Program Details

Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is an individualized and interdisciplinary degree for students who wish to create an individualized curriculum not available in traditional curricular pathways within existing VCU degree programs. Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program are able to design an individualized degree compatible with academic, career or personal goals. Selected pathways are available online. The IDS declaration process To declare the interdisciplinary studies major, students should: Have learning goals that are suited to an interdisciplinary program of study Meet with an IDS adviser Complete the IDS application documents, including the proposed curricular plan and rationale for interdisciplinary study, in consultation with their IDS adviser, and submit the application for review Students interested in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies design their own curricula in consultation with an IDS adviser. The IDS advisers and faculty work closely with students to develop an appropriate curricular program and provide guidance on the application process. Each student’s plan must define a specific focus area that combines two or more areas of study and must define their educational goals by designing their interdisciplinary curricula from a variety of course offerings. The proposed interdisciplinary curriculum plan will be evaluated by an IDS adviser and program administrators before final approval by the director. Each application will be evaluated based on compliance with university degree requirements as well as IDS curriculum and individualized program requirements. After admission to the IDS Program, students will follow an approved individualized curriculum plan. The finalized curriculum plan is the official record of the student’s degree requirements. This document records all transfer credits applicable to the B.I.S. degree and lists the courses required to complete the degree. Students who complete the requirements for this degree will receive a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Outcomes

The individually designed interdisciplinary focus area requires a minimum of 39 semester credits, 24 of which must be upper-level credit. The focus area has to combine at least two areas of study; one way to accomplish this is to complete the requirements for two minors as designated in the Undergraduate Bulletin. All interdisciplinary studies focus areas must include the interdisciplinary theory course (IDST 301) and the senior capstone course (IDST 499). IDST 301 is the pre- or corequisite for IDST 499. Students are expected to take IDST 499 during their final semester of study, except under special circumstances. The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120. The curriculum plan must also meet the following university policies and degree requirements: At least 12 credits must be taken in the focus area after acceptance into the program. Interdisciplinary studies majors are required to participate in assessment activities (e.g., focus groups and exit surveys) as determined by the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Assessment information is used to assist faculty in evaluating program effectiveness. Students have a variety of credit options, including CLEP examinations, credit for formal military training and credits for certain professional certifications when they do not duplicate college course work. Students who complete the requirements for this degree will receive a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	In IDS, students create an individualized path to graduation that is aligned with their unique personal goals, interests and passions. You will work with an advisor and faculty to craft a plan of study, and explore the intersections between multiple subject areas. in your final semester, the capstone course (IDST 499) will provide you the opportunity to put together a project that addresses your individualized field.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Work with your IDS advisor to select courses that allow you to explore relevant subjects and topics. In addition to completing your general education coursework, the first two years in the IDS program are all about discovery and narrowing your focus. Your advisor can help guide you toward relevant classes, and work with you to determine when it is time to sign up for the program's first upper-level interdisciplinary skill-building course, IDST 301: Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Commonwealth University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree	Students who choose the Interdisciplinary Studies program have a wide range of academic interests; our individualized program allows each student to work with an adviser to create a unique curricular pathway toward the BIS degree. The individualized fields students create are as varied as the students themselves, but designed to advance your knowledge in subjects that are not wholly available in any single traditional major. To do so, many students combine multiple minors, certificates, and/or unique learning opportunities to build their individualized paths.
Program Successes & Highlights	All IDS students build highly individualized capstone projects in their final semester, with the goal of displaying their unique fields for potential employers or graduate schools. The flexible nature of the IDS program also allows students to build individualizable and expedient paths to graduation that present opportunities for both specialization and shorter times to degree completion.

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Richard Bland College	GAA	Transfer Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University and Richard Bland College
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. VCU has also developed transfer maps for the following pathways to Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS): Reynolds Community College Associate of Applied Science in Accounting to IDS Accounting Applications Brightpoint Community College Associate of Applied Science in Web Design to IDS Entrepreneurial Design Associate of Applied Science in Human Services from any VCCS institution to IDS Human Services Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from any VCCS institution to IDS Legal Studies Reynolds Community College Associate of Applied Science in American Sign Language/English Interpretation to IDS Policy and Entrepreneurship for American Sign Language-English Interpreters
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. VCU has also developed transfer maps for the following pathways to Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS): Reynolds Community College Associate of Applied Science in Accounting to IDS Accounting Applications Brightpoint Community College Associate of Applied Science in Web Design to IDS Entrepreneurial Design Associate of Applied Science in Human Services from any VCCS institution to IDS Human Services Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from any VCCS institution to IDS Legal Studies Reynolds Community College Associate of Applied Science in American Sign Language/English Interpretation to IDS Policy and Entrepreneurship for American Sign Language-English Interpreters
Credit for Prior Learning	VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service.
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Commonwealth University

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

1902

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C..
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate in Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	General Studies, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community College	Liberal Arts, A.A.	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts & Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Online
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
25-1062.00	Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Commonwealth University These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$6,600	Per Semester	$52,800	$0	$52,800	Every credit above 14 credits in a semester is charged at half price ($230 per credit for credits 15 and above; credits 1 -14 are charged the full rate)
Fees
University Fee	$1,341	Per Semester	$10,728	0	$10,728
Technology Fee	$158	Per Semester	$1,264	0	$1,264
Library Fee	$44	Per Semester	$352	0	$352
Student Activity Fee	$45	Per Semester	$360	0	$360	MCV Campus students pay a flat rate of $18
Academic Support Services Fee	$50	Per Semester	$400	0	$400
Health Fee	$123	Per Semester	$984	0	$984
Program Fee	$45	Per Semester	$360	0	$360
Transition Fee	$150	Per Semester	$1,200	0	$1,200	New undergraduate transfer students will be charged the Student Transition Fee in their first semester to cover Orientation. The Transition Fee for new First-Year Students is $225 and will be assessed in the first semester.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Potential Additional Fees
- Additional fees may include on-campus housing, meal plan, parking, technology, and program- and course-specific fees.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.