Interdisciplinary Studies, BIS

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The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree is primarily intended for students wishing to create an innovative program of study that meets their individual goals and integrates coursework from across the university. Students may select courses from any academic department, subject to prerequisites and policies set by the individual departments. Students plan a unique and challenging academic program in cooperation with an Interdisciplinary Studies faculty mentor and academic adviser.

Admission Criteria

Students applying to the Interdisciplinary Studies program are first admitted to Pre-Interdisciplinary Studies status. Students will be granted major standing upon approval of their Plan of Study and Rationale by the Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty Admissions Committee. Only with major standing can students begin taking proposed courses on their Plan of Study. Academic Advising is integral for completion of the BIS degree.

Students changing their major to BIS must meet the program requirements described in the catalog at the time of the change, or those described in a subsequent catalog. Catalog requirements must not be more than six years old at the time of graduation. BIS cannot be used for a double major but can be pursued as a dual degree or a post bachelor’s degree program.

Associate degree holders can transfer up to 88 semester credits from accredited institutions.

Schedule of Classes

Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree

After achieving major standing, BIS requirements include the following:

Successfully complete at least 28 credits with a minimum grade of C in each course from an approved Plan of Study at Oakland University
Complete all General Education Requirements .
Complete a minimum of 120 semester credits.
Complete 32 credits at the 3000 or 4000 levels.
Complete 32 credits at Oakland University.
Complete BIS 3000 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and BIS 4930 - Interdisciplinary Research .

BIS - Wayne Law and Detroit Mercy Law Agreements

This 3 + 3 arrangement allows students with BIS major standing to complete their undergraduate degrees with three years of study at OU and one year at Wayne State University Law School or Detroit Mercy Law School. Both Law Schools require a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits for admission and a 3.4 (Wayne) or 3.5 (UDM) minimum grade point average based on their first 60 credits. Holistic acceptance relies heavily on LSAT scores and undergraduate grade point averages. Once admitted and the first year of law school is successfully completed, students transfer their Law school courses (30 credits) back to OU towards the fulfillment of their BIS degree requirements. To finish the BIS degree, students need to successfully complete the BIS introduction and capstone courses at Oakland University, BIS 3000 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and BIS 4930 - Interdisciplinary Research .

Transfer friendly program

The Interdisciplinary Studies program allows students to combine courses from the university curriculum with associate degrees from Michigan community colleges or university credits from 4- year institutions. The three-plus-one program provides for transfer of up to 88 semester credits from accredited institutions. It is suggested that students transferring from community colleges complete all general education requirements through the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) as part of their 88-credit program. Students with associate degrees in any area may qualify for maximum transfer credits. Students transferring from 4-year institutions should speak with an adviser regarding general education requirements.

For students to maximize transfer credits, courses accepted must have a grade of (C-) or above and taken at accredited institutions. Certain developmental courses may be subject to individual evaluation. For additional information, see Transfer Information.

Fast Track

Fast Track programs are geared toward adult learners, but open to any student, with the goal of maintaining full time student status while taking courses that are accelerated, and fully online. This method allows students to remain scholarship and financial aid eligibility.

Leadership Track (with Human Resource Development minor): created for those interested in growing their leadership capabilities for application in the community, businesses, and other organizations with an interest in human resource development.

Concentrations or minors

BIS students may wish to develop programs that include concentrations or minors offered by other academic schools or departments within the university. Approximately 65 minors and concentrations are available to Interdisciplinary Studies students; a complete listing is available in the undergraduate catalog Program list under, “Non degree.”

Students should consult with an Interdisciplinary Studies adviser to determine policies and procedures on seeking minors or concentrations.

Conciliar honors

Conciliar honors are awarded to qualified Interdisciplinary Studies students. Students who have a cumulative grade-point average of a 3.60 or better automatically receive conciliar honors. Students may be nominated for honors if they have a cumulative grade-point average between 3.30 and 3.59; students may nominate themselves or be nominated by a faculty mentor or professional advisor. Consideration is given for excellence in scholarship, community and university experience and overcoming considerable adversity.