For college students, going to class, keeping up with assignments and trying to maintain a social life is like juggling three balls of fire.
For students who have started college and also have families to support, this juggling act could be even more difficult.
The division of cross-disciplinary studies, which is a part of the ETSU’s School of Continuing Studies, has made it easier for students to return and finish a degree.
The division has four undergraduate degrees to choose from – bachelor of general studies, bachelor of applied science, bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies and bachelor of science in professional studies.
They also offer a graduate degree program supervised by Dr. Marie Tedesco that allows students to “design a unique master’s degree program” with a master of arts in liberal studies.
The division of cross-disciplinary studies tries to meet the needs of students who had to leave college at least 10 years ago but who are now ready to complete their degrees without losing many of the losing credit hours they have already earned.
Some of the degrees do not require students to attend classes on campus. Classes can be completed online, making it possible for students to finish their degrees while working full-time and taking care of family responsibilities.
“What’s so wonderful about these programs is that these are working adults, and this is the only way they could get their degree,” said Tamara Bowers, the coordinator, marketing and information resources. “The average age of students continuing their education in the division is around 38.”
They also have cohort programs, which allow students to get degrees from ETSU in different localities in Tennessee from Kingsport to Chattanooga.
“The advantage of cohort programs is that they have strength in numbers and the students support each other,” Bowers said. There are 27 cohorts to choose from.
The division of cross-disciplinary studies’ office is located at 916 W. Maple St. on campus. For more info, call 439-4223.

Author