The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on Wednesday approved Gordon State College's request to add a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies degree to its list of baccalaureate degrees offered.

The program - which will feature classes offered both in a classroom setting and online - supports the Complete College Georgia initiative. It is especially beneficial to adult learners returning to the classroom to complete a degree for career advancement or job placement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top three industries expected to provide approximately 38 percent of new jobs to the middle Georgia area will be in production occupations, office and administrative support, and sales. Each of these areas will require a baccalaureate degree as the expected minimum credential for employment and advancement.

"We are excited to be able to meet the needs of our students - both traditional and adult learners returning to the classroom - as well as the regional work force," said Humanities Department Head Dr. Ed Whitelock, who will direct the new program.

This brings to 12 the number of baccalaureat degrees offered by Gordon State College.