UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM (BA OR BS) 1
Adult Degree Program (BA Or BS)
Degree Requirements
Adult Degree Program (BA Or BS)
Adult students frequently have unique goals, along with other primary life responsibilities, that necessitate a more flexible
approach to the design of learning experiences, the scheduling of classes, and the formulation of a program of study. To meet
these needs, the Adult Degree Program offers a major in Interdisciplinary Studies leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor
of Science degree.
Upon completion of the baccalaureate, ADP graduates will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Understand and appreciate the interdisciplinary approach to learning;
Have the ability to think critically and express themselves effectively orally and in writing
Understand and apply knowledge of adult development personally and professionally
Appreciate individual and cultural differences and collaborate effectively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds
Identify and articulate important questions and problems related to their interests, education, and career development,
and execute research strategies for discovering viable solutions.
Degree Requirements
Students applying to the Adult Degree Program must satisfy general requirements for admission to the University of South
Alabama (see “Admission to the University”) and complete an interview with the ADP advisor. In addition, applicants must be at
least twenty-five years of age or fulfill the following definition of an adult learner: someone who has assumed major responsibilities
and/or commitments of adulthood (work, family, community), who is operating independently in society, and whose principal
identity is other than that of a full-time student.
Each adult student’s individualized, interdisciplinary program of study is planned in consultation with an academic advisor.
Students choose one of the following concentrations of study: Administrative Sciences, Applied Arts, Applied Sciences,
Community Services, Human Services, Liberal Studies, or Professional Development. All programs of study must consist of a
minimum of 120 credit hours including 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree earned in residence at USA. Course
requirements necessitate that students be enrolled in the program for a minimum of three terms before graduation.
The degree program begins with a required three semester hour foundation course, AIS 101: “Theories and Principles of Adult
Learning” for students with fewer than 64 hours of credit. All students are required to take AIS 300 (Foundations of Interdisciplinary
Studies): AIS 301 (Introduction to Interdisciplinary ResearchStudies-ADP); AIS 350 (Writing for Interdisciplinary Research) and
must satisfy the University's general education requirements (See “Academic Policies and Procedures”)
In addition to the general requirements, each student must complete 15 hours of general competencies, as follows:
Credit
Hours
General Competencies
Course Title
Computer Applications
1 course from CIS 150, 250;
OR passing score on CIS Proficiency Exam
3
Writing for Interdisciplinary
Research
AIS 350
3
Foundations of Interdisciplinary
Research
AIS 300
3
Human Development
1 course from AIS 201, 401
BLY 207
PSY 250, 350, 456
SY 220, 315, or 418
3
Cultural Diversity
1 course from AIS 320
AN 100
3
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM (BA OR BS) 2
GEO 115
HY 374
IS 100
PHL 339 or
SY 445
Total Hours
15
Each student must also complete an individualized 54-hour concentration with at least 30 hours from upper-division courses. The
concentration, designed in consultation with an academic advisor, must include at least three disciplines, each of which must be
represented by a minimum of 12 credit hours of appropriate course work (6 of which must be upper-division), relevant supporting
courses, and a two-semester senior capstone experience (senior research thesis: AIS 380 & 430; or internship: IST 496 & 498).
The concentration forms part of the graduation plan, which all majors must submit to the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
for approval during AIS 301.
A maximum of 25 credit hours of elective courses, including a maximum of 6 hours coming from P.E. activity courses, may be
included in the degree.
A minimum grade-point average of 2.00 in all course work undertaken at the University of South Alabama and a minimum gradepoint average of 2.00 in the concentration are required for graduation.
Qualified ADP students may participate in the University Honors Program (see "Honors Program"). Students with a 3.5 USA
GPA and a 3.5 GPA in their concentration are encouraged to apply for IST departmental honors at the beginning of their senior
year. To receive department honors, an honors senior research thesis capstone experience must be completed. Contact the IST
department for specific honors requirements.
Department Information
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Staff
(251) 460-6263
Chair
Dr. Joycelyn Finley-Hervey
Academic Advisor
Diane F. Harvey, MS
Academic Advisor
Pamela James
Academic Advisor
Melanie McLain
Secretary
Lisa Allen
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies website
http://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/scesp/interdisciplinary/index.html
An undergraduate degree can be earned through the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Adult Degree Program,
Interdisciplinary Degree Program, and Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. These programs are designed to give
students a variety of options in earning a Bachelor’s degree tailored to meet their needs and interests. In addition to offering
traditional lecture courses both day and evening, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers an online opportunity for
students to complete their Bachelor's degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major. These courses are the same as those offered
during the day in content, quality, and quantity of work required.
Credit
Hours
General Education Requirements (41 Credit Hours)
Area I - Written Composition
2 courses
EH 101,
EH 102
6
Any (1) of*
EH 215, 216, 225, 226, 235, or 236
3
Any (1) of
ARH 100, 103, 123;
3
Area II - Humanities, Fine Arts, Oral Communication
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ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM (BA OR BS) 3
ARS 101;
DRA 110;
MUL 101
1 course
CA 110
3
Any (1) of
EH 215, 216, 225, 226, 235, or 236;
ARH 100, 103, 123;
ARS 101;
DRA 110;
MUL 101;
AFR 101;
AIS 105;
CLA 110;
LG 111, 112, 131, 132, 151, 152, 171, 172,
211, 212, 231, 232, 251, 252, 271, 272;
LGS 101, 102, 106, 107, 121, 122, 141, 142,
201, 202, 206, 207, 221, 222, 241, 242;
PHL 110, 121, 131, 231, 240
3
2 courses w/ labs
BLY 101/101L, 102/102L, 121/121L,
122/122L;
CH 101/101L, 103/103L, 131/131L, 132/132L;
GEO 101/101L, 102/102L;
GY 111/111L, 112/112L;
PH 101/101L, 104/104L, 114/114L, 115/115L,
201/201L, or 202/202L
8
Any (1) of
MA 110, 112, 113, 115, 120, 125, 126, 227,
237, or 238
3
Any (1) of*
HY 101, 102, 135, 136
3
3 courses
AIS 201;
AN 100, 101;
CA 100, 211;
ECO 215, 216;
GEO 114, 115;
GS 101;
IS 101;
PSC 130;
PSY 120, 250;
SY 109, or 112;
HY 101, 102, 135, 136
9
Area III - Natural Sciences and Math
Area IV - History, Social and Behavioral Sciences
*As part of the General Education Requirements, students must complete a 6-hour sequence in Literature or History
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