Missouri S&T's IDE program incorporates a broad engineering education with the ability to study in-depth in either two engineering fields, or one engineering and one science field.  A key feature of the program is starting with a teaming experience that is incorporated with a focus on modern design methodology, as applied to interdisciplinary projects. Representatives of industry and government laboratories have indicated that graduates with these virtues will be sought after. Companies will be eager to hire graduates who are familiar with more than one engineering field and can thus attack a wider variety of problems in an environment where only one engineer may be available.

There is significant demand for engineers who understand more than one discipline and are prepared to work at the intersection of two or more engineering (or science) disciplines. A strong background in design techniques applicable to a wide variety of complex problems is also significant. Interdisciplinary approaches to solving engineering problems have become increasingly important.

IDE allows the campus to experiment with new types of technical specialty programs within an already established framework. The program is consistent with the Missouri S&T campus mission to provide a comprehensive range of engineering programs that support the State's need for leaders in our rapidly changing society and integrating technologies in areas which improve the well-being of Missouri's citizens. The Interdisciplinary Engineering degree program is aimed at educating graduates who are firmly grounded in broadly applicable design methods and who can work at the intersection of engineering, or engineering/science fields.