A mission statement should generally answer three questions:

1. Whom is the program intended to serve?

2. In what manner are the students served?

3. What are the expected outcomes of the degree?

The BAIS is intended to serve the mature learner. The mature learner is often defined as a person, at least twenty-five years of age, who has already had significant life experiences and who is currently pursuing multiple life roles. Many of our current students are employed full-time, have family, civic and other personal responsibilities and are pursuing their degree on a part-time basis. Students who have earned a professional associate degree and are working in their area and working adults with some college background are the target audience. The average age of our current students is 36.

Mature students, as a result of life experiences, are ready and willing to accept responsibility for their education. Thus we offer a flexible, individualized environment in which each student may grow intellectually.

Expected outcomes of an interdisciplinary studies program vary. Certainly all graduates should possess competencies in the areas of written and oral communications; mathematical, scientific and technical literacy, and possess an ethical and social agenda. More pragmatic outcomes for adult learners include job promotion, employment mobility or the ability to apply for a graduate program.