Harding University

May 1, 2009

New interdisciplinary studies offered at Harding University

SEARCY, Ark.—Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, students will be
able to design their own interdisciplinary programs of study through
the Honors College, creating unique majors such as public health,
African studies or classics.

Chris Cochran, a senior accounting and finance major from Searcy,
proposed the change as part of his honors capstone project. After
three years at Harding, Cochran needed only six hours to finish his
degrees. He decided to use his final year to take courses across
campus outside his department.

Cochran was surprised by the way that courses in calculus, Spanish,
science and literary criticism overlapped. They initially seemed
unrelated but came together to create a unique opportunity for
academic discovery and holistic development. Cochran wished to offer a
similar opportunity to future students.

Under a special majors clause in the current catalog, students have
long been able to design their own programs. However, Cochran noted in
his capstone presentation that these students lack advisors and the
academic community that comes with being connected to a single
department.

The Honors College will fill those voids for students designing their
own majors. Dr. Jeffrey Hopper, dean of the College, says, “We'll do
all that we can to help students find their academic and professional
voices.”

The Honors College will directly supervise the program under the
office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It will be a
chance for students to excel in an independently chosen field of
study. There are already two or three students who are developing
their custom degree plans,” says Hopper.

One interdisciplinary option that may soon become a permanent addition
to the curriculum is international development. Dr. Bryan Burks, dean
of the College of Business Administration, has been working with Dr.
Monte Cox, dean of the College of Bible and Religion, to develop the
new major.

“Economic development is an excellent way for us to use our business
talents to further God’s kingdom,” says Burks. Instead of requiring
new course offerings, the new major would simply assemble existing
courses from many departments across campus.

Dr. David Bronkema, director of international development programs at
Eastern University in St. Davids, Penn., visited Harding to discuss
international development on April 23. A large, attentive crowd
questioned him about connections between evangelism and development.
Cox said, “Many of our students are exploring ministry opportunities
in international development, so it was great to have a guest on
campus with Dr. Bronkema's expertise and experience.”