Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree is designed for adults who seek a flexible program that enables them to complete their undergraduate degree while balancing work and family commitments. Rooted in the UVA liberal arts tradition, the BIS degree offers a broad interdisciplinary education that prepares students to advance in their current jobs, transition to a new career, or pursue graduate studies. Regardless of their area of concentration, BIS students strengthen highly desirable skills in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, team work, analytical reasoning, and time management. Students choose a concentration from options in business, technology, healthcare management, and the liberal arts.

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Students enter BIS having completed up to 60 credits transferable to UVA. A total of 120 semester credits are required for the degree; at least 60 credits must be completed in UVA course work. Our pre-admission advising team is ready to answer questions, provide feedback based upon a preliminary review of transcripts, and help recommend strategies for a strong application.

On average, working BIS students take two courses per semester and complete the degree in about three years to four years. However, the degree offers flexibility to those whose lives permit them to handle a heavier course load and complete the degree more quickly. Ultimately, we care about student success and are happy to discuss individual circumstances. 

When you graduate from SCPS, you'll be a part of the UVA community for life. 

Hear more from our BIS faculty, students and alumni:

Key Takeaways

• Start dates in August and January
• Transfer up to 60 credits into UVA
• Undergraduate study designed around the lives and schedules of working adults
• Online courses from established faculty
• Individualized academic advising

How it Works

This program is developed to be flexible. Our instructors understand adult learners are balancing many demands. Classes are held primarily synchronously online in the evening so you can ask questions, dig deeper, and develop long-lasting relationship with your classmates and instructors.

On average, students take two courses per term, including the summer, and take about three to four years to complete the degree. Depending on your unique situation, you may able to finish sooner or choose to move more slowly. Students are allowed take up to seven years.

What You Will Learn

• The BIS degree program offers concentrations in Art and Society, Business, Cybersecurity Analysis, Cloud Solutions and Operations, Early Childhood, Healthcare Management, History and Politics, Public Safety Management, Information Technology, Liberal Arts, Psychology and Writing. With permission of the BIS director, a student may also propose an individualized concentration.
• Students enroll in a required series of Liberal Studies Seminars and Conduct of Inquiry Seminars, supplemented by elective courses that complement academic, personal and professional goals.
• Students also conduct independent research for a two-semester Capstone Project, with guidance and support from a faculty member.
• Learn more about the BIS Curriculum and Student Success Resources

Tuition & Fees

• Estimated cost: $499 tuition per credit hour and $10 fees per credit hour, or $30,540 for 60 credits. Students pay per course, per semester.
• Pay the same tuition rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
• This program is eligible for Active Duty Military Rate of $250 per credit hour
• Students have access to financial aid, scholarships and payment plans
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates are adjusted annually.

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

BIS students may be eligible for both institutional and department scholarships, including:

• Dean’s Scholarship
• Dean’s Retention Scholarship
• Enslaved Ancestors Scholarship
• Osher Reentry Scholarship
• Charlottesville Scholarship Program
• Tobacco Region Loan Forgiveness Program

A critical first step is for all students to apply for financial aid. This ensures you are being considered for all possible aid, including scholarships and grants. 

For more information about scholarships, please contact Donna Jennings, 434.982.5246 or scps-scholarships@virginia.edu.

Admission Requirements & Deadlines

Deadline Information

• To begin in the fall (August): application must be submitted by May 15
• To begin in the spring (January): application must be submitted by November 1

Admission Requirements

Students are eligible to apply who have attained:

• A high school diploma, or equivalent
• 36 Transferable Credit Hours: A minimum of 36 transferable credits (C or better), to include:
  • English composition (your college’s full sequence)
  • At least 12 transferable credits applicable toward the general education requirements for the BIS degree.
• 2.0 GPA: A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 from the institution attended most recently and good academic and social standing at that institution
• Academic, Social & Financial Standing at UVA: Good academic, social, and financial standing at UVA if previously enrolled.

Additional Information:

• Prerequisites for the business and psychology concentrations may be completed within the BIS curriculum as degree electives after admission; however, the prerequisites should be satisfied before students enroll in required concentration courses.   
• A maximum of 60 transferable credits from outside (non-UVA) institutions and test credits may be applied toward the BIS degree. Students who have previously attended UVA may be able to apply prior UVA credits toward BIS degree requirements and should submit a pre-admission advising form to understand the applicability of those prior credits.
• SCPS typically begins reviewing applications for Fall admission in mid-February and Spring admission in mid-September. Applications will be reviewed only once all required materials have been received; please check the application status page to ensure that all materials are in. Once SCPS begins its review, applicants usually hear within two weeks of the time their file is complete.

Guaranteed Admission Agreements

Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with Virginia Community College System

Under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), applicants who have completed 60 transferable credits and an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts & Sciences degree from a VCCS college, with 45 or more credits earned from VCCS, and have earned a GPA in VCCS coursework of 3.5 or better, will be eligible for consideration under guaranteed admission. Those applying under the GAA must submit a Letter of Intent and official transcripts to SCPS Admission Services by February 15. A completed online application for admission must be submitted by May 15.

Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with Richard Bland College of William and Mary

Under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with Richard Bland College (RBC), applicants who have completed 60 transferable credits and an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts & Sciences degree from RBC, with 45 or more credits earned from RBC, and have earned a GPA in RBC coursework of 3.5 or better, will be eligible for consideration under guaranteed admission. Those applying under the GAA must submit a Letter of Intent and official transcripts to Admission Services by February 15. A completed online application for admission must be submitted by May 15.

Application Process

Before You Apply

• Attend an informational webinar
• Speak to a Recruitment Specialist at 1.800.346.3882 or SCPSinquiry@virginia.edu. They can help you with questions surrounding admissions requirements, financing, support for students and more.
• Submit the Pre-Admission Review form
• Speak with your current employer to explore tuition assistance and let them know you plan to finish your degree

How to Apply

• Schedule an application walkthrough to go over requirements, best practices, and your timeline to submission. To schedule, please send us an email: SCPSinquiry@virginia.edu
• Gather the following materials for your application
  • One essay: Approximately 500 words
  • Unofficial Transcripts: Upload with your application; submit them through the pre-admissions form; or send to centralscpsadmission@virginia.edu
  • Standardized Test Scores: TOEFL, IELTS, AP or IB scores (if applicable)
  • Application for VA In-State Education Privileges: To determine residency (SCPS tuition is geographically neutral)
  • Letter of Recommendation: Ideally, a person who knows you in an academic capacity (professor, advisor) and can comment on the strengths and skills that will help you be a successful student. A work supervisor is also acceptable. Please, no friends or relatives.
• Apply for financial aid
  • The financial aid deadline is the same as the application deadline. 

Meet the Faculty