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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 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 Faculty Council for Interdisciplinary Studies. 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.
The BIS degree is very transfer friendly. This program can accept applied studies and typically non-transferrable credits with an associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
Schedule of Classes
Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree
- 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 .
- Satisfy the university’s Upper-level Credit Requirement.
- Satisfy the university’s Residency Requirement.
- Complete a minimum of 120 semester credits.
- Complete BIS 3000 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and BIS 4930 - Interdisciplinary Research .
BIS Combined Degree Programs:
Highly motivated students may wish to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees or their bachelor’s degree and a graduate certificate through one of the following combined programs:
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A., Combined B.I.S./M.A.
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Counseling, M.A., Combined B.I.S./M.A.
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Public Administration, MPA, Combined B.I.S./MPA (Pending Final Approval)
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Court Administration, Graduate Certificate, Combined B.I.S./Graduate Certificate
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Criminal Justice Leadership, Graduate Certificate, Combined B.I.S./Graduate Certificate (Pending Final Approval)
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Health Care Administration, Graduate Certificate, Combined B.I.S./Graduate Certificate (Pending Final Approval)
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Local Government Management, Graduate Certificate, Combined B.I.S./Graduate Certificate (Pending Final Approval)
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S./Nonprofit Organization and Management, Graduate Certificate, Combined B.I.S./Graduate Certificate (Pending Final Approval)
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 (DML) 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 .
Fast Track
Fast Track programs are 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 plans of study that include concentrations or minors offered by other academic schools or departments within the university. 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 3.30 or better automatically receive conciliar honors.
List of Courses