The endowment will provide annual scholarship support to one or more students majoring in Integrative Studies who demonstrate academic merit and financial need, among other criteria, according to regional campus spokesman Perry Richardson. A scholarship committee will be created and meet twice a year to select scholarship recipients.
“This degree program is designed for students who have earned some college credits, or who have earned an associate degree and wish to obtain a four-year degree,” said G. Michael Pratt, Miami University associate provost and dean of the regional campuses.
The BIS program offers 13 concentrations in a broad range of fields. Students build the bachelor’s degree by making connections among fields of study that will fit their educational, career and personal goals.
Since its inception in the fall of 2008, Miami has graduated 160 students with a Bachelor of Integrative Studies degree, and currently has 435 students enrolled in the program. Pratt said interest in the BIS program expands every year.
“Continuing their education and making themselves more marketable are the main reasons why students choose Integrative Studies, but the cost of attending college can be a prohibiting factor. While Miami’s regional campuses are among the most affordable options in higher education in Ohio, many BIS students make substantial sacrifices to pursue their education,” he said.
According to Pratt, the state and the Ohio Board of Regents have charged Ohio colleges and universities with providing more opportunities for academic degrees and degree completion programs that lead to job creation and placement.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.
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