ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú

When it comes to choosing college degrees, there’s no shortage of great options— fields like business, biology, and psychology remain popular for good reason. If you're looking for something a little more personalized or interdisciplinary, however, Our Lady of the Lake University (ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú) offers a range of distinctive programs that go beyond the expected, with flexible degree paths, mission-driven academic experiences, and unmatched flexibility. ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú is a place where students can align their studies with their passions, professional goals, and the communities they want to serve, all while pursuing interests that may not fit neatly into one box offered by other universities.

In order to understand why ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú is a great fit for so many students, regardless of their interests or academic path, it’s worth understanding some of the more nuanced and unconventional programs the school offers— and what makes them worth exploring. 

Individualized Studies: Build Your Degree

Not every student fits into a predefined academic mold. If you’re someone with unique career aspirations or interdisciplinary interests, ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies lets you build a degree that works for you.

Students in this program work closely with faculty to create a customized course plan that draws from multiple disciplines. It’s ideal for students returning to college, those with transfer credits, or anyone who wants to design a degree around their specific passions and professional goals. It’s flexible, but with enough structure to still provide a meaningful and rigorous college experience.

Multidisciplinary Studies: A Collaborative Approach to Learning

If you love the idea of connecting concepts across disciplines but still want the structure of a guided approach, the Multidisciplinary Studies program may be a perfect fit. This degree blends coursework from academic disciplines, including Anthropology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Sociology, in order to help students get a hands-on understanding of how these interconnected subjects interact in the real world— an invaluable skill for careers in leadership, public service, and beyond.

Bilingual Education and Biliteracy: Degrees That Serve Communities

As the U.S. becomes increasingly multilingual, particularly in states like Texas, the need for bilingual professionals continues to grow. ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú stands out as a San Antonio college by offering programs that prepare students to thrive in bilingual settings, especially in business, education, and healthcare.

The Spanish-English Biliterate Certificate Program is open to students of any major who want to improve their ability to communicate, write, and lead in both English and Spanish. It’s especially useful when paired with degrees like Social Work, Communication Disorders, or Education, where language and cultural understanding are central to the profession.

Criminology and Criminal Justice: Centering Social Justice

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s Criminology and Criminal Justice program is built on a foundation of ethics and community-based service. Unlike some programs that focus only on policing or law enforcement, this degree encourages students to think about the root causes of crime, systemic inequality, and social policy.

Graduates often go on to careers in law, corrections, public policy, or advocacy. The program also pairs well with minors or certificates in psychology, social work, or political science.

Dual and Accelerated Options

Want to save time and money while earning your degree? ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú offers multiple pathways that help students streamline their education. For example, the university has an articulation agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) for students majoring in Biology, giving qualified undergraduates an early admissions pathway to medical school.

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú also offers several online degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, allowing working adults to pursue higher education while balancing job and family responsibilities. These flexible options are key for students who can’t always attend classes on campus but still want a personalized, mission-driven learning experience.

Associate Degrees and Transfer-Friendly Options

While ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú primarily offers bachelor's and graduate programs, it also offers smooth transitions for students with some college education or associate’s degrees. Programs like the Individualized Studies track are especially transfer-friendly, letting students apply previously earned credits toward a four-year degree.

If you're currently enrolled at a community college in Texas and thinking about your next step, ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s admissions team can help you find a pathway that works with your existing credits and career goals.

Explore What Makes ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Stand Out

Choosing a major doesn’t have to mean following the crowd. Whether you're designing your degree, pursuing bilingual certification, or aligning your studies with a particular career goal moving forward, Our Lady of the Lake University offers distinctive academic options rooted in its values of service, leadership, and community.

Explore all of ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú’s academic programs and discover which of these college degrees might be the best fit for your future.