The newest degree program offered at UNA is the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

The BIS degree offers students the opportunity to build their own program by selecting courses from 3-4 different disciplines, while focusing on one specific area of study. The degree program is highly customized and individualized for each student.

Dr. Craig Robertson, head of the program, said that the BIS degree does not include just picking and choosing courses from all over campus.

“Students have a great deal of power,” Robertson said. “But, every course that they choose has to bear a conceptual relationship to the others. The student then has to be able to show what the relationship is between all of their coursework.”

The second option offered through the BIS degree is the chance for students to apply for up to 30 credit hours of approved technical coursework to their BIS program.

“This program will be especially attractive to adult nontraditional students,” Robertson said. “It respects the adult learner for what they’ve already learned out in the workforce.”

Pache Murphy, a student in the BIS program, said the program has helped her pursue her interests in both health and education. She is taking a mixture of classes in both areas, as well as classes in management.

“To the outside student or employer, the Interdisciplinary Studies program looks really unstructured,” Murphy said. “However, if students are looking for more flexibility or what they want to do isn’t really offered in a set major, this program is for them.”

In order to complete the program, students will have to enroll in IDS 499. The class will focus on students completing a capstone-style project through the program that they have constructed.

The project will be something to present to potential employers and will be a tangible reflection of the student’s interests.

“The key with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree is being able to market yourself after you graduate,” Murphy said. “Potential employers are going to remember someone in Interdisciplinary Studies because of the many skills they can offer, and IDS 499 is a key part of the program.”

For more information about the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, please contact Dr. Craig Robertson or Hillary Coats at 256-765-5003 or e-mail Robertson at [email protected].