and looking at specific problems and situations.

Stanford University, on the other hand, is known for its Human-Centred Design programmes that bring together students from diverse backgrounds such as technology, art, business and psychology to work together on real-world problems like good-quality accessible healthcare and sustainable transport. The goal is not to simply come up with the most efficient problem, but it is to understand the problem, combine all the knowledge everyone brings to the table and design solutions that make a difference.
Similarly, Ashoka has its own interdisciplinary model that fits perfectly into the global liberal education landscape. The freedom Ashoka offers to combine various majors and minors across sciences, humanities and social sciences, along with some unique integrated majors it offers, such as Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), mirrors what globally acclaimed universities have been doing for years, but within the Indian context. Ashoka embodies a global essence while adeptly integrating it into local contexts, addressing issues such as development, sustainability, and inequality. By fostering collaboration across different departments and encouraging exploration beyond conventional boundaries, Ashoka prepares students not just for their next job but for a future shaped by innovation in the coming century.

– Written by Soha Brahma, Economics and Finance Major at Ashoka University.