Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS) degree is designed to offer highly motivated and self-directed students the opportunity to design their own major. As an alternative to traditional majors, the program allows students to pursue their educational goals in areas not available within existing departmental curricula. With the help of a faculty sponsor, students select courses on the basis of a unifying issue, topic, theme, culture, period, or question which is considered the thematic study. Approved thematic courses must be interdisciplinary in nature, pull from at least two fields or disciplines, and may not duplicate an existing major. Courses may be chosen from any of the departments within the University.

Experiential learning is strongly encouraged. Students may seek national exchange and study abroad opportunities, internships, and independent studies as part of their thematic coursework. Each student’s program of study is developed with the advice and approval of both the student’s chosen faculty sponsor and a BSIS advisor. Students seeking a minor must use classes independently of those used in an area of emphasis. Students seeking a double major concurrently with their Interdisciplinary Studies degree or students who have completed a degree and are returning to complete a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies may only apply their general education courses toward an additional second program of study.