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