Program Overview

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree (B.I.S.) provides a flexible, individualized program of study for the self-directed adult learner. Each student develops the area of study with faculty advisement. Oversight of the B.I.S. degree is the responsibility of the Interdisciplinary Studies committee, composed of faculty from Arts and Sciences (Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences), Business, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts and Communication, and Nursing. The Interdisciplinary Studies Committee will be convened and supported by the Office of the Provost.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for the B.I.S. degree must complete an application for admission to the program. The Interdisciplinary Studies Committee approves applications. Approved programs of study are well-designed, coherent, structured to meet the student's unique educational goals, and not readily available under any other UMSL degree program. Students must have demonstrated the equivalent of academic proficiency required for any other undergraduate degree at UMSL.

Degree Requirements

• General Education Requirements: Students must complete the university's general education requirements.
• Area of Study: In consultation with faculty and staff advisers, students will carry out an area of study of at least 36 advanced semester hours of graded credit that meets their educational goals. Graded credit consists of degree credit courses in which the student received a letter grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-.
  • The area of study should contribute to an advanced level of academic competence and achievement.
• Hour and Grade Requirements:
  • The degree requires completion of 120 semester hours with a 2.0 campus grade point average overall and in the area of study.
  • No more than 15 hours may be taken in one department.
  • At least 45 hours must be earned in courses beyond the introductory level.
  • A minimum of 24 hours of graded credit must be completed in residence, of which 18 hours must be in the area of study and completed after admission to the B.I.S. program.
  • Each candidate must be in residence for 24 of the last 30 hours of graded credit (exclusive of courses taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis).

Supervised Professional or Service Internship and Independent Research

Credit not exceeding 6 hours may be earned for department-approved professional internship, service internship, or independent research. The projects or activities must be formulated by the student and carried out under the supervision of a faculty member with the approval of the adviser. Students must submit a written report approved by the supervisor upon completion of the projects or activities.