Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, B.I.S.

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Return to: 3470 Department of Political Science

Program Coordinator: Laura Hastings (lhastings@gsu.edu), Political Science

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) with a concentration in Arts and Sciences. The program offers students an avenue to prepare academically to provide leadership on societal problems that increasingly reflect the need for cross-collegiate and cross-disciplinary insights and collaboration. Looking at issues from interdisciplinary lenses is increasingly important and encourages nimble and responsive approaches problem solving. This is an online program; on-campus options are available.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Academic advisement for all students (Juniors and Seniors) in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Arts and Sciences is provided through the college’s Office of Academic Assistance.

Program Admission

This BIS program is designed for students who meet the following criteria:

Students who have earned 60 or more hours of coursework
Students who wish to change their major to this degree will consult with their academic advisor to review eligibility
Students will submit a written questionnaire provided by their academic advisor demonstrating their interest in the program
Students will develop a course plan in consultation with their academic advisor

Program Degree Requirements

Students must complete coursework in at least three academic disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area G.

In addition to the Program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see section 3030) and the University Degree Requirements (see section 1400).

In selecting courses for this program, students are responsible for completing any required prerequisites.

Internship experiences may be undertaken only after completing at least 15 hours of credit in the concentration area.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Area G to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See section 1460 for additional information.)

Area F: Courses Appropriate to the Major (18 Hours)

In consultation with your advisor and the program faculty director, select courses from the following disciplinary areas to complete 18 hours in Area F. Courses in this area should be prerequisites for upper-level courses counting toward Area G coursework. The College of Arts & Sciences encourages students pursuing the Arts & Sciences concentration complete a world language at the 1000 level or higher. 

Select 1000-2000 level courses to complete 18 hours in this area selected from the following areas:

Social Sciences, Humanities, or Policy
Health Sciences
Business
Education
STEM/Sciences

Area G: Major Courses (30 Hours)

Research/Analytic/Writing Skills (3 Hours)

INDS 3000 - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research-CTW 3 Credit Hours

Experiential Learning/Capstone (3-9 Hours)

A minimum of 3 credit hours of designated capstone course must be completed as part of the degree program.

INDS 4000 - Capstone Seminar 3 Credit Hours
INDS 4500 - Internship 3 Credit Hours
Approved GSU Study Abroad (3-9)

Additional credit hours of experiential learning may be counted in other relevant areas of the degree program pending approval by your academic advisor.

Area G Electives (24 Hours)

In consultation with your advisor and the program faculty director, will complete up to 24 semester hours of related courses at the 3000 or above level in at least three academic disciplines (defined by course prefixes).

Minor and/or Additional Electives

Students can take a minor, although it is not required
Additional courses not in the major or minor must be taken as electives to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

This unit offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the program coordinator for additional information.