Challenges and Opportunities of Interdisciplinary Programs: A Water Resources Management Perspective
Publication: World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2008: Ahupua'A
Abstract
Problems in science and technology are frequently complex and require the collaborative efforts of large teams with a wide range of expertise. It is, therefore, not surprising that interdisciplinary programs continue to be attractive across campuses in the U.S. The benefits from such programs are numerous. First, faculty from different departments, and even colleges, can participate in multiple interdisciplinary programs. In addition, interdisciplinary programs frequently allow admission of students with varied backgrounds, compared to traditional departments that may have stricter background requirements. The variety of faculty and student backgrounds contributes greatly to a unique and stimulating experience. Unfortunately, however, interdisciplinary programs may face significant challenges in the traditional university structure. These challenges are often traced to lack of resources and lack of faculty and curriculum control. Management of scarce water resources in the arid U.S. Southwest is particularly suitable to an interdisciplinary approach, because in addition to hydrologic engineering and sciences, political and socioeconomic aspects must also be considered. This paper explores some of these challenges and opportunities and offers suggestions to maximize the positive and minimize the negative aspects of interdisciplinary programs.
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Copyright
© 2008 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Business management
- Colleges and universities
- Education
- Faculty
- Freight transportation
- Hydrologic engineering
- Infrastructure
- Logistics
- Personnel management
- Practice and Profession
- Resource management
- Students
- Team building
- Transportation engineering
- Water and water resources
- Water management
- Water policy
- Water resources
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