Multidisciplinary Studies, A.A.
Are you ready for higher education but unsure if you want to commit to a four-year degree? Consider pursuing the two-year associate degree in Multidisciplinary Studies (formerly called Letters, Arts, and Sciences) from Penn State Behrend.
A Multidisciplinary Studies degree can also help establish you in a better career than you’d find yourself without a college degree. Organizations want employees who are effective communicators, can adapt to change, and enjoy learning. Earning the associate degree in Multidisciplinary Studies demonstrates not only that you have the skills to bring value to an organization, but also the ability to set a goal and stick with it to completion.
Related Occupations
Professionals preserve, organize, and present cultural, historical, and scientific artifacts. They address issues related to collection care, accessibility, and public education. Work occurs in museums, archives, libraries, or academic institutions, often involving both public interaction and behind-the-scenes research or cataloging.
Art educators teach visual arts in schools, community centers, or museums. They help students develop creative skills and visual literacy, often integrating art history and criticism. They solve instructional challenges while fostering creativity and expression. Work occurs in classrooms, studios, or educational outreach settings.
Arts administrators oversee operations, programming, and funding for arts organizations. They solve problems in budgeting, audience development, and resource management to ensure artistic endeavors are sustainable. Work is office-based, often at arts nonprofits, cultural institutions, or performance venues.
This field combines traditional art with digital tools to produce multimedia content, interactive experiences, or digital installations. Artists solve challenges in user interaction, format compatibility, and cross-platform storytelling. Work is done on computers in studios, agencies, or collaborative tech/art environments.
Editors review and revise written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and style consistency. They solve issues related to grammar, structure, and audience appropriateness. Editors work in publishing, media, marketing, and corporate communications—primarily in offices or remote environments.
This field involves organizing events such as conferences, weddings, fundraisers, and corporate meetings. Professionals coordinate logistics, vendors, budgets, and schedules to ensure smooth execution. They solve problems related to timing, resource management, and client satisfaction. Work environments include offices, event venues, and travel to various sites.
Fundraisers develop and execute strategies to secure financial support for nonprofits, educational institutions, or political campaigns. They manage donor relationships, organize campaigns, and write grant proposals. They solve problems related to donor engagement, funding gaps, and campaign effectiveness. Work is primarily office-based, with frequent meetings and event coordination.
Journalists gather, verify, and report news stories for print, broadcast, or digital platforms. They address public information needs and societal accountability. Work involves interviews, research, and writing—often under deadline pressure, in fast-paced or unpredictable environments.
Curators organize exhibitions, manage collections, and interpret cultural artifacts for public audiences. They solve problems in preservation, narrative construction, and visitor engagement. Work is done in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, often involving research, acquisitions, and public programming.
PR professionals manage communication between organizations and the public. They shape public perception, handle media inquiries, and craft messaging during crises. They solve problems involving brand reputation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Work is typically office-based with frequent public or media interaction.
Technical writers produce manuals, guides, and documentation that explain complex information clearly. They solve problems related to user comprehension, product support, and regulatory compliance. Most work in tech, manufacturing, or healthcare industries, collaborating with engineers or developers in office settings.
Training professionals design and deliver programs that enhance employee skills and organizational performance. They solve problems related to performance gaps, onboarding, and leadership development. Most work in corporate or government settings, either in-person or through digital learning platforms.
Writers and authors create original content across genres—fiction, non-fiction, content marketing, and more. They solve problems related to communication, storytelling, and audience engagement. Work is often freelance or remote, with flexibility but also deadlines and self-direction.