The University of Mount Olive is launching a new bachelor’s degree program—Liberal/Interdisciplinary Studies — offering students a way to strengthen their communication and critical-thinking skills and gain an insightful worldview, according to a UMO press release. The school also has a new sign for the Washington campus, one that shows the recent name change from Mount Olive College to the University of Mount Olive.

According to a UMO press release, the 126-semester hour degree program will be offered through the School of Arts and Sciences.

In the release, Dr. David Hines, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Mount Olive, said the degree program is for the student who knows what he or she wants to do and cannot find a traditional program to fit that need.

The degree breaks down the barriers between humanities and social sciences, providing students a broad educational foundation that will be required in 21^st century careers, Hines said in the release.

Lita Ward, director of the Washington campus of UMO, said the university is trying to be more innovative and trying to broaden and expand its reach to every adult possible.

“We have had inquiries about a more liberal or more advanced degree in this particular area,” Ward said. “With this, students will be taking courses such as philosophy, art, religion, sociology, psychology and criminal justice. It’s more geared towards a student who may be looking for something a little more analytical. It’s a very diverse degree.”

Ward said the she wants students interested in enrolling in the program to contact the university for more information. Students can start taking general education courses to prepare them to major in the new program. Ward said she is excited about the diversity of the degree as well as helping students who may be interested.

“One of the real challenges in higher education is preparing students for jobs that do not currently exist,” Hines said. “Technology is exploding. A narrowly focused curriculum will not equip students with the skills to adapt to a changing work environment. Regardless of the specifics of future careers, there will be no substitute for the ability to think creatively and critically, the skill to work collaboratively and the knack for effective communication.”

The new degree program core will foster these skills and students’ education in social and physical sciences, history, literature and religion, according to the release.

For more information about the liberal studies/interdisciplinary studies degree program, contact the UMO Washington campus at 252-940-0146 or visit the campus at 4525 U.S. Hwy 264 West in Washington.