CURRENT ARTICLE • July 19

Creating Successful Interdisciplinary Programs

By: Rob Kelly

The University of Oklahoma’s (OU) College of Arts and Sciences has a long history of successful interdisciplinary programs. Each was created under different circumstances without a standard process, but they all share several characteristics that have helped them thrive. Academic Leader recently spoke with Paul B. Bell, Jr., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and vice provost for instruction, about what makes these interdisciplinary programs successful.

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OTHER RECENT ARTICLES

Curriculum Development: Department-less Interdisciplinary Program Provides Flexibility for Returning Adult Students

By: Rob Kelly

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BAiLS) program, an interdisciplinary program at Northern Arizona University designed to meet the needs of returning adult students, is less structured than programs with similar goals at other institutions. This looser structure encourages collaboration among disciplines and provides for greater flexibility, says Larry Gould, associate dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

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Student Learning Outcomes Initiative

By: Rob Kelly

In 1989 the administration at Central Arizona College made a decision to move toward a competency-based curriculum for all of its courses and certificate and degree programs—a wise decision given all the changes taking place within the community college’s district and within higher education in general, says Linda Heiland, CAC’s associate vice president for institutional effectiveness and chief academic officer.

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Two Universities’ Global Learning Initiatives

By: Rob Kelly

Marquette University

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