True to its mission of making high-quality education accessible, University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies is expanding the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree to include a fully asynchronous pathway.
Understanding that adult learners are typically balancing multiple demands on their time, this new offering is designed to ensure education can fit into lives that are busy with families, careers and other obligations. The new pathway empowers students with greater choice in how they attend classes, whether that is online - on the student’s schedule, or live online together.
How Asynchronous Learning Works:
In the asynchronous learning pathway, class time can be conducted primarily on the student’s schedule with recorded course materials while meeting structured deadlines for class work. Students can supplement the recorded classes with optional live online engagement. Live online opportunities foster connection and promote deeper learning.
The goal was to make sure more students could access the kind of education our Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree has always offered, one where faculty know their students and students know each other. The async pathway is how we get there without giving that up.
David Corlett, Senior Program Director, UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies
With courses delivered primarily through asynchronous instruction, students can complete most coursework independently on a flexible schedule within clearly defined weekly deadlines. Instructional materials, assignments, and discussions are designed for sustained engagement throughout the week rather than reliance on a single meeting time. Each course includes a brief, regularly scheduled live online session that provides opportunities for discussion, clarification, and connection with faculty and peers. Students who can't attend live may view the recorded session and complete associated activities to ensure continuity, accountability, and progress toward course learning outcomes.
Explore the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program:
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree
Flexibility Throughout the Journey
When adult learners apply for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, they indicate their preference for learning asynchronously (or online, on the student’s time) or synchronously (live, online together). Although this decision is made at the application stage, if students decide a different learning modality will better meet their needs, there is choice built into the program, and they are able to take future classes in the modality that works best for them and their schedule.
Online Learning at UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies:
In its commitment to making online learning engaging and accessible, all class materials, online meetings, and assignments are located in Canvas, the online learning management system used at UVA. Students have access to UVA’s complete Canvas support resources, including the Canvas support team, which is available around the clock, every day of the week.
Because technology extends well beyond the learning platform, students who experience issues with connections, passwords, or software have access to the UVA Information Technology Services team, which is available for support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies’ online learning experience:
"We want students to finish. That means building a program where the structure supports them, not works against them: clear expectations, consistent rhythms, and an institution that shows up when they need it," shared David Corlett, Senior Program Director, UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies.