Complete Your Bachelor in Liberal Arts Degree Online
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.
Students enter BIS having completed a foundation of 45-60 credits transferable to UVA, including sufficient course work to satisfy the Liberal Studies Core admission requirements. 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. 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.
Set yourself apart with a degree from UVA, and become part of our family for life.
| Start Dates | August and January |
| Estimated Cost | $26,520 (same in-state and out-of-state; based on 60 transfer credits at admission) |
| Duration | Varies, 3-4 years on average |
| Format | Flexible course load: Synchronous online (evening classes), Select Asynchronous and face-to-face classes |
| Next Application Deadline | May 15, 2020 for Fall 2020 term |
Synchronous online (evening classes), Select Asynchronous and face-to-face classes
Fall Entry: May 15
Spring Entry: Nov 1
- High school diploma, or equivalent
45-60 transferable credits that satisfy
the Liberal Studies Core requirements
$26,520 (same in-state and out-of-state; based on 60 transfer credits at admission)
- Students have access to financial aid,
scholarships, and payment plans
Undergraduate study designed around the lives and schedules of working adults
Concentrations in areas such as technology, healthcare management, business, and the liberal arts
- Have your unofficial transcripts reviewed by a pre-admission advisor
* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.
Faculty Spotlight
Charlotte Matthews
BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESCharlotte Matthews is a well-regarded poet with three full-length poetry collections to her name. Also an associate professor in the BIS program, she delivers rigorous instruction in writing and revision while encouraging students to develop their own voice. In 2018, Charlotte received the Adelle F. Robertson Award, the school’s highest honor, for sustained excellence in providing new knowledge, instruction, and public service to the people, organizations, and institutions served by the University.
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Stephen Levine
BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESStephen is an associate professor in BIS, and also serves as the program director. He has been teaching courses on U.S. cultural history since 2006, and, in addition to his work as an instructor, strives to increase access and flexibility at UVA to help adult learners reach their academic goals. Under his leadership, students are now able to complete the BIS degree entirely online.
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Marisela Perez
BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESAs a part-time student and working mother of three, Marisela took advantage of flexible learning opportunities and employer reimbursement to earn her bachelor’s from SCPS. After completing her associate’s degree at a local community college, she enrolled in the BIS program part-time. She completed her degree online after relocating from Charlottesville to California, and now works as an accounting manager for Tri-Dim, who sponsored her SCPS studies.
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Clifton Jones
BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESWhen Clifton began his academic career at UVA, it was as a biomedical engineering student in the rigorous Engineering School. Three years in, however, he realized that this field was not for him. He left Charlottesville to enter the workforce, and started applying his talents at a youth arts organization in Washington, DC. Now returning to UVA as a BIS student, Clifton is completing his undergraduate degree in his true area of interest, and is collecting skills that will help him advance his creative career.
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Jesús Pino
BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIESJesús came to SCPS by way of his home city of Córdoba, where he developed a passion for photography as the co-founder of a bimonthly arts and culture magazine. When he relocated to the United States for his wife’s job, he decided to advance his photography and advertising career with an undergraduate degree. Now a bachelor’s student at BIS, he’s making connections, developing expertise, and gaining experience in pursuit of his dream job.
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