Indiana University East will soon add three new baccalaureate programs to its online degree completion portfolio. The degree programs bring a total of 10 available options for students who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree online.

A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science have been approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana University Board of Trustees to begin in fall 2012.

The degree completion programs will be available to students who have completed general education requirements. However, a student may elect to pursue the degree program of their choice even if this is not the case, and a faculty advisor will develop a customized plan of study for the student to complete the degree requirements.

The B.S. in Mathematics, offered through the School of Natural Science and Mathematics, begins with common core courses, which include calculus, and a selection of courses in fundamental disciplines within mathematics. Students supplement this core with electives of their choice. This flexibility allows students to prepare for a career in actuarial sciences, in teaching, or for graduate school.

“One of the strengths of our new program is its flexibility and the earning potential for its graduates,” said Markus Pomper, chair of the Mathematics Department. “Students may complete this degree in two years or less and do so mostly from their personal or laptop computers, at home or at work, while still taking advantage of all the services available on the campus.”

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is offering the B.S. in Psychology and the B.S. in Political Science. Both are a 60-hour degree completion program.

The B.S. in Psychology has the same learning objectives and outcomes as the on-campus program, and will be assessed according to the plan for that program. Courses will be developed to be equivalent in scope and demands, adjusted for the limits and strengths of the online learning environment. Students who complete this degree program will be prepared for employment in mental health fields, social services, business, administration, human resources management, market research, and areas where the ability to understand and work well with people is required. The program also prepares students for graduate work in research, counseling, social work and occupational therapy.

The B.S. in Political Science allows students to complete a number of courses related to a variety of topics and emphases within political science. This degree prepares students for professional careers in local and state government, legal professions, secondary and higher education, international areas of study and work, and other arenas requiring an understanding of government and the ability to work well with people in that context.

“We are pleased to be able to offer these new online degree completion programs for our students,” said Katherine Frank, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “These new academic programs allow our students engaging learning opportunities in popular and high-demand disciplines and create new and exciting teaching opportunities for faculty as well.”