Boise State Online offers a variety of online degree programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies. This online degree completion program is perfect if you need flexibility and want to tailor your path to a bachelor’s degree. It provides easy access to balance classes with your current lifestyle, offering the freedom to create a custom education.
What are online degree completion programs?
Online degree completion programs allow you to apply your professional experience and previously earned college credits to finish your bachelor’s degree. These programs cater to working adults and non-traditional students, offering streamlined curricula focused on upper-level major courses. Unlike traditional four-year degrees, completion programs accept more transfer credits and allow you to use prior learning experiences toward your requirements. They offer greater scheduling flexibility through online and asynchronous coursework, accommodating busy schedules.
What’s the difference between an online degree completion program and a traditional degree?
Online degree completion programs and traditional degrees differ in several ways:
Degree completion programs:
- Target students with existing college credits and workforce or military experience.
- Allow students to finish a bachelor’s degree without starting over or losing transfer credits.
- Provide greater flexibility in scheduling and course load, ideal for working adults.
- Focus on upper-level courses in the major, allowing for faster completion times.
- Combine previous coursework and professional experience, building a degree with relevant concentrations for future career success.
Traditional degree programs:
- Cater to first-time college students or those wanting a bachelor’s degree in a new field.
- Offer a comprehensive curriculum, including general education requirements and a specific list of courses involved in the degree.
The choice between the two depends on your academic experience, career goals and personal circumstances.
Advantages of the interdisciplinary professional studies online degree completion program
Flexible and convenient
You can start the program with zero credits or varied previous credits. The flexibility of the interdisciplinary professional studies program provides multiple entry points, allowing you to apply past college credits and life experiences toward graduation requirements. Online courses accommodate busy schedules.
Customizable
You can customize your educational pathway by adding relevant concentrations, including various minor and certificate options or emphasis areas. This approach helps meet your goals, applying targeted workforce and industry-relevant skill sets, and adding career-focused definitions to your degree titles.
Fast track
A degree completion program helps if you have prior credits and workforce experience to graduate faster through credit for prior learning. The program meets you where you are, creating a plan to graduate with the knowledge and skills you already have.
Hear from previous students
Jessi Boyer, a former student of the interdisciplinary professional studies program, said this degree allowed her to earn a certificate, launch a new business and successfully transition careers — all before graduation. Boyer ultimately chose the program due to its flexibility and the opportunity to receive credit for prior learning.
“This is the perfect program for an adult to come back and complete their bachelor’s degree. Education is an investment in your future, and it’s transformative. It has been for me.”
Boyer is not the only one who felt this program was worth it. Alumni Fuatino Taufalele appreciated the customizable and flexible nature of the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies that allowed her to explore multiple interests.
Taufalele said, “It was great that it didn’t specify and wasn’t geared toward one thing. That’s why I wanted to do it. After being in the program, I knew it was the best decision I’ve made in my life.”
Hear more from former students Fuatino Taufalele and Brian Coyle on their own journeys to a degree.
A great option for non-traditional students
The Boise State Online interdisciplinary professional studies program empowers you to create and complete a custom degree that broadens your career options and fulfills your personal aspirations while helping you to balance school with your professional, personal and life responsibilities.
As highlighted by the program’s alumni, education can improve career paths. If you’re considering returning to school, online degree completion programs offer a practical way to reach your goals and build a brighter future.
Connect with a student success coach
For more information or to get started, connect with a student success coach today.