The Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDPs) are expanding their offerings with the launch of two new interdisciplinary certificates this spring: Smart Cities and Patients, Practitioners & Cultures of Care.
Knowledge about complex subjects doesn’t fit neatly into just one major or minor. That’s where the BDPs come into play. The programs weave together interdisciplinary coursework with internships and research to create a broader and richer understanding of many issues, better-preparing students for a future in a rapidly changing world.
As part of the Smart Cities certificate, students will learn how new technologies can be used to improve the quality of life in urban settings by focusing on common technologies, smart cities models, and ethical and policy challenges.
“Cities are the arenas where knowledge, innovation, and creativity happen. Nowadays, more than four billion people live in cities, and by 2050, more than two-thirds of the world’s population will live in an urban environment,” said Junfeng Jiao, associate professor in the Community and Regional Planning program, director of the Urban Information Lab at the School of Architecture, and chair of the faculty panel for the new certificate.
With the launch of Patients, Practitioners & Cultures of Care, participants will build a deeper understanding of the health care system and patient experience. The program encourages students across the various health professions to work collaboratively. Students going into medicine, for example, will develop an understanding of how social work, nursing, health communication, and other professions can work together for the good of patients.
“The Patients, Practitioners & Cultures of Care certificate will be useful to any future leader who wants to contribute to a new and better system in the United States,” said Stephen Sonnenberg, professor in the Dell Medical School and Steve Hicks School of Social Work, and chair of the faculty panel for the new certificate.
As with all the BDP certificates, Smart Cities and Patients, Practitioners & Cultures of Care will include internships and research projects as part of the curriculum. “Experiential learning is important to all the certificates,” said Jeanette Herman, director of the BDPs. “The combination of coursework across disciplines and meaningful hands-on learning prepare students to become the next generation of leaders in their respective fields.”
