The Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDPs) at The University of Texas at Austin allow undergraduates to earn a certificate in one of 17 different concentration areas. The BDP concentrations represent areas of innovative faculty research, teaching, and collaboration at UT. Each program is guided by a cross-college panel of faculty members whose research relates to the BDP topic. The chair of each faculty panel also serves on the BDP Steering Committee, which provides oversight for the BDPs as a whole.
After completing 18-20 credit hours of coursework, research, and internship experiences, students earn a certificate demonstrating a secondary area of specialization that complements the major. By studying an issue from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, they become more flexible, versatile thinkers, prepared for a professional world that values collaboration and innovation. Students in the BDPs also gain access to unique research and internship experiences at UT and around the world, giving them hands-on experience applying what they have learned in the classroom.
Formed in 2002 by the Provost’s Office, the Bridging Disciplines Programs are a part of Undergraduate College.