Although Gaby Ponce-Brambilla had some reservations about higher education, finding Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies program convinced her to return to college to complete an undergraduate degree.
“I had been contemplating going back to school for a while, but I was not the best student in high school,” she said. “So, I was a little scared to go back. I am also a first-generation college student.”
Ponce-Brambilla had already earned an associate degree from the College of Western Idaho, so she maximized previous credits to fast-track her way to an August 2026 graduation date from the online interdisciplinary professional studies program.
“I initially went for my undergrad in psychology along the social work path,” she said. “Looking into the interdisciplinary professional studies program, it seemed like a better fit for my life. It allowed me to stay working while taking classes and fueled my curiosity for leadership.
“It was really cool that there were so many different classes I had never heard of that aren’t offered when it comes to a traditional degree. It’s a really cool path, and I’m glad that I did it. I tested out of Spanish and psychology and ended up getting to use 24 credits toward the degree.”
Ponce-Brambilla is a registered behavior technician at Maraca Learning and Behavior Center in Boise. She also helps run a side mobile bar business, Luxe Libations, with her family. She is pursuing the Social Impact emphasis.
She earned all three of the program’s available certificates — Applied Emotional Intelligence and Well-Being, Design Thinking for Professional Purpose and Personal Fulfillment and Applied Teamwork — with the help of flexible online learning.
“I honestly don’t think I would have gone back to school or been able to achieve a degree if online wasn’t an option with having to maintain a full-time job,” she said. “I financially support myself.”
Career calling
Ponce-Brambilla was born in Washington, but she moved with her family to Idaho Falls when she was one year old. Her foray into the healthcare field was by happenstance.
“It was a random job posting,” she said. “I had no idea what it was, but I had a ton of prior experience working with kids, and I knew it was in that realm.
“I went in, interviewed and got the job. They gave me the skills and training I needed to dive into it. I fell in love with it. I’ve been doing it for about four years now.”
So far, Ponce-Brambilla’s favorite courses in the online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies curriculum are the ones within the Design Thinking for Professional Purpose and Personal Fulfillment and Applied Teamwork certificates.
“Those courses pushed me to think outside of the box and outside of myself,” she said. “In my profession, I am collaborating with families and other physicians. The courses gave me the tools to be a better leader and think.”
The information Ponce-Brambilla is learning in the online degree program is applicable to her profession.
“At my current job, I am a clinician lead, so I train a lot of new clinicians,” she said. “So, these courses have been great in helping me grow into a leader and someone who is able to effectively communicate with different communicators.”
More on the horizon
Ponce-Brambilla plans to attend commencement to celebrate becoming the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“My family and friends are excited and relieved that I went back to school,” she said. “My husband, Jün, is also very supportive.”
However, Ponce-Brambilla doesn’t plan on it being her last time to walk the graduation stage. She is eyeing enrollment in the University of Oregon’s online master’s in applied behavior analysis program in the fall.
“We use a framework for science called applied behavior analysis where I work,” she said. “We’re essentially nurses, and we have board-certified behavior analysts, like a doctor who writes treatment plans for kids who are on the spectrum to help them live a good life. That’s what I want to become.”
Ponce-Brambilla believes the interdisciplinary professional studies degree will help pave the way for her to reach her career goals.
“I have received great value from Boise State,” she said. “I am super grateful for this program and the staff. My advisors and professors have been outstanding and pushed me to be a great student. They have given me the skills and support I needed to really succeed in this program.”
Now that she is coming down the home stretch, Ponce-Brambilla believes the degree program is a good option for professionals who want to expand their career opportunities and support their personal goals, while balancing school with work, family and other life responsibilities.
“I would recommend this program to anyone who is not necessarily set on what degree they want to go for, or if they are already established in a career and want to pursue an undergraduate degree to push them professionally and beef up their resume,” she said.
“This program is so special in the sense that there are so many courses you aren’t going to get anywhere else that help you to be an outstanding person professionally and a strong leader.”
Learn more about the interdisciplinary professional studies program
Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.