Challenges and Opportunities of Interdisciplinary Programs: A Water Resources Management Perspective

摘要

Problems in science and technology are frequently complex and require thecollaborative efforts of large teams with a wide range of expertise. It is, therefore, notsurprising that interdisciplinary programs continue to be attractive across campuses inthe U.S. The benefits from such programs are numerous. First, faculty from differentdepartments, and even colleges, can participate in multiple interdisciplinaryprograms. In addition, interdisciplinary programs frequently allow admission ofstudents with varied backgrounds, compared to traditional departments that may havestricter background requirements. The variety of faculty and student backgroundscontributes greatly to a unique and stimulating experience. Unfortunately, however,interdisciplinary programs may face significant challenges in the traditionaluniversity structure. These challenges are often traced to lack of resources and lack offaculty and curriculum control. Management of scarce water resources in the aridU.S. Southwest is particularly suitable to an interdisciplinary approach, because inaddition to hydrologic engineering and sciences, political and socioeconomic aspectsmust also be considered. This paper explores some of these challenges andopportunities and offers suggestions to maximize the positive and minimize thenegative aspects of interdisciplinary programs.