• The BIS program allows students to create a course of study that is nontraditional and allows them to create course of study that is more applicable to the ever-diversifying workplace.

• The coursework allows the individual to ask questions and answer them from multiple perspectives.  (In my case, I can look at a concern from the prospective of the educational system as well as the parent and include the developmental needs of the child.)  The individual can analyze the different perspectives and choose the best answer or combine the needs of the different prospective to create, through critical analysis a solution that will best satisfy the needs of all concerned.

• The BIS student is also given the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test in the real world through engaging in internships that allow exploration of their knowledge gained educational experiences.

  Through this internship, they are able to apply their skills of observation, analysis, critical thinking, and both written and verbal communication skills.  (I was able to participate in an internship with Southwest Human Development in their Family Builders program, where I assessed the needs of parenting skills of families referred to the program by Child Protective Services and created individual curriculum based on the needs and then implemented the curriculum with the families.)

The BIS program was the only comprehensive program that would allow me to study my specific areas of interest, Education and Family Studies/Child Development.  I have chosen not to work specifically in a classroom and I am more interested in serving the child and their family unit.  By obtaining the BIS degree I have knowledge of what the educational system expects from the child and family as well as what the family may expect of the educational system.  The key element to all of this is the child, so child development, family studies and education mesh well together.  By having this knowledge, I am able to effectively support that key element, the child using the educational system and the family unit.