The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program serves a diverse group of students, including adult learners, who seek a broad, more flexible degree program to help them advance in their careers, and improve their understanding of the world around them.
Online course options are available, most meeting in an asynchronous format, allowing students to do the work at a time which works with their schedule, providing a flexible experience.
Why choose the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC Pembroke?
(1) A Bachelor's Degree from UNCP opens up possibilities for new career directions which can bring increased financial security and career satisfaction.
(2) Learning brings understanding and empowerment to our lives, improving communication and decision-making skills, making our students role models for lifelong learning to the next generations in our community.
(3) Students are immediately placed with their own Academic Support Coordinator, working exclusively within the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program. The Academic Support Coordinators work as success coaches, provide advising and help at every step of the way from admission to graduation.
(4) Prior credit? No problem. The process of bringing in previously earned collegiate credits is smooth, and each plan is tailored to the student's individual path. The Academic Support Coordinators remain available at any time for questions and concerns, and the Interdisciplinary Studies Suite provides assistance virtually or in-person, open from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday, ready to assist. Virtual appointments are also available in the evenings.
Questions? Please reach out to Dr. Hersey at joanna.hersey@uncp.edu
Interdisciplinary Studies Council
List of Members
2024-2025
Dr. Joanna Hersey, Council Chair and Interim Director, Associate Dean and Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Porter Lillis, Chair, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Dr. Emily Sharum, Chair, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Dr. Lisa Mitchell, Professor and Associate Dean, School of Education
Tamer Oxendine, Academic Support Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Studies
Tara Hunt, Academic Advisor, Thomas College of Business and Economics
Vacant, Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Studies
Vacant, Director, Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies Program, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, provides academic advising and support to students earning the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree. Located on the third floor of the Oxendine Administration Building, the program is led by a Program Director and two Academic Support Coordinators, overseen by the Associate Dean for Student Success.
The Interdisciplinary Studies Council provides program oversight, meeting each semester to discuss program direction, curriculum guidance and assessment, trends in the public sector workforce, and promotional and career opportunities for students. Members represent each of the areas of speciality, including the Schools of Education and Business, the Departments of Political Science and Public Administration and Sociology and Criminal Justice, and is led by the Associate Dean for Student Success who serves as Council Chair. Council members serve in an advisory capacity at the will of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The work of the Interdisciplinary Studies Council assists the University in meeting Goal 2 (Engaged & Supported Student Experiences) of the strategic plan. Specifically, this work meets objectives 2.1 (high quality student support services) and 2.3 (serving specialized and under-served students), and supports the University in meeting key metrics established by the UNC System Office by increasing adult learner enrollment and undergraduate degree efficiency.
Contact Dr. Joanna Hersey at joanna.hersey@uncp.edu to share an internship or job posting, or for more information on how to become involved.