Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of (B.I.S.) [University College]

This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2021-2022 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Zachary M. Hilpert, Ph.D.
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies
(804) 827-8167
zhilpert@vcu.edu

Mariah Crilley, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
mtcrilley@vcu.edu

Martha Harper
Senior adviser, students O-Z
(804) 828-1110
harperma@vcu.edu

Timothy Marker
Adviser, students F-N
(804) 828-1110
tmarker@vcu.edu

Richard Quarshie
Adviser, students A-E
(804) 828-1110
quarshier2@vcu.edu

ids.vcu.edu

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is an individualized and interdisciplinary degree for students who wish to create an individualized curriculum not available in traditional curricular pathways within existing VCU degree programs. Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program are able to design an individualized degree compatible with academic, career or personal goals.

The IDS declaration process

To apply to the IDS Program, students should:

Have learning goals that are suited to an interdisciplinary program of study
Meet with an IDS adviser
Complete the IDS application documents, including the detailed proposed curricular plan and rationale for interdisciplinary study, in consultation with their IDS adviser, and submit the application for review

Students interested in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies design their own curricula in consultation with an IDS adviser. The IDS advisers and faculty work closely with students to develop an appropriate curricular program and provide guidance on the application process. Each student’s plan must define a specific focus area that combines two or more areas of study and must define their educational goals by designing their interdisciplinary curricula from a variety of course offerings.

The proposed interdisciplinary curriculum plan will be evaluated by an IDS adviser and program administrators before final approval by the director. Each application will be evaluated based on compliance with university degree requirements as well as IDS curriculum and individualized program requirements. After admission to the IDS Program, students will follow an approved individualized curriculum plan. The finalized curriculum plan is the official record of the student’s degree requirements. This document records all transfer credits applicable to the B.I.S. degree and lists the courses required to complete the degree.

Individualized program requirements

Curriculum requirements

Course	Title	Hours
General education
Select 12 credits from general education foundations and 18 credits from areas of inquiry.		30
Major requirements ¹
UNIV 301	Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice	3
UNIV 499	BIS Senior Capstone	3
Approved relevant upper-level courses		18
Approved relevant courses, any level		15
Open electives
Select any course.		51
Total Hours		120

The individually designed interdisciplinary focus area requires a minimum of 39 semester credits, 24 of which must be upper-level credit. The focus area has to combine at least two areas of study; one way to accomplish this is to complete the requirements for two minors as designated in the Undergraduate Bulletin. All interdisciplinary studies focus areas must include the interdisciplinary theory course (UNIV 301) and the senior capstone course (UNIV 499). UNIV 301 is the pre- or corequisite for UNIV 499. Students are expected to take UNIV 499 during their final semester of study, except under special circumstances.

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.

Other requirements

The curriculum plan must also meet the following university policies and degree requirements:

At least 12 credits must be taken in the focus area after acceptance into the program.
Interdisciplinary studies majors are required to participate in assessment activities (e.g., focus groups and exit surveys) as determined by the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Assessment information is used to assist faculty in evaluating program effectiveness.
Students have a variety of credit options, including CLEP examinations, credit for formal military training and credits for certain professional certifications when they do not duplicate college course work.