People can make plans to go to college and earn a degree, but sometimes, situations arise and those goals and dreams are placed lower on the list of priorities.
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) available at the University of Tennessee at Martin is a flexible, individually-tailored degree created for individuals who started college but were unable to finish, as well as for transfer students and those whose life experiences reshaped their academic paths.
The BIS degree requires 120 hours of coursework, including transfer coursework, military training and approved professional certifications.
“We are looking at expanding our certificate coursework options,” said Laurie Green, coordinator of the BIS program at UT Martin. “For example, one of the most recent additions is the acceptance of Tennessee State Fire Commission certificates, which are recognized nationally and internationally. We’re able to convert those into college credit for firefighters.”
Green said the program is also exploring the acceptance of other professional certifications.
Coursework in the BIS program is individually tailored to the student’s goals, aligning coursework with the career they are pursuing or wish to enter. Students will work closely with advisors to select the courses that best support their chosen path.
BIS-degree students are eligible for the same financial aid opportunities through UT Martin as other degrees. The degree is offered at UT Martin’s six regional centers and can be fully scheduled for online coursework or in-person coursework or through a hybrid of both formats.
“We recognize that life happens, whether it is family responsibilities, financial challenges, or work obligations, and our program is designed to meet students where they are,” Green said.
She shared the story of one BIS student who returned home to care for his grandmother after she became ill.
“He was determined to finish his degree,” she said. “Even while taking care of her, he completed a heavy course load online and graduated shortly before she passed away. That’s the kind of perseverance and support this program is all about.”
For more information about the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, contact Laurie Green at 731-881-7701 or via email at lgreen14@utm.edu or bis@utm.edu.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
