Learn More about the
Bridging Disciplines Programs!
How can you benefit from the BDPs?
How do you choose the right BDP for your interests?
How can a BDP complement your degree plan?
What is the application process for the program?
How can I write a successful BDP application essay?Come to an Information Session with BDP Advisors
WHEN:
Every Tuesday, 11:00am -12:00pm
and
Every Wednesday, 3:00 – 4:00pm
WHERE:
FAC 1
WHAT:
BDP advisors will answer questions and tell you about the requirements for each program, how a BDP can work with your degree plan, and how to choose the right BDP for you. You will also learn about the application process and hear valuable tips about how to write an effective application essay.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS BUT CAN’T COME TO AN INFO SESSION?
If you cannot attend one of these information sessions, please call
232-7564 to make an appointment.
SPRING BDP APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010
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WHAT IS A BDP?
The Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDPs) allow you to earn an Interdisciplinary Certificate in one of 11 different concentration areas:
Children & Society
Cultural Studies
Digital Arts & Media
Environment
Ethics & Leadership
Film Studies
Human Rights & Social Justice
Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship
International Studies
Social Entrepreneurship & Non-profits
Social Inequality, Health & Policy
BDPs combine courses that fulfill core requirements, electives, courses for your major, and research and internship experiences. With planning, the BDP should NOT add time to your UT career. Rather, the BDP allows you to choose the courses you already have to take in an integrated way.It takes 19 credit hours to earn a BDP certificate. Although each BDP has different requirements, a typical program will include:
Foundation Courses
A forum seminar, and possibly other courses that offer a broad foundation on which to build your knowledge of the topic.
Connecting Experiences
Research and/or internship experiences that connect your BDP topic to your major.
Courses in a Strand
Additional courses you choose to develop your interests in a particular facet of your BDP topic.
Integration Essay
A 3-4 page essay completed at the end of your BDP experience. Allows you to draw together the different pieces of your BDP and reflect on what they mean to you. The integration essay helps you learn to talk about your BDP work for different audiences, whether in a grad school application or a letter of interest for a job.
HOW WILL THE BDP BENEFIT ME?
- By allowing you study a topic from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, the BDP can help you become a more flexible, versatile thinker, preparing you for a professional world that values innovation and collaboration.
- By completing the BDP, you will earn a concentration that complements and goes beyond your major. You will be able to show an additional area of specialization on resumés or graduate school applications. Students who graduate with a BDP certificate beginning in Fall 2010 will have their BDP certificate recognized on their official university transcript.
- Through the BDP, you will gain access to research and internship experiences that will set you apart from your peers. BDP advisors will be available to help you connect with faculty mentors, get involved with faculty research projects, and find unique internship opportunities related to your interests.
- As a BDP student, you will have access to individualized, excellent advising, with academic advisors who are familiar with faculty and courses across campus related to your BDP topic.
- In some cases, you might have access to courses in departments outside your major that would not ordinarily be available to you.
- You will have the opportunity to develop relationships with faculty across campus who are experts in your BDP area. These mentor relationships will be extremely valuable as you need letters of recommendation for scholarships, graduate school, or jobs.
- As a BDP student, you will become part of a community of students and faculty who share your interests, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in social and intellectual events with that community.