SUU’s MIS Program Offers Two New Graduate Certificates
Published: September 25, 2020 | Author: Grace Thorkelson | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University’s Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) program is expanding its offerings with two new graduate certificates in Online Teaching and Leadership Studies, two extremely valuable and relevant skills sought by employers today.
Launched in January 2018, the MIS degree provides an opportunity for students to build a graduate degree from three disciplines of their choosing, resulting in unique interdisciplinary education. The program has more than doubled its enrollment over the last academic year, and for good reason. The program is ranked 3rd in the nation by Best College Reviews and can be completed entirely online, or via a hybrid format--making it more accessible and flexible for students from all walks of life.
“The beauty of these certificates is they are completely online,” said MIS Program Director, Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis. “They can be completed by potential students seeking to either advance their careers or assist them in this new normal virtual/remote world of learning and working.”
And now, individuals who would like to earn a 9-credit graduate certificate as a non-degree seeking student can either merge those credits into an MIS degree, accounting for over 25% of the credits needed to graduate, or simply obtain a university institutional certificate.
“The SUU MIS graduate certificates provide relevant and valuable education,” said Dr. Stephen Allen, associate provost for academic affairs. “These certificates have been well-received globally and domestically because they provide much-needed skillsets at a great value. Students also appreciate the ability to apply the credit earned toward a future master’s degree.”
The MIS degree makes it possible for students to personalize their degree to the individual needs they have. Not only does this customizable option open the door for new opportunities in a variety of fields, but it helps students gain experience and knowledge, preparing them for careers in upper-echelon positions in the workplace.
Currently, the MIS degree offers 18 areas of study including arts administration, aviation, business administration, contemporary animal services leadership, cybersecurity & information assurance, education, general studies, leadership studies, music technology, non-profit management, online teaching, professional communication, public administration, school library, social media & public relations, special education, and TESOL.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to make our certificates in Online Teaching and Leadership Studies available to students both in the U.S. and abroad,” said Dr. Jean Boreen, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “These certificates, which start every 7 weeks through the academic year, can provide interested individuals with options for enhancing their online course design or supervisory skills. These offerings come at a great time for those who are working from home or pursuing new opportunities that may allow them to consider different career options.”
“The MIS program benefits people that are looking to upgrade their academic credential, but whose needs didn’t comfortably fit into one of the other graduate programs,” said Dr. Steve Meredith, assistant to the president for institutional planning and effectiveness.
Applications for the MIS program are due two weeks before the start of each semester. Students applying to the program should have a bachelor’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA.
Learn more about the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) program at Southern Utah University.
Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Studies