Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider the BIS degree program?

The BIS degree program is designed to meet the needs of the adult learner. Part-time study, evening courses, excellent faculty, a challenging curriculum, individual faculty advising, small class size, affordable tuition, and a U.Va. degree – these are just some of the reasons why students enroll in the BIS program. In addition, our students have access to resources at the University of Virginia that include extensive audio-visual library collections, career counseling and job search support, recreational and fitness facilities, individual e-mail accounts and internet support.

What degree will I earn?

Students enrolled in the BIS program earn a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Virginia. This interdisciplinary degree draws upon an adult student's maturity and experience to study topics from a cross-disciplinary perspective with special emphasis on critical thinking and analysis. The BIS degree is one of several undergraduate degrees awarded by U.Va., and graduates of the BIS program are entitled to the same privileges and opportunities available to all students who have earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia.

Will I fit in with other BIS students?

Yes. You will find that the BIS community is diverse and supportive. There is no “typical” BIS student. They come in all ages and live in Charlottesville, Richmond, the Shenandoah Valley, the Tidewater area, Northern Virginia, and surrounding counties. They are just as likely to be married as to be single and typically work full-time outside the home in diverse fields such as computer programming, fiscal management, library science, nursing, office administration, education, consulting and food service. Our students find support from their faculty and peers as they meet the challenges of balancing the demands of family, work, and school.

Where and when are BIS classes held?

BIS classes are taught at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, at Tidewater Community College, and also at Northern Virginia Community College.  In the fall and spring semesters, each BIS course normally meets one night per week. The summer session is more compressed with classes meeting on both evenings and weekends. Students are required to take a minimum of one class per term.

How large are BIS classes?

BIS is committed to maintaining classes small enough for students to consult with faculty about class work on an individual basis and to participate fully in class discussions and presentations. Many BIS classes have fewer than 20 students.

May BIS students enroll in daytime courses offered by other schools at U.Va., such as the College of Arts and Sciences?

Yes. BIS students normally complete their degree requirements by taking BIS courses. However, they may be granted permission to enroll in courses in another school of the University and have those credits count toward the BIS degree. Please consult the BIS staff for details regarding the limit of non-BIS U.Va. courses that can be applied toward the degree. Because classes may be full or restricted to students from a particular school, BIS students may not be able to enroll in every course requested.

Once I’m enrolled in the program, how will I know how to plan my academic program?

Each BIS student is assigned a faculty advisor who meets with the student before spring, summer, and fall registration to discuss course selection for the upcoming terms. Students also are encouraged to contact their advisors at any other time for assistance with their academic program. An on-line degree audit tool called VISTAA allows students to check their progress toward degree requirements at any time.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

The rate at which you can complete the program depends entirely on how many courses you can reasonably manage each year. For example, students who can complete three courses every term (fall, spring, and summer) will finish in two years and one term; students who take two classes each term will need three years and one term to complete the degree. Ultimately, students have up to seven years to complete the requirements for graduation. While students are expected to take a minimum of one class per term they typically take two classes per semester. Those who wish to take a heavier load are subject to requisite academic standing and advisor approval.

Can I apply to the BIS program if I already have a bachelor’s degree?

The BIS program is open only to students who have not earned a first bachelor’s degree. If you are thinking of changing fields and therefore are considering a second undergraduate degree, we would encourage you to explore graduate school options as an alternative. To complete courses required for admission to a graduate program, you can enroll in U.Va. courses on a non-degree-seeking basis through the Community Scholar Program at the School of Continuing & Professional Studies.

Does BIS award transfer credit for life/work experience or CLEP examinations?

The University of Virginia does not participate in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the College Proficiency Exam, or the USAFI and DANTES programs of the United States Military Forces, nor does it award transfer credit for life/work experience. U.Va. does accept up to 12 transferable credits of foreign language course work from the Defense Language Institute.

Are my credits too old to transfer? What if I have quarter credits?

The BIS program has no age limit for transfer of credits with one exception: the program does not accept computer application and programming courses that are more than five years old. However, students who can demonstrate that they have kept up with developments in computer applications through recent work experience and/or additional training may petition to have courses older than five years transfer to fulfill admission requirements. Quarter credits are accepted for admission through a conversion process. Generally, the transfer policy is to assign two-thirds of the quarter credit for transfer. For example, a course that earned three quarter credits will be assigned two semester credits. A course cannot be awarded more credits by transfer than were earned originally.

Should I wait until I have 60 credits to make an appointment with an admissions counselor?

No. Although prospective students often have not completed all of the admission requirements when they first inquire about the program, we encourage them to make an appointment with a BIS admissions counselor. During that meeting, students can discuss their academic and personal goals and how the BIS program can enable them to reach those goals. The counselor also will review transcripts to make a preliminary evaluation of transfer credits, recommend additional courses to fulfill the admissions requirements, and help students map out a plan for completing those courses. BIS counselors will continue to assist students with course selection and the admission process as they prepare to enter the program. This service is part of the individual support BIS students receive both before and after enrolling in the BIS program.

How do I schedule an appointment to talk about admission to the program?

Please call 434-982-5274 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. You will be connected with an admission counselor who will schedule an appointment at your convenience to discuss the program and review your transcripts.

When is the application deadline?

The BIS program accepts qualified candidates two times each calendar year for programs in Charlottesville and Tidewater. The fall deadline is July 1 and the spring deadline is November 1. All prospective students are required to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor as part of the application process.

Is financial aid available to BIS students?

Yes. BIS applicants who are seeking financial aid need to submit the UVa Undergraduate Financial Aid Application to the UVa Student Financial Services Office (the form is also included in the application package). In addition, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Staff at Student Financial Services can assist students with the financial aid application process. Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester to be eligible for financial aid. Visit the U.Va. Student Financial Services Financial Aid website for additional information.

What other financial support options are available to BIS students, in addition to federal financial aid?

The University of Virginia Community Credit Union has created a lifelong learning loan with a competitive interest rate for adults interested in continuing their education. You do not have to be a U.Va. employee to be eligible for this loan. Contact the Credit Union at 434.964.2000 and ask to speak with a loan officer for more information. Many local employers offer some type of tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees who wish to complete their undergraduate degree. Check with your supervisor or human resources officer. For an annual fee, the University offers an interest-free 10-month installment payment plan through the University's current vendor, Tuition Management Systems.

I work at U.Va. Is there any type of tuition assistance for employees?

Yes. Full- and part-time employees who have completed one year of benefits-eligible service may apply for centrally-funded education benefits for eligible, approved education, subject to other terms and conditions of the Education Benefits Program. These employees include classified and university staff as well as faculty. Employees should also check to see if their department has any additional professional development funds available. For more details, you may speak with a BIS admissions representative or Employee Career Services.

What happens if circumstances prevent me from enrolling in classes for the semester?

Students who are on-track for completing the requirements of their first four terms of enrollment and for graduation may request a Leave of Absence for a semester. In these circumstances, a student must consult with his/her faculty advisor to discuss the situation before notifying the BIS staff. Students who wish to take a second consecutive term off must seek permission from the BIS Director. Due to the cycle of course offerings, an absence from the program may delay a student’s intended graduation date.

Do BIS students participate in the traditional U.Va. graduation ceremony held on the Lawn in May?

Yes. BIS students participate along side the graduates from the other nine schools at the University in Final Exercises.