Interdisciplinary Studies BIS
You career begins with an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree!
Program-at-a-Glance (Undergraduate)
Completion Time:
2-4 years
University Accreditation:
Special Requirements:
No special requirements
Learn more about this program:
Across the length of our working lives, most of us will change careers; probably more than once. An online Interdisciplinary Studies degree (BIS) from The University of Southern Mississippi provides our students with the tools needed to make sense of our fast-paced world. Our online Interdisciplinary Studies degree allows you to choose courses and concentrations from a variety of disciplines across the university, and integrate them into a unified program of study. If you have ever considered medical school, law school, a career in communications, management, the arts, the non-profit sector, or even owning your own business, this program from Southern Miss might be the perfect fit for you.
Online at Southern Miss is proud to offer this affordable interdisciplinary studies option to our students who prefer the convenience of the online delivery. Students of the online Interdisciplinary Studies program design an academic path that incorporates their interests and talents. These options include:
- A minimum of two concentrations of 18 hours approved by the Director of the School. Students may choose from a large selection of academic minors for their concentrations or create their own 18-hour concentration.
- A minimum of a single 36-hour concentration approved by Director of the School. Students may select one of our established specialty concentrations (environmental studies or disability studies), or design an individualized concentration, in consultation with an advisor, from a variety of disciplines and courses offered by USM.
Looking for more? Let Southern Miss help you achieve your career goals that include a variety of your interests. Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college.
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Written Communication
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Composition One
|
3 hrs. |
Composition Two
|
3 hrs. |
Natural Science
Select 2 courses with labs:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Biology and Society
*
|
3 hrs. |
Principles of Biological Science
*
|
3 hrs. |
Principles of Biological Science II
*
|
3 hrs. |
Chemistry and Our Environment
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Chemistry
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Chemistry II
*
|
3 hrs. |
Weather and Climate
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Physics
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Physics II
*
|
3 hrs. |
Humanities
Course | Credits |
---|---|
World Literature
|
3 hrs. |
Select 2 courses, 1 History required:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
World Civilizations: Beginnings to 1500 C.E.
|
3 hrs. |
World Civilizations: 1500 to the present
|
3 hrs. |
Introduction to Philosophy
|
3 hrs. |
Ethics and Good Living
|
3 hrs. |
Comparative Religion
|
3 hrs. |
Aesthetic Values
Select 1 course:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Art Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
Dance Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
The Enjoyment of Music
|
3 hrs. |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Select 2 courses:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
The Human Experience: A Global Perspective on Human Diversity
|
3 hrs. |
Basic Economics
|
3 hrs. |
World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth
|
3 hrs. |
American Government
|
3 hrs. |
General Psychology
|
3 hrs. |
Understanding Society: Principles of Sociology
|
3 hrs. |
Mathematics
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
3 hrs. |
College Algebra
|
3 hrs. |
Higher-level MAT course
|
3 hrs. |
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Select one course:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Advanced Composition
|
3 hrs. |
Technical Writing
|
3 hrs. |
Organizational Communication
|
3 hrs. |
ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites
Speaking Intensive Requirement
Select 1 course:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Oral Communication
|
3 hrs. |
Interpersonal Communication
|
3 hrs. |
Professional Communication
|
3 hrs. |
Small-Group Communication
|
3 hrs. |
Capstone Requirement
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Integrative Capstone Experience
|
3 hrs. |
Must be taken Senior Year, ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites
Major Area of Study Requirements
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Topics in Interdisciplinary Studes
|
6 hrs. |
Integrative Research Methods and Design
|
3 hrs. |
Integrative Capstone Experience
|
3 hrs. |
Additional Requirements
Select 1 option:
a. a minimum of two concentrations of 18 hours approved by the Director of the School.
b. a minimum of a single 36 hour concentration approved by Director of the School.
For a list of available concentrations, please visit our Programs page or contact the school to speak to an advisor.
Electives
Choose electives as needed.
Additional Note
Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other classes that aren’t listed may count towards your degree once your transcript has been evaluated and posted.
No, online students pay resident tuition. For information about pricing, click here.
If yes, visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We’re here to help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions and even enrolling in courses.
Please visit our programs page here: https://online.usm.edu/programs/ .
To find pricing information, click here. For financial aid information, click here. For detailed tuition information, click here.
Additional course fees may apply. Fees range between $20-$60.
If you still have questions, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!
Admission Requirements
Core requirements include
- 4 credits of English
- 3 credits of mathematics
- 3 credits of sciences
- 3 credits of social studies
- 2 credits of advanced electives
- ½ credit of computer applications
If you don’t meet the above core requirements, you may still be considered for admission to the summer developmental program through an interview and screening.
If you have an ACT sub-score of 16 and below in reading and English, you’ll be required to enroll in English 099 your first semester. If you have an ACT Math sub-score 20 and below, you must enroll in Math 099 your first semester.
If you are a transfer student, you can bring up to 62 credit hours community colleges and/or 4 year institutions and take 62 more credits hours from Southern Miss. More specific information regarding freshman and transfer student requirements can be found here.
Use the following link to begin the application process: https://apps.usm.edu/admissions/ugapp/
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
Apply Now!