PDF of Catalog Section for Download
The Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree Program
The BIS program (formerly Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)) is designed to utilize university resources in developing a personalized, challenging plan of study. Interdisciplinary in nature, the student is required to develop a thorough understanding of integrating two or more disciplines into a meaningful program leading to advancement into the professional world or to graduate study. While requiring substantial investment on the part of the student, the program places a high priority on academic advising. Each student will work closely with an assigned advisor from the introductory course through to the Senior Seminar.
BIS students will make formal application upon entering the program. During their first semester, they will enroll inBIS2003 or 3003/Introduction to Integrated Studies. As part of that course, the student will develop a Statement of Purpose which will act as a guide for the plan of study. Until successfully completing this course, all students in the program will be considered conditionally admitted.
In developing the plan of study, students are reminded that at least 42 hours must be taken at the junior and/or senior level. A maximum of seven hours of “D” will be accepted in the LAC and elective area, but a grade of “C” or better is required in all other areas.
Degree Requirements:
|
Liberal Arts Core |
45 |
|
Critical Thinking/ Technology (Student must take minimum of one course from each area) |
12 |
|
BIS2003 or 3003/ Introduction to Integrated Studies |
3 |
|
BIS4003/ Senior Seminar (Note BIS2003/3003 may not be taken with BIS4003) |
3 |
|
Electives |
12 |
Program Options: Choose one
Option 1: Emphasis Area coursework from either 2 areas split 45
30 credits/15 credits or 3 areas of 15 credits each
Aviation
Business
Education A (EDE/EDU/EDM/SPE)
Education B (HPE/HPR/ATP)
English/Foreign Language/Philosophy
Family and Consumer Sciences Fine Arts (no more than 3 areas)
Mathematics and Computer Science
Military Science
Recreation
Sociology/Psychology
Sciences
Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary (Courses to be selected by student and advisor, with approval of advisor. Maximum of 15 hours in Interdisciplinary studies.)
Option 2: Coursework in two or more disciplines from among or across the categories
listed below.
NOTE: students should limit their study to no more than 2 disciplines
from each of two categories. 45
Natural Sciences:
Biological Sciences (Biology/Botany, Zoology)
Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Physics)
Mathematics
Social Sciences:
Anthropology
Economics
Geography
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Humanities:
Art/Art History History
Literature and Language
Music and Music Education
Philosophy
Applied Fields:
Aviation
Business
Communication
Mass Media
Criminal Justice
Computer Science
Education
Physical Education
Recreation
Engineering
Family and Consumer Sciences
Human Services
Military Science
Option 3:
Coursework representing at least 2 disciplines arranged thematically
(NOTE: A Proposal will be developed by the student with the assistance
of the advisor and approved by the Director) 45
Total Hours 120
ISD2003/3003: Introduction to Integrated Studies (3 credits)
ISD2003/3003 introduces the student to the concept of integrated studies and guides him/her through the process of developing a degree plan based on areas of interest. One of the requirements for this online course is the development of a statement of purpose, which will articulate the student’s reason for majoring in integrated studies and, in turn, guide in the development of the degree plan. Students will also develop an e-portfolio, and (if taking this course at the 3000 level), a capstone project. The student will be considered a conditionally admitted major until successful completion of this course.
ISD4033: Senior Seminar in Integrated Studies (3 credits)
ISD4033 is the capstone course for the IS degree. It is usually taken during the final semester before graduation. ISD2003/3003 is a prerequisite. ISD4033 may not be taken concurrently with ISD2003/3003. This on-line course will guide students through the final stages of the capstone project, help them complete the e-portfolio, and help them prepare for graduation. As part of the capstone project, students will present a public defense, adjudicated by a faculty committee that is selected by students based on certain guidelines.