I am a proud non-traditional graduating student of Coppin State University. When I returned to the classroom after many years, I went through the gamut of emotions--anxiety, stress and great joy were just a few. I returned to school with the goal of matriculating through the Bachelor of Science program, no matter what it took. I was determined to succeed! I aspired to be a case manager in the human services field.

Initially, my plan was to obtain a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) degree with a minor in psychology, just as my sister had done. I chose those two disciplines because I was tired of working a job. I wanted a career that was meaningful and where I could work at assisting those in need and less fortunate. However, due to the required 3-day a week field placement , I found myself pondering over changing directions, because I could not afford to work part-time to satisfy the requirement.

I spoke with some of the helpful faculty and was told that Coppin now had an Interdisciplinary Studies Program and all the classes I had taken were not in vain. I was elated to say the least.

I sat down with my advisor, Ms. Tondelaya Blackstone, who is amazing! She walked me through the process; and today, I am proud to say, I am an Interdisciplinary graduating student at Coppin State University. My social work and psychology tracks will be the foundations for my career in Human Services. My aspirations will be fulfilled.

The faculty and staff, especially Ms. Velma Muhammad, who keeps me on my toes at Coppin State University, have nurtured my potential and transformed my life. I just want to thank you all!!

Interdisciplinary Studies and Its Effect on Me

As a freshman, almost sophomore, I transferred to Coppin State University. At Coppin, I began my undergraduate career with an undecided major, then a Sports Medicine major. After finding no success in either of those fields, a colleague of mine, who was in the same major as I, began to discuss the possibility of changing majors. This major she began to introduce to me was a major that was a major with restrictions, yet more freedom than others. “You can study two different subject areas and combine them to fit what you want to do,” she told me. I sat and I thought –“Maybe this major is the one for me.” So I asked her, “What is the name of this major?” She told me, “Interdisciplinary Studies.”

I have now been in the Interdisciplinary Studies program since September 11, 2008. Since that date my life has became more structured and I am honestly enjoying my studies a lot more. Interdisciplinary Studies (also known as the IDST program) has done many things for me: For example, it has changed my perception of school involvement and shaped me as an overall person. Before joining this program and meeting the staff involved in it, I did not want to be active in the university besides going to classes, completing my work, and going home. Now I am proud to say that when the time permits itself, I am an active Student Ambassador. As a student ambassador, I attend open houses and any school- related activities. At these activities my responsibilities are to greet visitors and answer any questions that they ask. I also explain the IDST program from a student’s point of view. The IDST program has opened many doors in education for me. My concentrations are Biology and Health Education. I also plan to use my electives to study chemistry. With my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, I plan to go to medical school and become an obstetrician.

IDST has also changed me as a person. This program has paved the way for a new way of thinking. In this case, most people believe that to become an obstetrician you have to major in Biology or Chemistry, which is not completely true. I can achieve this same goal with an IDST bachelor’s degree. I can have my two concentrations in biology and chemistry and learn the same information. I am now open to the possibilities of different alternatives to reaching the same goal. I am honored to be in the Interdisciplinary Studies major program. I believe that this major is for anyone who cannot choose one particular field of study or who has interest in more than one field which can lead to his or her ultimate career.

I was a 1958 high school graduate. In the intervening years, before I entered Coppin State University in 2003, I touched on many professions: clinical laboratory technician, bank teller, tutor, dressmaker, cook, waitress, car salesperson, postal worker, singer, pianist, cashier, real estate agent, and the list goes on. Moreover, I traveled to seven countries and I lived abroad for seven years in Ghana, West Africa.

When I enrolled in Coppin, I thought that I wanted to be in the media, especially since I had dabbled in that industry when I was on a weekly radio broadcast out of Washington, D.C. with John Raye of the Majestic Eagles. However, my hopes were dashed when I discovered that the major that I was pursuing was being discontinued in my junior year. That was when I was rescued.

During a summer program for pre-college students, where I worked as a reading tutor at Coppin, I was privileged to hear Ms. Tondelaya Blackstone present the Interdisciplinary Studies Program to those students; but I was the one that she was really speaking to. As soon as I found time, I went to her to investigate my possibilities of entering that program.

Fortunately, I had two strong areas—English and Art. Ms. Blackstone skillfully guided me into the program. As a result, I changed my major and worked to produce my needed credits to satisfy the requirements. I worked at two internships—one at the Eubie Blake Jazz and Cultural Center, and the other at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, under the guidance of Professor Linda Day-Clark.

Also, under the direct supervision of Dr. Roger Stritmatter in the Humanities Department, I was encouraged to become a tutor and his technical assistant to teach the MyWritingLab software program to freshman English composition students. This job fulfilled my desire to ensure that students of Coppin State University have the necessary reading and writing skills to function successfully in the world at large. However, approaching graduation, I realized that I needed a real, fulltime position in order to properly support myself. That was when I was rescued for the second time.

I noticed that the office of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department no longer had anyone at the front desk. I inquired about the position, and Ms. Blackstone said that the job was not yet available. I waited until the job was posted by Human Resources, and I applied for it. Because of the great appreciation I showed for the program, plus my qualifications, Ms. Blackstone opened the door of opportunity for me. I thoroughly enjoy my position as Administrative Assistant to Ms. Blackstone, who is pursuing her doctorate degree. I am encouraged by her efforts, so much so, that I have just applied to Coppin State University’s master’s program in Human Services, with a concentration in Conflict Resolution.

I am further encouraged by the sterling example that I see coming from Dean Beverly J. O’Bryant. She and her executive assistant, Mrs. Cynthia Cotton, have exhibited excellence on a daily basis. I continue to be in awe of them. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention Professor Juanita Gilliam, Professor Shirley Thomas, Professor Louis Henderson, Professor Amini Courts, Professor Garey Hyatt, Professor Blessing Diala-Ogamba, Professor Arthur Alcott, Professor Jacob Adeyeye, and many others on the faculty and staff of Coppin State University who, wholeheartedly, supported my efforts.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program has allowed me the luxury of using all of my acquired knowledge to bring my life experiences, coupled with my formal education, to bring substantive balance to a fantastic career. I shall be forever grateful for this wonderful gift.

I was a student that seemed to have interest in a variety of subjects: I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of people-- I knew I wanted to be business- oriented-- and I knew that I wanted to be financially successful. It took me a while to find a major that would suit me as an individual, sustain my attention, and keep me motivated toward completing my degree without being constantly discouraged.

When researching the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, I instantly became excited. I knew that I could take courses that specifically fit my interest as a student and prepare me for the workforce. I found support and encouragement in the students, staff and instructors along with the education base that I needed to compete in my field. My concentrations were in Social Science and Management Science; I decided that I would pursue a career in Human Resources; however, I felt that my choice would not fulfill my need to make a difference in the lives of people.

I am currently a Case Manager working hand –in- hand with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services in the efforts of assisting individuals with their transition from welfare to work. The Interdisciplinary Studies Program at Coppin State University has equipped me with the tools and knowledge that I need when servicing my clients, identifying barriers and changing the lives of the Baltimore City welfare population.

James Dennis graduated on May 17, 2009; however, he almost did not make it. He was previously hungry, homeless, and plagued with some of life’s most brutal challenges. Dennis says that he grew up getting into trouble, but he knew that he had to make a change.

Fourteen years ago, he grew tired of his non-productive lifestyle, and he enrolled in the Baltimore City Community College as a Social Work major. After many false starts, he eventually enrolled in Coppin State University in 2001. He majored in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Social work and Psychology. The day after he graduated, May 18, 2009, Dennis applied for a job as a child care worker and was hired two days later.

Dennis realized that he could do so much more with his baccalaureate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies that he then applied for a position as a caseworker for the Department of Social Services. He was hired on October 16, 2009, at an $8,000 increase in salary. In addition, he was put at the top of the hiring list after a personal referral. Dennis was designated as a “best qualified applicant”. We salute Dennis, because he persevered. His is ultimate success!

Greetings! My name is Margaret Moore. I am thankful to God that I will be graduating on May 18, 2008! After twenty years, I enrolled as a student at Coppin. A very special person, (VMH-L) coaxed me into returning to school. Once I began, I had to continue.

My major is Interdisciplinary Studies. My concentrations are Education and Psychology. While Education is my passion, I also enjoy studying Psychology. Psychology has assisted me in learning more about myself, as well as, learning more about others. I am a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Education and Psi Chi, the honor society for Psychology.

While attending Coppin in the evenings, I worked at Reginald F. Lewis High School of Business and Law. I have been employed by Baltimore City Public Schools for the past 19 years.. I have assisted special and regular education students on the elementary, middle and high school levels.

My experiences and studies at Coppin have been rewarding. I have had the opportunity of meeting excellent professors, wonderful Coppin staff and interesting fellow students. It has been my pleasure to attend Coppin State University. I applaud those who diligently work to make Coppin State University what it is!

I look forward to my future career!

Hello, my name is David Coleman and I am a spring 2007 graduate in Interdisciplinary Studies at Coppin State University. My two concentrations were Psychology and Early Childhood Education. This major has helped me land a job working as an Investigative Research Analyst at SRA International, a company listed in Forbes Top 100 companies. I plan on pursuing my degree further by going back to school to receive my master’s degree in psychology. My experience at Coppin was both a good and bad but the Interdisciplinary Studies program more than made up for what was lacking in my experience. The love and support that I received every time I walked into the Interdisciplinary Studies office was overwhelming. Graduating with my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies enabled me to get a promotion at my present job as one of the newest trainers. So I would truly like to thank Ms. Blackstone and the staff in her office for the wonderful work that they do everyday to help our students.

My name is Lisa Wiggins and I am presently a Fraud Investigator. I had four of my close friends tell me over the years to go back to Coppin to complete my degree. There were two reasons I was told to go back, “I will need it and I will want it’. Well they were absolutely correct when they told me I will need it but most of all I want it.

The Interdisciplinary Studies program at Coppin State University gave me the opportunity to design my own program according to my goals when I graduate. My concentrations are Business Administration and Criminal Justice and the Interdisciplinary Studies program will provide me with the opportunity to gain knowledge in both disciplines and the combination of the two will make me much more marketable in the corporate world.

Pamela Henderson a graduate student at Coppin encouraged me to go back to school. I took Ms. Henderson to Coppin to register for school in 2006 and she was aware that I attended Coppin but didn’t complete my degree. She harassed me the entire ride to school. She said “You should come back and finish your education” and here I am soon to graduate with a baccalaureate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Dear Ms. Blackstone,

As a graduate of Coppin State University’s Interdisciplinary Studies program I understand the true meaning of being multi-disciplined. While attending Coppin State my concentrations were social work and psychology. I am also a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Since graduation I have been blessed to work in the field of substance abuse. I get to use all three of my disciplines while working: nursing, psychology and social work. The Interdisciplinary Studies program showed me how I could take those disciplines that I embrace and make them work as a career. Since I like all of my disciplines it was difficult to choose one particular arena. How glad I was to learn that I can use all three of them in nursing. Now I feel complete, because I am on the right path. I am so very happy. Presently, I am working toward bridging over to a RN (registered nurse). My plan is to continue to grow in all 3 of my disciplines. Sometimes we think Interdisciplinary Studies is an easy way out of college, but nurture the advice of your IDST counselors who can show how to make Interdisciplinary Studies work for you. Sometimes we do not understand our destiny and in my case it took IDST to show me how my dreams can become my reality. My change has come and I have arrived. Kudos to the Interdisciplinary Studies program, good job guys!

Sincerely,
Tina Hargrove, LPN, BS
Dated: 8/27/2009

I am a graduate of Coppin. My concentrations were education and psychology. I am presently working as a Help Desk Specialist. I have been promoted to the professional unit on my job. I work directly with the public. My psychology concentration provides me with the skills to keep coherent to warning signs that may cause a consumer to become irate. I am now able to adjust the manner in which I deal with the public to enhance the most favorable outcome possible. Thanks to Coppin for an excellent program that enabled me the flexibility to concentrate in two different discipline areas.

Greeting to all, my Name is Ovan Shortt and I am a final semester senior at Coppin State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies. My two concentrations are Social Work and Psychology. I am also a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. Being a student at Coppin State has allowed me to gain real world experience that closely relates to my field of study and concentration areas. Coppin is located in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland which gives me first hand knowledge of the troubles that plague our inner city youth and our communities. Being a member of my Fraternal organization has strengthen my courage to go out and take a stand and address the problems of our homeless, poverty stricken and starving communities. The knowledge that I have acquired from my program of study here at Coppin has pushed me to want to give back to this great institution and community once I am financially capable. Presently, I am assisting in the development of the University the in best way that can through several programs.

On September 16, 2006 I took on a major responsibility in helping with the development of the Coppin Academy High school and assisting the students that reside here on campus. Many people had mixed emotions about the students, some saw them as an eye sore or just a problem waiting to happen.

However, I and a colleague of mine saw children who needed to be guided and mentored in their every day dealing with school and the inner city or as they call it ‘the streets’. We added support of Iota Phi Theta and began an after school mentoring and tutoring program to assist in the learning process of these children. The fact that we were the first organization in the Pan-Hellenic counsel to take on a active role we decided to take it one step further and coordinate a step team. As a current member of the National step team for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc I felt very capable to lead and run this after school program. Coppin and my field of study have placed me in a strategic position to positively impact the lives of many people both young and old. I strongly feel that if it were not for the Interdisciplinary Studies program, rigorous academics, support of faculty and the administration here at Coppin I would not be the man that I am today.

Hello, my name is Nicole Butler and I am a Summer 07 graduate in Interdisciplinary Studies from Coppin State University. My experience at Coppin was very different from any other student because I am originally from the Midwest. The environmental and academic setting changed once I began my degree at an HBCU. While I attended Coppin I involved myself with a sorority, student activities, and activities within my major, Interdisciplinary Studies. My two concentrations were Psychology and Rehabilitation Service. I combined both of the concentrations to build on my educational background for Public Health. I graduated with honors and on the Dean's list for the last two semesters. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at Towson University. I will graduate with a Master's of Health Science in Community Health. The Interdisciplinary Studies program has helped my shape my academic and personal goals in order to stay focused on my path.

Hello, my name is Margaret Armstrong and I am a final semester senior at Coppin State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies. My two concentrations are Psychology and Social Work. I chose my concentrations so that I could have a variety of choices when pursuing a graduate degree. I came to Coppin as a social work major but my heart was always in psychology. After speaking with other students I was introduced to Interdisciplinary Studies. I could not believe that this field would allow me to keep both of my majors and to graduate sooner than I originally planned.

Although, I found the degree that fit, I was still puzzled about my future. I am currently working in the criminal justice field and could not figure out what area I wanted to pursue. I had the pleasure of taking the Interdisciplinary Capstone class (IDST 499) that took me through the journey of life. The class helped me to explore my career. It showed me the path that I took and how it all came together to help me achieve my ultimate goal which is to open my own business as a private investigator. In January I will be attending graduate school pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice/Administration and Security.

I want to take a moment to thank Coppin State University for a wonderful experience. I am a non-traditional student. I wanted to join an organization but due to the conflict with my employment unfortunately I could not. I want to encourage all individuals to at least inquire about a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies as this degree allows you to be in control of your education and it puts you on the right path to become self-sufficient and independent.

My name is Alonzo Moreland and I’m a spring 2007 graduate candidate majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies. My concentrations are English and Social Science. I’m what you call a nontraditional student; being a husband, father and career police officer of 16 years.

I chose to major to Interdisciplinary Studies because I saw the value of having a major where I had some control over the type of classes that I took. My concentrations were tailored to my career and interests in public service, writing, and business. The Interdisciplinary Studies major was also a great alternative for me compared to being a double major because with a family, work, and other interests, there was no way I could spare the extra time needed to pursue dual majors. Equally important to me is that the Interdisciplinary studies department, from the director down, knows whom I am and has been totally available anytime I needed them.

An added benefit to the major is the Capstone course, which helps students discover and explore our varied skills and interests and to navigate the many career opportunities available to us. This course helped me decide to enroll in a Masters of Management program to help further elevate my career beyond my current mid-management level and continue to build my skill set for my next career.