Description:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of six scientific interdisciplinary programs at National Tsing Hua University. According to the objectives of the interdisciplinary programs, the effectiveness was indicated by the numbers of undergraduate students participating in the programs and the diversity of the students’ backgrounds. The research methods included analyzing the content of the curricula, collecting and analyzing participants’ backgrounds over the years, distributing a student survey, and interviewing students and faculty. The results showed that the average numbers of participants were unrelated to the degree of difficulty of the courses and the flexibility of choosing elective courses in a program. In order to effectively engage undergraduate students, an interdisciplinary program should clarify its educational goals, distinguish itself from minors, and create its own reputation. The university and mentors should introduce the programs to students as early as possible and encourage students to incorporate the programs into their personal study plans.