Bachelor of Arts - Online

UI&U’s Bachelor of Arts Program offers an exciting alternative in the world of online learning. In Virtual Vermont, you participate in a 12-day virtual residency where you view faculty and graduate presentations, participate in study exploration sessions, and much more. The best thing is, it’s asynchronous, so you can sign on when it’s convenient for you!  The Bachelor of Arts Program offers three terms per year.  Click for more information about the new trimester system.

Make it Your Own

Study what interests you! In the UI&U B.A. program, you work with faculty to design a personalized study plan in your discipline. For example, study Writing & Literature through memoir writing, or conduct a study on 21st century poets. Or approach Environmental Studies by exploring toxicity issues in your own community, or explore Education by examining your local school system. The possibilities are endless! That’s why at UI&U, we consider your educational experience a journey.

Areas of Concentration

• Arts
• Education studies
• Environmental studies
• Historical, social, and cultural studies
• Psychology and human development
• Religion, spirituality, and holistic studies
• Thematic studies
• Women's studies/gender studies
• Writing and literature
• Teacher Licensure Program (low-residency only)

Your Degree

The strength of a liberal arts education is that you get to dig beneath the surface of your study. You learn not only the how but the why. A liberal arts education strengthens lasting skills, such as writing, critical thinking, thoughtful, reflective reading, and the ability to learn independently.

For these reasons the UI&U Bachelor of Arts degree is especially attractive to graduate schools and employers. The Virtual Vermont option will ensure that you are broadly and generously educated. The degree criteria are satisfied through study projects and seminars, appropriate learning from approved transfer credit, and carefully evaluated advanced standing options.

Developing Your Term Study Plan

Study exploration sessions are at the heart of the study planning process. You will discuss your ideas in small groups, each composed of one faculty member and several other learners. You will be encouraged to ask yourself questions such as “What are my real passions?” and “How might I aim towards a new career?” or “What will prepare me to be a writer?” Learners and faculty work together to develop ideas, because everyone has a unique perspective he or she can bring to each subject. You will create a bibliography and a focus for each of your monthly packets. While you develop your study plan, you will also begin to consider which faculty with whom you might work.

Technology Requirement

Being able to adapt to new learning environments and technology and having a positive attitude about new learning experiences will help you take full advantage of the online environment. All UI&U learners are required to have the basic technology skills and resources. To help students reach proficiency, our Instructional Technology department is available to assist all learners with acquiring and using technology effectively. There will be an orientation to all the technology Resources and web services at the beginning of your Virtual Vermont online residency.

College Life in Cyberspace

The Virtual Vermont term begins with a 12-day online residency experience that introduces you to faculty, other learners and the structure of the BA program. It is at this online residency that you create, with your faculty mentor, the individualized study plan which you’ll undertake (except Spring/Summer Term). This study plan takes the place of traditional classes.

Your learning community is established during the online residency through chat rooms, threaded discussion groups, online presentations, and more. Following the residency, you will have regular contact with your faculty mentor as you submit your work and engage in rigorous dialogue around your academic subject. Each term ends with a 3-day virtual follow-up residency, where you have the opportunity to reconnect with your peers and faculty. Throughout your program you’ll have access to all student services, including financial aid, the library, and technical and academic support.

Click for more information about the Bachelor of Arts Program.