Opportunities for the Changing Workforce

College introduces new online bachelor’s completion degree in interdisciplinary programs

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, expanded our online portfolio to include a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Programs from the College of Arts and Sciences, which is an important milestone to the university’s goal of offering 10 online programs. 

The online degree completion program is designed to take adult learners with at least 60 credits to a bachelor’s degree and beyond. It will allow students to customize their learning journey and prepare or retool for a fast-changing labor market. Students in the program have two areas of interest to choose from: Public Policy and Administration or Cultures and Societies. It also complements the state’s Drive to 55 initiative to get 55 percent of Tennesseans equipped with a college degree or certificate by the year 2025.

“All Tennessee citizens deserve a high-quality education, which in turn is an investment in the future of Tennessee,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Theresa Lee. “This new online degree completion program through the College of Arts and Sciences provides individuals with the opportunity to choose a course of study that supports many different career paths. The various options will prepare our graduates to be leaders in a changing workforce.”

Public Policy and Administration 

Most individuals experience the influence of policies and administrations within our working lives. The Public Policy and Administration Interdisciplinary Program will expand students’ knowledge of the theory and research that drives these policies and practices, which, in turn, can assist graduates of the program to navigate the political complexities within organizations. It can also assist them in their ability to serve as a leader in their organization. 

We offer a variety of courses within the concentration, including contemporary issues in American public policy, law in American society, and conflict processes. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in public sectors and nonprofit organizations. 

Cultures and Societies

In today’s global society, understanding beliefs, practices, and behaviors of different groups of people and being able to navigate those differences in the workplace is a skill highly-valued by employers. The Cultures and Societies Interdisciplinary Program is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of the history of various cultures and societies and how the practices and behaviors of various cultures influence people and our environment. 

We offer a variety of courses within the concentration, including ecology and society, popular culture and American politics, and religion in the workplace. Graduates of this program will understand connections between people and identity, which can help them enhance workplace relations, job satisfaction, and manage effective teams within their career. 

Learn more about the online degree programs at completion.utk.edu.