Interdisciplinary Studies (BA/BS)

Program Overview

The University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies program allows students to customize their educational experience by combining coursework from multiple disciplines. Designed for flexibility and career preparation, the program empowers students to build a degree that aligns with their unique interests, professional goals, and academic aspirations.

Why Choose This Program?

  • Customize your degree through a wide range of emphasis areas tailored to your interests and career goals
  • Develop versatile skills and knowledge by integrating multiple academic disciplines
  • Benefit from a flexible program designed to support professional advancement and lifelong learning

Options & Tracks

Applied Educational Studies (Non-Licensure) Emphasis

Designed for students interested in education-related careers outside of traditional classroom teaching, this emphasis explores learning, instructional practices, and educational systems while building skills applicable across a variety of educational settings.

Applied Entrepreneurship Emphasis

The Applied Entrepreneurship emphasis equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures in a variety of industries.

Arts Emphasis

Students in the Arts emphasis explore creative expression, communication, and cultural perspectives through coursework in the visual, performing, and creative arts.

Business Emphasis

The Business emphasis provides a foundation in business principles, management, communication, and organizational operations, preparing you for opportunities across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Health Emphasis 

Focused on health, wellness, and quality of life, this emphasis allows you to explore topics related to personal and community well-being while preparing for a variety of health-related careers.

Humanities Emphasis

The Humanities emphasis encourages you to examine human culture, history, language, literature, and philosophy while developing critical thinking and communication skills.

Organizational Leadership Emphasis

Students develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare you to lead teams, manage projects, and support organizational success in a variety of professional environments.

Public Safety Emphasis

The Public Safety emphasis explores the systems, policies, and practices that promote community safety and public service, preparing you for careers in public sector and service-oriented fields.

Social & Behavioral Sciences Emphasis

Through the study of human behavior, social systems, and cultural dynamics, you’ll gain insights that can be applied across a wide range of professions and industries.

Technology Emphasis

The Technology emphasis provides you with a foundation in technology, digital tools, and technical problem-solving while preparing you to adapt to evolving workplace demands.

Curriculum & Coursework

UNA students in the Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies program benefit from a flexible curriculum that combines coursework from multiple disciplines to support their academic and professional goals. Working closely with advisors, you will create a personalized course of study that aligns with your chosen emphasis area and career aspirations.

Sample Courses:

  • MGT 301 Principles of Management
  • COM 223 Public Speaking
  • HPE 300 Personal and Community Health

    Career Paths & Outcomes

    A degree in Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies provides students with the flexibility to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. By combining knowledge from multiple fields, graduates develop adaptable skills that prepare them to succeed in diverse professional environments and evolving industries.

    Common Career Paths:

    • Project Coordinator
    • Operations Manager
    • Human Resources Specialist
    • Entrepreneur
    • Community Outreach Coordinator
    • Public Service Professional
    • Program Manager

    Student Experience

    At UNA, Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies students benefit from a personalized educational experience that supports their unique goals and interests. Through close collaboration with faculty and advisors, students have the flexibility to explore multiple disciplines, engage in applied learning opportunities, and create a pathway that aligns with their future plans.

    Opportunities include:

    • Personalized academic advising and degree planning
    • Interdisciplinary coursework across multiple fields of study
    • Internship and experiential learning opportunities
    • Leadership development experiences
    • Community engagement and applied learning projects

    Meet the Faculty

    Alphabetized and duplicates removed:

    Ms. Lilia Alexander
    Adjunct Instructor
    lalexander2@una.edu

    Dr. Erin Henthorne
    Lecturer & Graduate Program Coordinator
    ehenthorne@una.edu

    Ms. Erin Letson
    Adjunct Instructor
    eletson@una.edu

    Mr. Zane Mooney
    Adjunct Faculty
    zblankenship@una.edu

    Ms. Heather Stancil
    Senior Academic Advisor, Program Coordinator, & Instructional Staff
    hstancil@una.edu

    Ms. Hannah Thompson
    Instructional Staff
    hthompson@una.edu

    Dr. Jocelyn Wright
    Instructional Staff
    jbarnes2@una.edu

    Ready to Apply?

    Apply Today