Earn an Online Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies (Associate)

ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM

The online multidisciplinary studies associate degree program provides students with a foundation of general education studies.

What will I learn in the associate degree in multidisciplinary studies online program?

In addition to the core general education requirements, students are able to select from a wide variety of elective courses. This opportunity to customize your education is what makes a degree in multidisciplinary studies so applicable to your future.

Why should I choose an online associate degree in multidisciplinary studies?

Choosing a specific pathway can be daunting for prospective students who are not committed to a specific industry or who are looking to gain a variety of perspectives. This is the benefit of pursuing a multidisciplinary studies degree. There are minimal base requirements in the core curriculum, allowing students to add numerous electives in a variety of subjects and disciplines.

In some cases, a college or university may not offer a specific discipline that a student is interested in. A multidisciplinary studies program allows students to take discipline-specific courses and electives within a broader degree program. The multidisciplinary studies degree is also suited for students looking to transfer from one discipline to another. There may be requirements in the new program that the student will need to fulfill, which means additional coursework. Instead of taking more courses and extending their time in school, the student can likely transfer the credit they’ve already earned to a multidisciplinary studies program. They can then choose courses related to their newly chosen discipline to finish out their degree program.

Lastly, students may simply want to have more control over the selection of their courses. The multidisciplinary studies degree offers the flexibility needed to do so.

What can I do with an online associate degree in multidisciplinary studies?

Students have the opportunity to pursue multiple concentrations that make themselves more valuable in the job market. For example, a student can take courses in accounting in order to gain traditional bookkeeping skills. They may opt to also take business administration courses to become familiar with managerial duties and data analytics, making them a more well-rounded business professional.

Typically, students will choose two or three disciplines to focus on when pursuing a multidisciplinary studies associate degree. In just two quick years, many students will have enough education to apply for entry-level positions in the disciplines they studied while earning their degree. Others may choose continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students have the option to then pursue a specific area of study or continue on the multidisciplinary studies track.

Why is an online program beneficial for students?

Online graduate degrees have historically been an attractive option to busy, established professionals looking advance their education. However, because of their convenience and low cost, online undergraduate degrees are becoming increasingly popular. University of Arkansas Grantham is a fully accredited, 100% online institution, meaning every UA Grantham course is offered in a virtual format. Meanwhile, traditional universities may have limitations on the availability of distance learning courses.

Students attending an online university can communicate with their peers and faculty members through the institution's learning management system. They have around-the-clock access to course materials and resources, including lectures and assistance. And, online courses allow students the flexibility to work on their assignments at any time, from wherever’s convenient. At UA Grantham, courses are just eight weeks long and begin monthly.

UA Grantham utilizes Blackboard Learn, an easy-to-use learning management system, where all academic activity is completed. There are no requirements for attendance.

Difference between associate and bachelor's degrees in multidisciplinary studies

An associate degree is a lesser time commitment than a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees are often offered at community colleges and various online institutions, giving prospective students more options to choose from. At UA Grantham, associate degrees require a total of 60 credit hours and are often designed to prepare students for a bachelor’s program. In contrast, a bachelor's degree program requires 120 credit hours and includes more advanced, discipline-specific courses.

There are some limitations when it comes to the associate program. An associate-level education may be enough for some entry-level positions, but may not be adequate for others. The associate degree can easily be transferred to a bachelor’s degree (some colleges have connections with other educational institutions to make the transfer process simple). University of Arkansas Grantham offers both levels of undergraduate programs.

What is the difference between interdisciplinary studies and multidisciplinary studies?

In a multidisciplinary studies degree program, students can fully customize their course load to get exposure to multiple subjects and fields. The multidisciplinary studies major is typically reserved for undergraduate students, while graduate students generally enroll in interdisciplinary studies programs, which connect two or more disciplines.

How long is this online Multidisciplinary Studies associate degree program?

At 60 credit hours, your multidisciplinary studies degree program is designed to be completed in 24 months. It could take less time depending on how much transfer credit you receive and how many classes you take every term.

How much will the associate degree in Multidisciplinary Studies online program cost?

The undergraduate rate is $295 per credit hour – lower if you’re a member of the military, a veteran or part of a military family. UA Grantham also offers scholarships for those who qualify. This program is not approved for Federal Student Aid (Title IV) educational benefits.

ONLINE MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES ASSOCIATE DEGREE START DATE

Courses begin monthly, so we’re ready when you are.

Call us at (888) 947-2684 to learn more about our accredited degree programs, financial assistance opportunities or enrollment process.

University of Arkansas Grantham ACCREDITATION

University of Arkansas Grantham is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure for the public.

Online Multidisciplinary Studies Associate Degree Program Outcomes

After successfully completing your multidisciplinary studies program, you will be able to:

• Effectively communicate, analyze and synthesize knowledge from at least two disciplines
• Present ideas in written and visual form across a variety of contexts
• Use electronic, print and/or media information sources
• Employ critical thinking skills to effectively solve problems

Multidisciplinary Studies Core Professional Competencies

University of Arkansas Grantham prepares graduates to succeed in a variety of professional and civic settings by incorporating these critical life skills into the curriculum:

• Communication – Formulating and expressing thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written and non-verbal communication skills in person, in writing and in a digital world.
• Distributed Collaboration – Working effectively across distributed locations and asynchronously to achieve a common goal through relationship-building, shared responsibility, empathy and respect.
• Professional and Social Responsibilities – Engaging in social responsibility through seeking justice, valuing diversity, respecting the environment; demonstrating professionalism through integrity, mutual accountability and ethical behavior. This includes considering the social and global impact of individual and organizational decisions and an awareness of and adherence to regulations, professional standards and industry best practices.
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving – Using analytical reasoning when gathering and evaluating relevant information to effectively formulate possible solutions for an issue, problem or a variety of issues. This includes the ability to recognize potential consequences of a decision.
• Data Aptitude – Developing information literacy and the capacity to manage data with subsequent finding, structuring, evaluating and interpreting in order to provide meaningful analysis to accomplish a specific purpose.

ONLINE MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES ASSOCIATE DEGREE CURRICULUM

As part of the core curriculum, students will take two humanities and finance: Strategies for Decision Making and Personal Finance. The rest of the curriculum consists of 30 general education credits and 24 elective credits based on the requirements needed for the student's chosen path. General education subjects may include English composition, social and behavioral science and computer science components.

University of Arkansas Grantham’s 100% online coursework is designed to help you prepare for success in your next challenges.