What is meant by the term "Interdisciplinary Studies?"

The concept of interdisciplinary studies is used in a variety of contexts. There is no single, widely accepted definition of the term. The meaning of the concept must be derived from the context in which it is used. In the case of the BAIS program in the College of HRSM, the concept of interdisciplinarity may be played out either in a single theme such as Environmental Studies or it may refer to the juxtaposition of two or more complementary disciplinary areas of concentration such as management, psychology and government.

What type of student is best suited for the BAIS?

If higher education were evaluated strictly on its ability to educate the individual, the BAIS would be an ideal way for all undergraduates to pursue their education. However, the demands that contemporary society puts on higher education are complex. In addition to valuing education and learning for its own sake, we currently place much emphasis on professional preparation. The BAIS is more akin in spirit to a traditional liberal arts degree. Those who want a professional education are well advised to pursue a traditional profession degree. The BAIS requires that the student take an active role in the development of a program of study. Students who pursue the BAIS should possess clear academic goals and be prepared to suggest coursework that will help them reach their academic goals. Students who are undecided, who are not comfortable with assuming responsibility for their education or who really prefer another degree usually do not benefit from the educational approach offered by the BAIS.

Currently the BAIS seems best suited to the mature student, especially working adults who have very clear educational goals / who have a clear and realistic vision of the role that education may play in their life.

Students who often choose the interdisciplinary approach include:

1. Students who already have an associate degree from an accredited junior, community, or technical college.

2. Working adults who need a baccalaureate degree to gain mobility within their current profession.

3. Adults who aspire to graduate study in a particular area and who wish to structure an undergraduate degree to help them gain access to graduate study.

4. Mature students who value education for its own sake, who have clear goals, and are willing to participate in the development of a unique program of study.

What type of degree will I have when I graduate?

Upon graduation the student is awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies. It is incumbent upon the student to be able to define what the term interdisciplinary studies means in the context of the degree. Examples of the meaning student have attached to interdisciplinary studies recently have included:

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Social Science

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in pre-Law

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Management

Can I Get Into Graduate School with a BAIS?

Admission to graduate school almost certainly requires some type of undergraduate degree. Beyond that however, the issue is more the quality and potential of the student than the type of degree. BAIS graduates have gained admission to all types of graduate schools including medicine, law, education, social work, business, and the liberal arts.