Monday, July 02, 2018

UNCW students will soon have two new degree options available to them. Beginning this fall, the university will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. A program leading to a B.S. in Coastal Engineering will begin with the 2019-20 academic year, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“UNCW remains committed to developing programs that prepare students for existing jobs and those of the future,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “Coastal engineering is a natural addition to our respected coastal and marine sciences curricula and promises to be a growing career field through the next decade and beyond. The interdisciplinary studies major will enable students who left UNCW before graduating to earn a degree that builds on their academic, life and work experiences.”

The B.S. in Coastal Engineering program will prepare students to address the needs of southeastern and mid-Atlantic coastal communities as related to beach renourishment, dredging, sediment management, coastal structure analysis and design, wetlands/marsh stabilization and restoration, hydrology, ports, jetties and inland waterways, among other concerns. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates steady growth in marine- and environmental-related civil engineering fields in the coming years.

The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program is part of the university’s ongoing effort to raise degree completion rates. It will be available to students who have earned at least 70 college credits, including some at UNCW, but left the university before obtaining a degree. The curriculum will involve a choice of several tracks and will incorporate applied learning, critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. The program also features specialized advising support.

UNCW’s Strategic Plan emphasizes applied learning and innovative approaches to enhance students’ academic experience and prepare students for post-graduation success.

 -- Tricia Vance

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