Awards and Honors

 I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allowed me to explore various subjects of interest that I could not receive from just one discipline. IDS grants me the fluidity to create new perspectives and combine my interests into new ideas that I could potentially use for my career and continuing growth of knowledge.

Originally from Jacksonville, AR, Jayden Hines moved to Brandon, MS in 2015 where she now lives. She is an ACES Ambassador at USM and her major is Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Multimedia Communications. Currently, she has a job with a small consulting business called East and Leake in Clinton, MS and she plans on continuing her education by pursuing a Masters in Digital Marketing next year. 

I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allowed me to create my own college experience and help me form a career plan based on my interest.

As someone who navigated through a wide variety of career aspirations over the course of my college experience, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity that Interdisciplinary Studies presented. This program allowed me to learn about multiple fields of study while in pursuit of discovering my genuine career aspiration of coaching volleyball. Additionally, I am confident that Interdisciplinary Studies has set me up for success as I transition into graduate school next year!

A Jayess, Mississippi native, Samuel “Cole” Powell is majoring in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Religion and Philosophy. Powell intends to pursue a graduate certificate in Instructional Technology from USM beginning Summer 2022 and has also been accepted into Delta State University’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, English Track program. 

USM’s Liberal Studies program allowed me to expand my knowledge base on subjects that were both of personal interest and professional relevance. The program’s online course offerings also provided me with the convenience and flexibility necessary to effectively balance my schooling with other responsibilities.

I chose BLS because, at the time, I was unsure about my course of study for my Bachelor's Degree. This degree was an amazing opportunity for me to learn about several different fields of study and eventually led me to my decision to pursue a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology. I could not have done this without my Liberal Studies degree allowing me to explore my interest and options that best aligned with my career goals, and for that, I will be forever thankful!

I chose Interdisciplinary Studies because it allows me to be well-rounded and knowledgeable in multiple disciplines.  It gives me a broader perspective of issues that I feel are important.  My studies have made me a better critical thinker and have enhanced my communication skills.

When I first learned I was going to USM I was a bit nervous for I had no idea what major I wanted to pursue! Luckily for me I found out about exploratory studies. Knowing that I could investigate other majors without having to commit helped me a lot with finding what I wanted to do. Thanks to exploratory studies I was truly able to find what I love to study and work towards.

Exploratory studies helped me delve into a variety of different areas of study when I was still unsure of my major.  Taking a diverse range of courses through exploratory studies made me discover my true passion for psychology, which I plan to declare as my new major.  If it wasn't for exploratory studies during my first semester of college, I never would have figured out my true calling and purpose in life which is helping others with their mental health.

I chose to do Exploratory Studies for my freshman year at USM. I was unsure what I wanted to major in, so this gave me the perfect opportunity to explore my options!

I chose Exploratory Studies for my freshmen year because I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do. I decided to get my general education curriculum classes out of the way before I narrowed my options down to one major.

I'm from Tunica, MS. I chose exploratory studies because I wanted some more time to think about my major! I have since changed my major to English

Despite her disability, Reagan has always dreamed of going to college. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies has allowed her to participate in campus life while giving her educational opportunities through the Higher Education for All program that she wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise. She enjoyed attending classes and learning about topics such as public health, stress management and living a healthy lifestyle. Reagan has benefited in many ways from the access to collegiate courses and campus life. She has enjoyed her time at USM and has made lifelong friends. 

Reagan moved to the Hattiesburg area from Jackson, MS, after finishing high school. It was her dream to attend college like her sister and her friends were doing. She has been passionate about attending the University of Southern MS because this is where her family has traditionally attended. Her sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, her grandfather and even her great grandmother attended USM. Having this experience has made her feel complete and accomplished.