Design Your Own Degree: NTNU Launches Interdisciplinary Academic Program
NTNU has introduced a new Interdisciplinary Academic Program, set to begin in the 2024–2025 academic year. The program is designed to allow students to develop individualized academic plans that cross traditional departmental lines.
Applications opened after an online information session on March 3, 2025. Sixteen students submitted proposals. Following a review process led by faculty from five colleges, thirteen were admitted. The selected students will begin the program in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Cross-College Representation
The thirteen students admitted to the Interdisciplinary Academic Program come from five of NTNU’s colleges, reflecting a broad disciplinary spread. From the College of Liberal Arts, students were admitted from the Department of Chinese and the Department of History. The College of Education is represented through the Department of Civic Education and Leadership and the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Learning Sciences. The College of Technology and Engineering contributed one student from the Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development. Three departments from the College of Science are represented: the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Life Sciences, and the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering. Finally, one student was admitted from the Department of Design within the College of Arts.
The cohort includes students from across all undergraduate levels, from first-year students to seniors. According to the university, this distribution suggests growing interest in interdisciplinary learning models across academic stages and fields.
Program Structure and Student Plans
Of the thirteen admitted students, five opted to pursue a combination of one minor and two credit programs. The remaining eight chose four-credit module programs. Each student's plan involves integrating multiple fields of study, such as Artificial Intelligence and Psychological Innovation Applications, Educational Practice and Cultural Communication, and International Digital Governance and Interdisciplinary Interactive Narratives.
A sophomore surnamed Hu from the Department of Civic Education and Leadership proposed a project incorporating artificial intelligence, psychology, and business, aiming to design a system that supports users in exploring career directions. In explaining the rationale behind the plan, Hu said, “Many people feel lost or anxious when making career decisions. By integrating psychological theory with AI, I want to build a tool that helps individuals better understand their traits and values.”
Hu also noted that the application process involved substantial self-reflection. “This process helped me break down general ideas into specific learning steps. I began asking myself what kind of person I want to become, and what skills and courses are necessary to move in that direction.”
A senior surnamed Hsu from the Department of History focused on the personal aspect of planning. “In the past few months, I’ve clarified my academic goals and begun planning more deliberately. Though there were moments of uncertainty, I’ve come to see learning as more than collecting credits—it’s a way of shaping the life I want.”
Administrative Support and Program Infrastructure
To support students participating in the program, NTNU established the Interdisciplinary Academic Advising Office, which formally opened on January 1, 2025. Renovations were completed in June, and the office now functions as a resource center for students to receive guidance, access materials, and discuss their academic plans with advisors.
An Interdisciplinary Expert Advisory Group was also formed, comprising advisors from academia and industry, and is intended to offer students feedback and consultation on their academic pathways.
A series of lectures, peer-sharing sessions, and learning communities will begin in mid-September. These activities are designed to supplement students' formal academic work and create opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange outside of regular coursework.
Program Outlook
The Interdisciplinary Academic Program is part of NTNU’s broader exploration of flexible and integrative educational structures. It reflects ongoing discussions in higher education regarding personalized learning and cross-disciplinary engagement.
University representatives have indicated that the program's framework and support mechanisms will continue to be reviewed and adjusted. Future improvements may include updates to the application system, expanded advising, and the development of additional interdisciplinary modules.