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PrIS Degree Program

The PROFESSIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM is a “powerhouse degree” that offers customized studies, cooperative learning groups, and a journey to distance, evenings, and weekend classes from program entry to exit during any point in your life’s experiences.

CLICK ON ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LINKS BELOW to learn how you can begin the journey to your career path!

 

DEGREE PROGRAM

The School of Lifelong Learning awards the Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies.  The degree program is housed in the Department of Professional Interdisciplinary Studies.  This program is directed by the Interim Director of Lifelong Learning who is assisted by the Interim Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning/the Director of Special Academic Credit Programs. The School draws upon faculty from the University and adjunct faculty from various government, community and educational agencies for the delivery of instruction.

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies is an interdisciplinary program for the mature adult who seeks a nontraditional method of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This 124-semester hour, cohort based degree program provides two study options: (1) General Interdisciplinary Studies and (2) Professional Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in one of three (3) professional concentrations (Commercial Recreation and Resorts, Faith Based Leadership, and Human Resource Development).
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PROGRAM STRATEGIC GOALS

The educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program are to provide adult students the opportunity to:

  1. Developing students’ ability to read, interpret, and evaluate the work of scholars in their chosen career field and design and apply research skills in the study of career-related problems.
  2. Communicate effectively and reason critically when confronted with workforce and societal issues.
  3. Decreasing time to degree for adult and nontraditional students by providing alternative degree options, modes of delivery, and adequate student services.
  4. Expand students’ interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of the relationships among the areas of humanities and fine arts, natural sciences, social and behavioral science.

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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. SLO 1: Students will demonstrate verbal and written communication skills through writing assignments, presentation of projects, and/or job application portfolios.
  2. SLO 2: Students will differentiate qualitative and descriptive quantitative analyses/approaches, apply a selected approach of research, and demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology for inputting, collecting, and analyzing information and developing presentations and other forms of communication.
  3. SLO 3: Students will demonstrate a minimum of six leadership and ethical traits for diverse global and regional markets.
  4. SLO 4: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships among the humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, and natural sciences in response to workforce trends and societal challenges.
  5. SLO5: Students will identify of the origin and development of Human Resource Development (HRD) as well as the critical functions and roles of HRD in an organization, make connections between the HRD issues in theory and those in practice, design HRD interventions in different contexts, and identify contemporary cutting edge topics in HRD research. (Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Degree – Human Resource Development Concentration)

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PROGRAM OPTIONS

In the Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program, participants may choose from one of two program options:

Option 1: General Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Interdisciplinary Studies

● General Interdisciplinary Studies

This option prepares students to engage in a broad spectrum of employment opportunities including work in business, government, education, human services, industry, entry level international relations and social and economic affairs. Additionally, the program is flexible enough for students to customize studies for emerging positions and organizations in today’s society.

Option 2:Professional Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in one of three professional concentrations

● Commercial Recreation and Resorts

This specialization prepares students for entry-level administration, human relations and leadership positions at casinos, convention centers, cruise ships, resorts, hotels, air travel and other commercial gaming environments. Students will learn skills in events planning, program development and management, conflict resolution, promotions and fiscal practices.

● Faith-Based Leadership

This specialization prepares students for faith-based leadership and administration, fiscal management, public relations and economic and community development for a variety of faith-based entities (i.e., churches and non-profit organizations). Students will also develop skills in grantsmanship, fiscal management, presentation and communication, and program development.

● Human Resource Development

This concentration provides students with opportunities to develop the skills and competences in areas such as instructional design, training delivery, training evaluation, learning program management, change management, performance improvement, and career management.
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ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program is open to all adult learners who wish to study on a part-time or full-time basis.  Students must meet all admissions requirements set forth by Jackson State University and the School of Lifelong Learning.

Students must submit the following to the School of Lifelong Learning to satisfy undergraduate admission to the Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program:

1: Pre-admission to the School of Lifelong Learning

A.  Completed Pre-admission Form to the School of Lifelong Learning
B.  Submission of an official high school transcript or the equivalent (GED)

2: Admission to Jackson State University

A.  A completed Jackson State University official Undergraduate Admissions Application
B.  Official high school transcript showing graduation from a secondary school or the equivalent (GED)
C.  Official transcripts of all post-secondary studies
D.  Immunization record (if born after 1957)
E.  Copy of birth certificate

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INTERNSHIP OR SPECIAL FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS

Students are able to participate in an internship or field based research program.  These supervised activities will be a valuable work-learn experience in a professional environment outside of the classroom where students can explore career areas, gain practical skills and make industry contacts.

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CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies

General Education Requirements                               48 hrs

Professional Core                                                      14 hrs

Interdisciplinary Concentration                                    27 hrs

Professional Concentration                                         27 hrs

Internship and Research Project                                   8 hrs

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TOTAL =                                                                 124 hrs

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CURRICULUM:  Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary

 

 

FRESHMAN YEAR (back to top)

Semester Hours
Course Code Course Fall Spring
UNIV 105 University Success for Adult Learners 2
HE 101 Concepts of Health 3
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
CLL 104 Workforce Communication, Behavior and Culture 3
CLL 120 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies 3
MATH 111 College Algebra 3
BIO 101, L101 Biology and Biology Lab 3
CSC 115 Digital Computer Principles 3
(Freshman Year Total: 32) 17 15

 

● SOPHOMORE YEAR (back to top)

Semester Hours
Course Code Course Fall Spring
SP 101, 102 Elementary Spanish 3 3
ENG 205 World Literature 3  
ENG 213 Professional Writing  
SPCH 201 Speech Arts   3
CLL 301 Principle Centered Leadership 3  
SS 201 Social Institutions   3
MUS 205 Music Appreciation 3  
PSY 201 General Psychology 3  
PHIL 301 Introduction to Philosophy   3
(Sophomore Year Total:  30) 15 15

 

● JUNIOR YEAR (back to top)

Semester Hours
Courses Fall Spring
SOC 329 Social Change 3
MNGT 330 Management to Organizations   3
Humanities and Fine Arts Option 3
Natural Science Option 3 3
Natural Science Option  
Social Science Option 3
Social Science Option 3 3
CLL 383 Research Tools and Foundamentals for Working Adults 3
(Junior Year Total: 30) 15 15
Students who choose to receive a Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in General Interdisciplinary Studies must choose at least nine (9) three (3) semester hour courses in one of the following areas: Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health and Physical Education to fulfill the requirements of the degree. Students are required to work with an advisor to insure that all requirements are met in accordance to the outline of the degree program.

 

● SENIOR YEAR (back to top)

Semester Hours
 (OPTION 1)
Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies

Concentration: General Interdisciplinary Studies2Students may complete 27 hours from the following areas.
   
Courses Fall Spring
Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health and Physical Education 3 3
Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health and Physical Education 3 3
Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health and Physical Education 3 3
Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health and Physical Education 3 3
Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences or Health and Physical Education 3  
CLL 480 – Independent Study or

– Specialized Professional Training Project

– Internship

 

3

CLL 481
CLL 482
CLL 483 – Special Field Research Project 2
(Senior Year Total: 32) 18 14
(OPTION 2 A)
Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
Concentration: Human Resource Development
Courses Fall Spring
CLHR 200 Foundations of Human Resource Development 3
CLHR 215 Design, Delivery and Facilitation of Training 3
CLHR 220 Training, Developing, and Communicating 3
CLHR 310 Management and Administration of the Training Function 3
CLHR 320 Conflict Resolution and Negotiation 3
CLHR 330 Ethical Procedures in the Workforce 3
CLHR 415 Program Planning and Development in Continuing Education 3
CLHR 425 Assessing and Analyzing Training Needs 3
CLHR 450 Human Resource Development Research Seminar 3
CLL 480 – Independent Study or

– Specialized Professional Training Project

– Internship

3
CLL 481
CLL 482
CLL 483 Special Field Research Project 2
(Senior Year Total: 32) 18 14
 (OPTION 2 B)
Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
Concentration: Commercial Recreation and Resorts 
   
Course Code Courses Fall Spring
CRR 421 Foundations of Commercial Recreation 3  
CRR 422 Introduction to the Gaming Industry   3
CRR 410 Administration of Commercial Recreation   3
CRR 423 Commercial Recreation and Resort Programs 3  
CRR 424 Special Events Planning and Development   3
CRR 411 Leisure Services and Facilities Marketing 3  
CRR 425 Customer Relations   3
CRR 412 Law, Legal Issues, and Risk Management 3  
CLL 400 Leadership Seminar 3  
CLL 480 – Independent Study or 

– Specialized Professional Training Project or

– Internship

 

3

CLL 481
CLL 482
CLL 483 – Special Field Research Project   2
(Senior Year Total: 32) 18 14
 (OPTION 2 C)
Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
Concentration: Faith-Based Leadership
   
Course Code Courses Fall Spring
CLL .400 Leadership Seminar 3  
CRR 424 Special Events Planning and Development 3
FBL 406 Faith-Based Leaders: Mentoring the Next Generation   3
FBL 418 Organizational Leadership for Faith-Based Leaders 3
FBL 419 Communication Skills for Faith-Based Leaders   3
FBL 420 Financial Management for Faith-Based Leaders  
FBL 407 Development and Operation of Family Life Centers and Programs 3
FBL 408 Community Relations for Faith-Based Organizations 3  
FBL 409 Managing Faith-Based Personnel and Volunteers 3  
CLL 480 – Independent Study or

– Specialized Professional Training Project or

– Internship

 

3

CLL 481
CLL 482
CLL 483 – Special Field Research Project 2
(Senior Year Total: 32) 18 14
TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS            124

 

 

Students must maintain an academic grade point average of 2.50 in order to have their award renewed each semester.  For additional information, please contact the School of Lifelong Learning (601) 432-6234.

 

FINANCIAL AID

Financial assistance is available to eligible students who are admitted to Jackson State University through the School of Lifelong Learning. In addition to financial assistance and scholarship programs offered by the University and the Mississippi Legislature, the School of Lifelong Learning makes financial resources available to students who apply according to program guidelines. Qualified nontraditional high school graduates (17 to 24 years of age) and undergraduate adults (25 years of age or older), may receive support in the forms of work aid, tuition assistance, and/or book vouchers.  All awards are based on the availability of funds.  Prior to the awarding of the financial assistance, students must show evidence of admission to Jackson State University for academic credit course work and meet the State of Mississippi’s residency requirements as set forth by Jackson State University.   In addition, students must meet all requirements outlined by the School of Lifelong Learning.

Students must maintain an academic grade point average of 2.50 in order to have their award renewed each semester.  For additional information, please contact the School of Lifelong Learning (601) 432-6234.

ATLASS Financial Assistance Application Form

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  For more information, call the School of Lifelong Learning :

(601) 979-8724