Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S.

The BIS major requires students integrate two or more specific disciplines into a customized program of study, which is then linked together by a common core of classes designed to help students synthesize and communicate the relevance of the integration. Specific numbers of credits are prescribed in each of the disciplines used for the program of study and course substitution is not allowed within the common core. The BIS degree has a program coordinator who works with students to get approval for proposed programs of study.

Graduates from this degree program cannot be approved for state certification as a teacher.

General Education Core

See General Education

Core Course Requirements 16-17 credits
Knowledge Areas Requirements 16 credits

University Requirements

NOTE: As of 7/12/2019, students pursuing this bachelor’s degree are no longer required to complete the Experiential Education Requirement courses for graduation.

Experiential Education Requirement - EDGE Program (1-3 Credits)

The EDGE Program contributes to a high-caliber education by allowing students a formal opportunity to create and reflect on their own hands-on learning experience. Required for completion of a Bachelors Degree.

Complete One Track:

Original Project Track (3 Credits)

Students create a project of their own design

UNIV 1010 - EDGE Program Introduction 1 credits Students transferring with more than 60 credits may waive this requirement if they complete the “EDGE Fast Track” online training.
UNIV 3925 - EDGE Project Proposal: [Engagement Center] 1 credits
UNIV 4925 - EDGE Program Completion: [Engagement Center] 1 credits

Select Project Track (2 Credits)

Students select a project from the designated list

UNIV 1010 - EDGE Program Introduction 1 credits Students transferring with more than 60 credits may waive this requirement if they complete the “EDGE Fast Track” online training.
UNIV 4930 - EDGE Select Track Completion: [Engagement Center] 1 credits

Major Requirements

The BIS major requires students to integrate two or more specific disciplines into a customized program of study, which is then linked together by a common core of classes designed to help students synthesize and communicate the relevance of the integration. BIS majors must complete a minimum of 50 credits in the program, 8 of which comprise the common core. Course substitution is not allowed within the common core. The other 42 credits will be drawn from various SUU courses, depending on the student’s needs and in consultation with the Program Director. A total of 30 upper-division credits must be within the BIS program of study. The BIS degree is housed in University College.

PLEASE NOTE: Graduates from this degree program cannot be approved for state certification as a teacher.

BIS Core (Foundation core) 8 Credits

UNIV 1020 - Strategies for Success 2 credits
* UNIV 4010 - Contemporary Issues 3 credits
* UNIV 4020 - Interdisciplinary Seminar 3 credits
(*Capstone course for the major)

Electives (34-37 credits)

To graduate, students will need an additional 34-37 credits. Please consult with an academic advisor and the program coordinator to determine how these credits can best be completed to complement the student’s area of interest.

Total Credits, B.I.S. degree: 120

Additional Information

No grade below a “C-” will be accepted for credit toward the major.

One BIS option in the Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Science has received formal approval. (See Agricultural Science and Industry, B.I.S. )

Other degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies may be generated in other disciplines. Contact appropriate Dean for information.