What Constitutes Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research? From Data to Practice

This study explores the evolution of faculty perceptions of interdisciplinary undergraduate research (IDUR) over the past decade, with particular attention to methodological diversity. Building on the 2013 survey of Ülkü and colleagues, this 2023 follow-up reveals a shift from defining interdisciplinarity primarily as disciplinary boundary– crossing to valuing multimodal approaches within and across disciplines. Faculty increasingly regard methodological diversity—integrating qualitative, quantitative, computational, and design traditions—as part of fostering integrative thinking and transferable skills. However, declining student interest poses recruitment challenges. To address this, the authors recommend embedding methodologically diverse research experiences in course-based undergraduate research experiences. This approach aims to enhance student engagement, align with career readiness competencies, and provide institutions with a more inclusive strategy that supports innovative pedagogies and broadens participation in IDUR.