Perhaps unknown to the traditional undergraduate community, adults with full-time careers and families have an opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree at the University through the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program.
"The program is designed for working adults who would like to complete their undergraduate degrees on a part-time basis or at night," said Donna Plasket, director of the BIS program.
Students enrolled in the program have completed their first two years of college at an earlier time and enter as third years. On average, students complete the program in four years and ultimately earn a liberal arts degree with a concentration in Business, Education, Humanities or Social Sciences.
The BIS degree program has been in existence for four years, and in that time has seen 16 students earn their degree. Graduates of the program walk with the rest of the graduating class at commencement exercises on the Lawn every year.
According to Plasket, 135 students currently are enrolled in the program. However, the student body is still growing, and enrollment is expected to increase in the coming years, she said.
On average, students in the program are in their mid-30s, but ages can range from lower 20s to upper 70s.
Unlike the traditional application process, in which there are large numbers of applicants for a limited number of spaces, Plasket said the BIS program is small enough to accept all qualified students.
Plasket emphasized, however, that the candidates must meet specific qualifications.
Students are considered qualified if they have 60 hours of credit that can be transferred into the University, and are required to have an interview as well as submit transcripts for all college work completed in the past. Currently, there is no extensive writing component, but Plasket said they will add one in the future.
Current BIS student Katherine Jackson, who works for University Relations, said she manages to balance work with four weekly courses.
"I find it's often a struggle," said Jackson, who has a 20-mile commute to the University. "But I know it's something I want to do, so I make it work."
Students pay for the program by the course. The first course costs about $900 and includes typical student fees. After that, all courses cost approximately $820. Financial aid is available to qualifying BIS students who carry at least six hours per semester.
The University's BIS degree program is not the only one of its kind, but, acording to Plasket, its academic program is different than other schools as it is a more standard program.
"It's closer to a traditional curriculum," Plasket said.
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