Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) provides a flexible, individualized program of study for the self-directed learner. It is intended for students who have unique educational goals that cannot be met by any other degree program.

Program Overview

The BIS degree enables a student to combine courses from at least three different disciplines, taken at the intermediate or advanced level. This allows students to study a subject from multiple academic perspectives, such as Gender Studies, including History, English, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Sociology, and/or Social Work. Alternatively, students can combine courses for a specific career goal, such as leadership or non-profit management.

Program Requirements

• The BIS requires the student to define a personalized Area of Study of at least 36 credit hours, no more than 15 hours of which can be in one department.
  • All courses in the Area of Study must be at the 2000-level or above.
  • 18 credits must be earned at UM-St. Louis after the student is admitted to the BIS program.
• Up to six hours may be taken as faculty-supervised professional internship, research internship, or community service, which must be approved by the faculty member in advance.

Admission Criteria

• Students must have a campus grade point average of 2.0 or above to be admitted to the BIS.

Program Structure

The BIS degree program is developed by the student, with advising by faculty and a professional Student Services Coordinator. It is open to all students, including those enrolled in the Pierre Laclede Honors College. Some BIS degree programs may be completed entirely with evening courses. Students may also receive credit for professional internships, research internships, or community service, under the supervision of a UMSL faculty member.