Applied Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S. (Pending Final Approval)

The Applied Interdisciplinary Studies program is a reduced credit major primarily intended for adult learners who have previously earned credits at an institution of higher education. AIS students will 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 that includes a minor or an undergraduate certificate in cooperation with an Interdisciplinary Studies academic adviser.

Schedule of Classes

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

Admission

Students applying to the Applied Interdisciplinary Studies program are first admitted to Pre-Applied Interdisciplinary Studies status. Students will be granted major standing (and have their major changed to Applied Interdisciplinary Studies) 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 AIS major.

Additionally, only students who meet the following criteria will be considered for major standing in AIS:

1. Students must have earned prior college credit at a regionally-accredited institution of higher education, including Oakland University, a community college, or other college or university (AP and IB credits do not count for this admission requirement, but will count towards overall credits and degree requirements).
2. Students must been away from any college or university for a minimum of 2 years.
3. Students must have at least two years of work experience (such experience will be evaluated by the Faculty Council for Interdisciplinary Studies).

Students changing their major to AIS 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. AIS cannot be used for a double major but can be pursued as a dual degree or a post bachelor’s degree program.

Students can apply up to 60 semester credits from accredited institutions. Students can apply up to 60 semester transfer credits from accredited institutions to their AIS plan of study. Transfer coursework from technical or applied programs requires an associate’s degree. Associate’s or bachelor’s degree holders with transfer credits that are usually non-transferable can have their coursework considered for transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements for the Applied Interdisciplinary Studies program

Plan of Study Requirement

Students must complete an approved Plan of Study, which includes:

At least 30 credits with a minimum C grade in each course
Completion of an undergraduate Minor or Certificate
BIS 3000 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (4)
BIS 4930 - Interdisciplinary Research (4)

Additional AIS Requirements

Students must also meet the following requirements:

Complete a minimum of 90 total credits
Complete all General Education requirements
Satisfy the university residency requirement
Satisfy the university upper level credit requirement

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.