Online BIS in History and Politics

The History and Politics Concentration is designed for students interested in history and politics and their role in society. The concentration prepare students for work in a variety of fields, including communication, research, advocacy, government, business, law, and education. It is also be suitable for those who plan to pursue a graduate study in history, politics, or other fields in the humanities and social sciences.

Those focusing in History and Politics complete 18 credits of concentration courses. Students are also required to take two ISLS courses and ISIN 4510 Special Topics in Conduct of Inquiry: Social Sciences and ISIN 4520 Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry: Humanities, 24 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II.

Degree elective courses must be outside of the History and Politics Concentration. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, business, classics, drama, economics, information technology, music, philosophy, religion, and sociology. 

BIS in History and Politics Courses:

ISHU 4011 That Devil Music: A Cultural History of Blues Music in the US
ISIN 4510 The Atlantic World
ISLS 3010 Nationalism and National Identity
ISLS 3211 Russian Politics
ISLS 3295 US History Through the Virginia Experience
ISLS 4251 Exploring Modern US History: A Research Methods Course
ISSS 3050 Evolution of International Relations
ISSS 3810 The American Presidency
ISSS 3382 History of Genocide
ISSS 3383 Dark Side of the Twentieth Century
ISSS 3850 Media and Politics
ISSS 4005 Irregular Warfare: Terrorists, Insurgents, and Transnational Criminals
ISSS 4010 The Second World War: Experience of Total War
ISSS 4020 Europe after 1945
ISSS 4060 War and World Politics
ISSS 4290 An Alternative History of Early America
ISSS 4292 Liberalism and Conservatism in Modern America

For more information please reach out to an Enrollment Advisor. Call us at 800.346.3882 or email SCPSINQUIRY@VIRGINIA.EDU

* 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.

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Phone: 800.346.3882

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I want my students to realize that good writing just doesn’t happen. You have to work at it.

A photograph of Charlotte Matthews

Charlotte Matthews

BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Charlotte 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.

It is extremely energizing to teach adult students, especially the highly motivated students in our program.

A photograph of Stephen Levine

Stephen Levine

BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Stephen 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.

When I was accepted into BIS, it was a dream come true.

A photograph of Marion Dobbins

Marion Dobbins

BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Dobbins' exploration of her past has shaped her plans for the future. For the last decade, she has been a historical interpreter specializing in 18th- and 19th-century slave life. To further this work, she embarked on graduate studies at George Mason University, completing a master's degree in U.S. History in 2014. Currently, Dobbins is in GMU's Ph.D. program, intending to one day teach at the college level.

I'm in a managerial position now. An SCPS degree provided the foundation for advancing in my career.

A photograph of Clifton Jones

Clifton Jones

BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

When 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.

At orientation, everyone was kind and supportive, and they make you feel welcomed as a UVA student. You get all the services you would expect from a university like this. It is amazing.

A photograph of Jesús Pino

Jesús Pino

BACHELOR OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Jesús 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.