Interdisciplinary studies
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies provides opportunities for students to combine disciplines in unique ways. Students can apply for a nontraditional, individualized and interdisciplinary course of study by designing their own curriculum.
University College
The University College offers an individualized B.I.S. program for students who already have some college credits, and who wish to create an individualized curriculum not available in traditional majors. With advising, students in this undergraduate program are able to design a degree compatible with their academic, career and personal interests. Some students pursue the B.I.S. degree to increase their chances for advancement in their jobs; some realize that the degree will provide personal or job satisfaction; and others want to design a program that will help them change careers. Regardless of the need, each student must define a specific focus area that combines two or more disciplines.
Admission requirements
To be eligible to apply to the individualized B.I.S. program offered by the University College, prospective students must:
- Attend one orientation session.
- Complete a supplemental application, curriculum plan and goal statement.
- Have a goal that cannot be met by another degree program at VCU.
- Have a minimum of 30 semester hours of college-level work.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Degree requirements
An individualized B.I.S. program requires 120 semester hours, 45 of which must be upper-level (300-400) courses; 21 must be VCU courses.
Requirements include 15 hours of communicating; three hours of ethics; six hours in quantity and form (must be algebra or its equivalent); four hours of a lab science; two hours in the arts; three hours in humanities and interdependence; three hours in social sciences; three hours in culture; a 36-hour interdisciplinary focus area that will be defined with the help of an advisor; and a maximum of 46 hours of elective transfer credit. No more than 63 credits from accredited two-year colleges may apply toward a B.I.S. degree.
The flexibility of the B.I.S. program enables students to make maximum use of transfer credits compatible with university policy. Courses transferable to any of the schools at VCU are eligible for transfer toward the individualized B.I.S. degree. Some community college professional/technical credit, which is not otherwise transferable, may transfer. Credit options also include CLEP, credit for formal military training and some professional and allied health certifications.
Additional information
For more information about the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, contact:
Virginia Commonwealth University
University College
Linda Spinelli
P.O. Box 842002
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2002
Phone: (804) 827-8648
Fax: (804) 827-4511
College of Humanities and Sciences
Emergency medical sciences and administration
For information on the EMSA program, refer to the recommended courses for health sciences programs.
Liberal studies concentration for early and elementary education
For students planning careers in early or elementary education, the appropriate major choice for freshmen is the liberal studies for early and elementary education concentration in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program.
The concentration requires a minimum of 120 credits within a highly structured, pre-professional program that combines with the Extended Teacher Preparation Program in the School of Education, and results in the Master of Teaching degree. The curriculum is carefully articulated to provide interdisciplinary course work and in-school learning experiences. Students in this concentration also will benefit from belonging to a community of learners. A number of general education courses are either required or recommended as electives to prepare for the core curriculum of advanced courses in the concentration as well as the Extended Teacher Preparation Program. Required course work represents the four core content areas (English and communication, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences), as well as pre-service education courses.
Additional information
For more information about the liberal studies concentration for early and elementary education, contact:Virginia Commonwealth University
College of Humanities and Sciences
Charles-Maryse Daniel
P.O. Box 842507
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2507
Phone: (804) 827-8648
Fax: (804) 828-2171
