Program Overview
Introduction to the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program
The Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program at George Mason University is an undergraduate degree completion program designed for adult students. It offers a distinctive educational opportunity that allows students to integrate previous experiences into university coursework. The program recognizes that college-level learning may be acquired through varied professional, military, and personal experiences, providing mechanisms for translating experiential learning into academic credit.
Program Overview
The BIS program combines an interdisciplinary academic framework and a writing-intensive, research-based curriculum to provide students with individualized degree plans. Most students design their own individualized interdisciplinary program of study, while others may pursue a more prescribed curriculum leading to a concentration in education studies.
Admissions
To be considered for the BIS program, students must attend an information session. Adult transfer applicants aged 22 or older may be considered with a minimum of 12 credits of transferable college coursework and a cumulative collegiate grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
Policies
Students pursuing a BIS degree must meet the baccalaureate degree requirements for all undergraduates, completing 120 credits with 45 credits at or above the 300 level and at least 30 credits at Mason. BIS concentration titles must not duplicate existing George Mason programs.
Credit for Nontraditional Modes of Learning
The BIS program allows students to receive college credit for learning acquired through nontraditional methods, including:
- Nationally recognized exam programs, with a maximum of 45 credits
- University-approved industry, government, or military training credits, with a maximum of 45 credits
- Experiential learning demonstrated by portfolios, with a maximum of 30 credits
- College-level credit earned at accredited institutions, with a maximum of 30 credits
Degree Requirements
The BIS program requires a minimum of 120 credits, including:
- Three required courses: BIS 300, BIS 301, and BIS 390
- One concentration, with a minimum of 18 credits, at least 15 credits of which must be at the 300 level or above
- A modified Mason Core program of 36 credits
- Additional electives to bring the degree total to 120 credits
Concentrations
The BIS program offers two concentrations:
- Individualized Concentration (IND): Students create an individualized concentration to meet their academic needs and interests.
- Concentration in Education Studies (ESTU): This concentration is designed for students holding a Northern Virginia Community College associate's degree in applied science in early childhood development.
Mason Core
BIS students complete a modified Mason Core program, which includes:
- English Composition
- Humanities
- Social and Behavioral Science
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Information Technology
- Natural Science
- Synthesis Course
Accelerated Master's Programs
The BIS program offers an accelerated master's option in Telecommunications, allowing highly qualified students to obtain both a BIS and an MS in Telecommunications.
Program Outcomes
The BIS program aims to:
- Enable students to create an interdisciplinary concentration of study focused on their professional and personal needs.
- Provide students with a foundation of knowledge from research-based academic study within their chosen concentration.
- Develop students' research, critical analysis, and academic writing skills to create a senior capstone interdisciplinary research project.
Related Programs
Related programs at George Mason University include:
- Childhood Studies Minor
- Conservation Studies Minor
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA
- Human Development and Family Science Minor
- Human Development and Family Science, BA
- Integrative Studies, BA
- Integrative Studies, BS
- Leadership Minor
- Nonprofit Studies Minor
- Social Justice and Human Rights Minor
- Well-Being Minor