Lander University has introduced a new degree program that will give students the flexibility to take courses from two or more fields of study to meet their career goals. The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) will enable Lander to provide an academic experience for students whose career interests fall outside of Lander's existing discipline-based programs.
Dr. David Mash, vice president for Academic Affairs, said IDS is also for students who want a liberal arts degree but have a sophisticated level of interests. "It would provide them a program of study that is a foundation for graduate school."
He added that it could also be of interest to non-traditional students who want to finish their bachelor's degrees.
Mash said IDS is a high caliber program, which many colleges offer because of demand. He said employers are interested in its graduates because the IDS degree includes a subject emphasis and is not just a random collection of courses.
For example, students could combine courses from business administration, marketing and mass communication to create a curriculum of study suitable for careers in public relations, a degree Lander does not currently offer.
Dr. Daniel Pardieck has been appointed IDS program coordinator. He is associate professor of environmental geology and coordinator of environmental science in the university's Department of Physical Sciences.
Pardieck will meet with prospective IDS majors to determine what fields of study are appropriate to their interests and career goals. An advisory council, whose members represent each of Lander's four colleges and several departments, oversees the program.