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How is the IST degree
different from other degrees offered at
USA
or other colleges?
Most degree programs are very structured, outlining in detail degree
requirements. The
IST degree
allows students more flexibility because they actually design a large
portion of their degree (about 54 semester hours) through a “Field of
Study.” The IST degree, like other degrees offered at USA
, is accredited and leads to a B.A. or B.S., depending on the student’s
choice of disciplines.
What is an "Interdisciplinary"
degree?
Students pursuing the IST degree create a field of study, rather than a
single major by selecting courses from three (3) or four (4) related
academic disciplines offered by the student’s choice of disciplines
determines their Field of Study.
IST offers seven (7) fields of study
including: Administrative Science, Applied Science, Applied Arts, Community
Services, Human Services, Liberal Studies and Professional Development.
I’m not sure I can
handle college. Is the
IST
degree easier to obtain that other college degrees?
The IST degree program is not remedial; it is a valid, accredited degree as
are all degrees offered at USA. Our requirements, especially in the area of communication skills, are more
rigorous than most. Adult students who are concerned about their academic
readiness for college are encouraged to explore courses offered through the
Department of Developmental Studies and to take placement tests, especially
in math. We also require all IST students to complete our
department
foundation course the first term they are enrolled. This course provides information and
assignments that help adults assess their academic readiness and learning
styles, develop good study habits, clarify their goals and help students get
acquainted with resources available at the university.
How long does it
take to complete the IST degree?
The answer to this question depends on several variables. The
IST degree
requires that a student complete a minimum of 128 semester hours (which is
fairly standard for most baccalaureate degrees) or about 43 courses. Variables include the amount of
transfer credit the student has and the number of courses that a student can
reasonably complete each semester. While some adult students can attend
full-time (12 hours per semester), most adults work full-time and can only
take one or two courses a semester which means it might take longer for them
to complete a degree than a traditional college student.
Other colleges
advertise that their degree can be completed in 2 years and I will only have
to go 1 or 2 nights a week. Can
I do this with the IST degree?
Colleges which advertise degree completion in 2 years may offer “fast
track” or intensive course formats, which means that class time is
compressed into a shorter period of time-- five weeks for a course, as
opposed to 15 weeks required for a semester at
USA. The IST degree is not a “fast track” program, and students take the
majority of their courses from the regular course offerings at
USA. Fast track
programs are usually limited in the types of degree that can be completed
and such programs usually include the provision that students have already
completed at least half of their degree requirements. The
IST degree program
offers more options through the field of study because students can choose
courses from the more than 30 academic departments at
USA. The IST degree program also takes into consideration
transfer college credit.
Can the IST degree be
completed by attending only evenings and weekends?
Yes. Due to the flexibility of
designing a large portion of their degree, IST students are usually able to
complete their entire degree by attending only evening and weekend classes. However, there are some academic
departments at USA
which offer few, if any, courses at these times. IST students may be restricted in
completing disciplines in these academic areas. However, the
IST academic
advisor works closely with all IST students directing them to the courses
that are available at the times that they can schedule them so that they
will not be delayed in completing their degree.
I have completed an associate
degree. Will that credit
count towards the IST degree?
Academic credit from most junior and community colleges will transfer to
USA
and apply toward the IST degree. USA
and most senior universities do not accept vocational/technical courses, due
to the fact that these programs are usually not included in their
curriculum. Only academic credit
for the same or similar courses offered at USA
can be transferred. Also, most
courses taken at private vocational/technical colleges will not transfer due
to the lack of required accreditation. The
Offices of Admission and Registrar have the final word on transfer credit
accepted at USA.*
I have completed the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at
USA. Can I use this credit toward
completing a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Since the courses are taken at USA
and students have already been approved for admission to the university, EMT
credit may be used to fulfill requirements for one of the three disciplines
in a field of study. The IST degree is the only academic program at USA
which can apply EMT credit towards its requirements. Our advisors provide
guidance to these students in selecting other disciplines appropriate to
their personal and career goals, as well as in the completion of
USA
and IST degree requirements.
What about
transferring credit from other colleges in Alabama
or in other states? Does
college credit ever “expire?”
While undergraduate college credit may become outdated, it never
expires.
The best way to determine if credit from other colleges or USA
credit from other degree programs will transfer and be applicable to the
IST
degree is to meet with the IST academic counselor for a tentative evaluation. Because of the flexibility of the IST degree, many students find
that a larger portion of transfer credit actually applies to the
IST degree
as opposed to the more structured degrees offered at USA
or other colleges. This means
fewer required courses and less time to complete the degree. (*See note above)
What kind of job can I get
with an IST degree?
Many adults who enroll in the IST degree program are planning a career
change or may be entering the job market for the first time; others hope the
degree will provide more opportunities or a promotion where they are
currently employed. Many
IST
students have as their goal admission to graduate school upon completion of
their undergraduate degree.
While we cannot assure students that a job or promotion
will be waiting for them upon graduation, we take the goals of our students
very seriously. IST advisors work individually with both prospective and
enrolled adult students to determine the personal and professional goals of
each person. IST students continue to work closely with the
IST academic
advisor throughout their enrollment in their selection of courses,
disciplines and a field of study that will help them make their goals a
reality. We also recognize
that the IST degree is not for everyone, and when needed, we will refer
students to advisors in other USA degree programs.
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