University of Texas Degree Completion

I don't know if this has been covered before, but the University of Texas will be launching 3 new accelarated bachelor degree completion programs this Fall 2010. Classes will be about $600 per course for Texas residents who complete the courses online. The programs are designed for those with 60 hours (or more) of accumulated credits. Degrees will be offered through the following campuses:

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities - (UT Permian Basin)
Bachelor of Arts in University Studies - (UT Arlington)
Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies - (UT El Paso).

More information available here.

Might be a good find for someone in Texas.

 

Is this a degree that studies college partying?

 

I think that the college partying program is 100% B&M.

 

It's perfectly possible to distance-party all year long. Of course, doing beer bongs gets a little tricky...

 

Students have to travel to campus part of residencies. Is that what Duke's EMBA, NSU's Ph.D, Walden's PhD requirement for?

 

See, those degrees are what is bothering me about most of the state schools. I can't see where the allure is in a Bachelors of Art in Multidisciplinary Studies is. To me, that just screams "I-really-don't-know- what-I-want-to-be-when-I-grow-up-and-I-didn't-want-to-study-very-hard- on-upper-level-courses-so-I-just-took-a-bunch-of-classes-until-I-reached- 120-hours-and-now-I-have-this-really-cool-looking-piece-of-paper-that-got-me-in-the-door-to-talk-to-you-now-will-you-please-hire-me-pretty-please?" I live in Texas, and the price is right on this, but the degree just seems so blase. I'm actually thinking about TESC's natural science/mathematics over this UT program just because I believe a more specialized degree indicates a more intense program of study. Somebody please slap me if I'm way off base.

 

You're not necessarily wrong about the "blase" factor. That stated, a multidisciplinary degree or generalist degree is a nice foundation for specialized work at the masters or PhD level.

Whether being general in your BA or BS is good for you really depends on if the degree is your terminal degree. If it is, I'd head in another direction.

ITJD

 

Humanities - OK for teachers, museum workers, and similar.

University Studies - Sounds vague - I would not recommend it.

Multidisciplinary Studies - I think it sounds better than liberal studies - one could combine courses that suits one career path - (e.g. business/math/geography perhaps).

Is there a link to these degrees?

 

consider yourself slapped. One argument could be that a multidisciplinary degree is the solution (akin) to a double major. Many schools don't allow for a double major so depending on the course selection one could easily have a rigorous degree in multidisciplinary studies. In addition many folks combine a technical field and a supporting non technical field. For example, a degree plan that included computer courses, business courses, engineering courses with writing and communication would help in meeting many vacancies that require not only the technical skills but also the abilities to read/write and communicate with all levels of the workforce.

I believe that any of these types of degrees can be beneficial provided the degree plan is approached correctly.

Lastly, many universities offer doctorates in multidisciplinay, interdisciplinary studies. Not everyone can fit in a prescribed degree plan and these degrees offer an opportunity. It is up to the individual to get the most out of the education.

 

I was already working and happily getting promoted without a BS degree when I decided to finish my degree with Excelsior. At that point, I didn't care what I got it in as long as I finished it. I chose Business because I could test out of the remaining classes I needed to graduate. I can see someone doing a Multidisciplinary Studies degree in a completion program like this for the same reason.

 

I disagree!

I love these type programs. I graduated from a trade school and was able to transfer my mechanical and electrical credits to Fort Hays. I was also able to add communications, business, computer and leadership classes to my degree plan.

 

I took some online post-graduate course work (e.g., education certification /district superintendent) with UT-Permian Basin (Odessa, TX) back in 2005. My experience was that the curriculum was challenging and delivered by highly competent professors. Administratively the university was very customer (student) friendly. In my view the program was well administered.

I can’t speak to the quality or rigor of the UTA or UTEP online programs; however, as members of the UT System, I’m reasonably sure their programs are top notch. However as you’ve mentioned, the out-of-state tuition rate will possibly be restrictive for some.
http://telecampus.utsystem.edu/catalog/programs/programinfo/utops.aspx
http://telecampus.utsystem.edu/catalog/programs/programinfo/utops/utops_courses.aspx

 

emissary,

I completely agree (and I have an A.S. in Liberal Studies!). My B.S. however will be in Behavioral Science. I do see some value in multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary programs, but I would prefer to have a major area of focus. In fact, if I could do it over again, I probably would pursue my undergraduate from a school in the UK or SA, in order to concentrate just on the courses that pertain to my major.

 

Wanted to provide some updated info on this program. After my initial doubt of the program, I decided to check it out. My application and transcripts are in; I'll let everybody know how it pans out. It looks after all as if my future lies in secondary education, so I think the multidisciplinary approach shouldn't hurt me too much (may in fact help me). Will post updates as appropriate.