The programs offered by universities will always dictate the limits of their students' education. In the matrix of divided schools and colleges, this often results in a student becoming rigidly isolated in some predefined subject.
But at ASU, new ways are being put in place for students to explore paths of education more tailored to their interests and the needs of their chosen careers.
Despite what some may argue, the fields of study are not so rigidly delineated. They bleed into one another in theory and application.
Judged by their practicality, few programs independently provide the set of tools needed to succeed outside academic life and in a professional realm that demands a blend of talents held by no single field.
The best systems of education acknowledge this. They give students the freedom to explore the overlap and exchange between established disciplines. They also allow students to shape their educational experience in a way that responds to the needs and opportunities of their time.
As ASU continues to fill the shoes of the New American University, more attention is being given to this sort of interdisciplinary approach that a useful education requires. New programs and fields of study are beginning, allowing students to step out of historically defined boundaries and pursue their own academic interests and ambitions.
The University is making headlines every day with its new programs. A recent example is the New Media Innovation Lab that opened this semester.
The lab is part of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and brings together students across different disciplines to work with varied departments and faculty to research and develop multimedia projects and technology for businesses.
These students will bring the skills of their different fields and work together in a collaborative effort, stepping into the dynamic and complex environment of professional work. The program allows them to test the range of use of their specialties and is a testament to the progress of ASU toward healthy interdisciplinary exchange.
Many students are also now turning to the University's growing interdisciplinary studies program.
The program exists in recognition of the fact that offered majors do not cover the range of concentrations possible with the exchange of disciplines and professional need.
Students in the program are allowed to explore these possibilities, beginning with an assessment of their personal and career goals, what is available at the University and the demands of today's professional world.
Through the interdisciplinary studies degree, students are satisfying their unique passions in education and equipping themselves for the work force. The presence and new strength of the program, coupled with all the newly available programs, is providing a driving force that is taking the University to a place that best suits the needs of the individual student.
I recently made the comment to a friend that I was sorry to be leaving ASU. The University is in the middle of growth that is forming it into a place where students can freely pursue their full potential, and I wish I could be around for more of it.
"Universities are always changing," he said, "and everyone thinks they're missing out."
Maybe that's true. But ASU is in a unique place of change that is giving students awesome opportunities to discover their passion and achieve their goals.
I have benefited from the growth of the University's new interdisciplinary programs, having been encouraged to consider the application of the skills taught by my studies.
But I am more excited for the students just beginning, who do not have to be content with the isolated programs of study but can step into their advisers' offices and explore how they can use the University to form an experience molded to their unique interests and ambitions.
Matthew Bowman is an English literature major, and can be reached at Matthew.Bowman@asu.edu.
