Multidiscipline vs. Multidisciplinary — What's the Difference?

Multidiscipline refers to the existence or presence of multiple academic disciplines or fields of study within a broader educational or research setting. It implies the coexistence of distinct areas such as science, humanities, and engineering within a single institution or framework. Multidisciplinary, on the other hand, describes an approach or method that actively combines insights, theories, or practices from different disciplines to address a particular problem, project, or question. This approach is characterized by the integration and application of diverse disciplinary perspectives.

While multidiscipline highlights the variety and scope of disciplines available, it does not necessarily imply interaction or integration between these fields. An educational program or research project might be multidiscipline simply by virtue of including various subjects. Multidisciplinary approaches, however, are inherently interactive, relying on the synthesis of knowledge from multiple disciplines to create new insights or solutions that might not emerge within the confines of a single discipline.

The objective of a multidiscipline framework is often to offer a broad range of subjects or specializations, allowing individuals to explore or engage with multiple fields. This can foster a diverse academic environment and encourage breadth of knowledge. Conversely, multidisciplinary efforts aim to solve complex problems or develop comprehensive understandings that benefit from the overlap and integration of disciplinary perspectives, thereby emphasizing depth through synthesis.

Multidiscipline environments can facilitate multidisciplinary approaches by providing the structural diversity necessary for such integrative work. However, becoming truly multidisciplinary requires deliberate efforts to bridge disciplines, including collaborative teams, cross-disciplinary communication, and shared goals. This often involves overcoming barriers such as disciplinary jargon, methodological differences, and institutional silos.

The outcomes of multidiscipline and multidisciplinary efforts can also differ. While a multidiscipline approach might lead to a broadened educational experience or a wider range of research topics, a multidisciplinary approach can result in innovative solutions, interdisciplinary knowledge creation, and advances that push beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.