Curious about what your experience would be like as a BIS student at SCPS? Explore information below from resources available to assist you to common academic schedules. If you have questions, reach out; we're here to help.
Concentrations
- Art & Society
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The Art and Society concentration is designed for students interested in visual and performing arts and the role of cultural production in society. The concentration will prepare students for work in a variety of fields, such as museum or gallery work, design, media, education, or cultural production. It is also appealing to students who plan to pursue graduate study in the arts or humanities.
Those focusing in the concentration complete 18 credits of concentration courses from an approved list. 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, at least 24 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II.
Degree elective courses must be outside of the Art and Society Concentration. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, business, classics, drama, economics, history, information technology, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
A Sampling of BIS in Art and Society Courses:
- ISHU 3457 Global Architecture
- ISHU 3500 Photography as Art
- ISHU 3621 The Biological Basis for Art
- ISHU 3623 Studio Art Seminar: Painting
- ISHU 3624 Visual Culture and Aesthetics: the Practice of Seeing
- ISHU 3626 Studio Art Seminar: Sculpture
- ISHU 4130 Film Noir
- ISHU 4161 Art Historical Fictions: Historical Art in Recent film and Fiction
- ISHU 4165 American Directors
- ISHU 4311 History of Art Controversies in the United States
- ISHU 4350 The Films of Stanley Kubrick
- ISIN 4520 Art in the Ring of Fire (Pacific Rim)
- ISLS 3610 Renaissance Art
- ISLS 3620 Ritual and Becoming in the Arts of Africa
- ISSS 3200 Britain and Its Empire: Art, Media, and Other Cultural Forms
- Business
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The business concentration includes 18 credits comprised of five required business courses and one required elective business course. Students in the business concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses, at least 24 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II..
Students in the business concentration should complete four prerequisite courses (micro and macroeconomics, financial accounting, and statistics) before taking the core business concentration classes. The four prerequisite classes can be completed either as transfer credits or soon after entering the BIS program.Students may apply 45 credits of business-related courses toward the total 120 credits required for the degree, including business courses that were transferred to UVA prior to enrollment in BIS.
Required Business Courses
- ISBU 3410 Commercial Law
- ISBU 3451 Fundamentals of Marketing
- ISBU 3610 Organizational Behavior
- ISBU 3710 Managerial Finance
- ISBU 3840 International Business
Business electives vary by semester.
Students in the business concentration are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives outside of business courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology. - Cloud Solutions and Operations
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The Cloud Solutions and Operations (CSO) concentration includes 18 credits comprised of 5 required CSO courses and one required elective CSO course. The concentration is designed to provide working adults with the knowledge and skills to begin careers such as Cloud System Operations (SysOps) Administrators or Solutions Architects. Students learn fundamental concepts in how to design, deploy, manage and operate computing applications in the cloud, gaining the conceptual understanding, technical knowledge and human skills required for success in the workplace. Concentration completers will be able to demonstrate knowledge of computing, networking, storage and database services needed for robust cloud deployments. The concentration prepares students to pass the Foundational-level AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and the Associate-level AWS Certification exams in the Architect (Solutions Architect) or Operations (SysOps Administrator) pathways, however, pursuing these industry-recognized credentials is optional and not required by the program.
Students in the Cloud Solutions and Operations concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses, at least 24 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II.
Required CSO Courses
- IT 3000 Cloud Computing Foundations
- IT 3100 Cloud Architecture and Design
- IT 3110 Networking Fundamentals
- IT 3405 Database Management & Admin
- IT 3410 Intro to Python and Software Dev
Elective CSO Courses
- IT 3120 Cloud Infrastructure Management
- IT 3130 Cloud Security
- IT 3140 Cloud DevSecOps
Students in the CSA concentration are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives outside of CSA courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
- Cybersecurity
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The concentration in cybersecurity analysis (CSA) includes 18 credits comprised of four required CSA courses and two required elective CSA courses. The concentration is designed to provide new educational and employment opportunities for adult learners seeking to complete their undergraduate degree with a liberal arts education and a professional focus in CSA. Courses develop students’ foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity analysis.
Students in the CSA concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses.Required CSA Courses
- SEC 3010 Securing the Cyber World
- SEC 3020 Cybersecurity Policy, Law & Ethics
- SEC 3030 Human Factors in Cybersecurity
- SEC 3040 Writing & Communications in a Technical Field
Elective CSA Courses
- SEC 4010 Digital Forensics & Cybercrime
- SEC 4020 Mobile Security & Forensics
- SEC 4030 Ethical Hacking
- IT 3500 Data Analytics & Decision-Making
Students in the CSA concentration are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives outside of CSA courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
- Early Childhood
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The concentration in early childhood, offered in partnership with the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development, includes 18 credits comprised of six required courses. The concentration is designed to provide new educational and employment opportunities for adult learners seeking to complete their undergraduate degree with a liberal arts education and a professional focus in early childhood. Courses develop students’ foundational knowledge and skills in early childhood.
Students in the early childhood concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses, Capstone I and Capstone II.Required Early Childhood Courses
- EDIS 3013 Beyond "Bad" Behavior: Supporting Positive Behavior in Early Childhood
- EDIS 3040 Foundations of Early Childhood & Education
- EDIS 3045 Mathematics in Early Childhood: Understanding, Assessing & Supporting Development
- EDIS 3060 Poverty and the Young Child
- EDIS 4340 Talking the Talk: Supporting Language and Communication in Early Childhood
- EDIS 4350 Interaction with Intention: Working with Young Children
Students in the early childhood concentration are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives outside of early childhood courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will a concentration in early childhood prepare me to do?
The early childhood concentration will prepare you to fill a variety of in-demand roles in childcare, pre-school, education administration, and child, family, and school services. Other options might include careers in research, counseling, or child psychology. Some of these career paths may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree. For those interested in teaching, the concentration will provide excellent preparation for post-graduate programs that provide teacher licensure.
Will the early childhood concentration provide me with a Virginia teaching license?
No. The early childhood concentration does not provide a Virginia teaching license. It does prepare you to advance to a master of teaching program – such as the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development’s nationally-recognized Master of Teaching – or pursue various alternative routes to teacher licensure in Virginia or elsewhere. Careful advising throughout BIS will support you to ensure that you have the coursework needed to pursue these options. For additional information or questions, please contact Courtney Sullivan.
Can I get a job teaching without a Virginia teaching license?
Private schools may hire teachers without a license, and preschool teachers (working outside the public school system) typically do not need a license.
Can I complete this concentration online?
Yes. The School of Education and Human Development will hold all of the required early childhood courses online, using the Canvas learning management system. All of the early childhood courses will use asynchronous delivery, meaning that students do not need to log in to course activities or materials at a set time of day but can complete work for the classes whenever is convenient for them. Early childhood students will be earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree (BIS), which has several other required core and elective courses. These classes are also available online but most BIS core and elective courses are held synchronously, meaning that students will need to log in to the learning management system at a set time each week.
Do I need to take the early childhood courses in any set order?
All students in the concentration must take “Foundations of Early Childhood Development & Education” first. “Interaction with Intention: Working with Young Children” comes at the end of the program. Students must either have completed other concentration requirements before enrolling in the class or be enrolled in both “Interaction with Intention” and any additional concentration courses they need to complete. Beyond these requirements, students may take concentration courses in any order. - Health Care Management
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The concentration in health care management includes 24 credits comprised of six required health care management courses and two health care management electives. The concentration is designed to provide new educational and employment opportunities for adult learners seeking to complete their undergraduate degree with a liberal arts education and a professional focus in the health care field. Courses develop students’ foundational knowledge and skills in the key areas of health care systems and management.
Students in the health care management concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses.
The the courses are online, typically in a synchronous format. The courses are taken concurrently with students in the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management (BPHM).
Required Health Care Management Courses
- PSHM 3010 Introduction to Healthcare Management: Applying Concepts to Practice
- PSHM 3080 Legal & Ethical Decision-making in Health Care
- PSHM 4020 Management of Health Care Organizations
- PSHM 4300 Introduction to Population Health: Programs, Policies & Epidemiology
- PSHM 4650 American Health Care: Challenges & Opportunities
- PSHM 4700 Economics & Finance of Health Care
Elective Health Care Management Courses
Select two or three for a total of six credits. Electives vary by semester.
- PSHM 3050 Current Issues in Health Care (1 credit)
- PSHM 3330 Introduction to Long-term Care Administration
- PSHM 4050 Understanding Diversity in Health Care (2 credits)
- PSHM 3805 Health Information Systems & Applications
- PSHM 4200 Women’s Health Issues: Access, Treatment & Policy
- PSHM 4400 Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences
- PSHM 4600 Service Excellence in Health Care: Quality Improvement & Customer Service
- HR 4020 Human Resource Management
- HR 4030 Organizational Change & Development
- IT 3220 Strategic Business Value of Information Technology
Students in the health care management concentration are also required to take at least 18 credits of degree electives outside of the health care management courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
- History and Politics
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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, at least 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.
A Sampling of 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
- Information Technology
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The concentration in information technology (IT) includes 18 credits comprised of five required IT courses and one required elective IT course. The concentration is designed to provide new educational and employment opportunities for adult learners seeking to complete their undergraduate degree with a liberal arts education and a professional focus in IT. Courses develop students’ foundational knowledge and skills in information technology.
Students in the IT concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses.Required IT Courses
- IT 3220 Strategic Business Value of Information Technology
- IT 3230 Basics of Web Design
- IT 3240 Enterprise Systems Architecture and Design
- IT 3400 Database Management and Business Intelligence/Analytics
- IT 4400 Web Application Development – Building Dynamic Websites
Elective IT Courses
- IT 3210 Programming with Java
- IT 3350 Agile Project Management
- IT 3600 Business Analytics for Decision Making
- SEC 3010 Securing the Cyber World
Students in the IT concentration are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives outside of IT courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
- Liberal Arts
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The liberal arts concentration includes 18 credits in the humanities and social sciences disciplines that include anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
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. They are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives.
- Psychology
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The Psychology Concentration provides students with foundational knowledge and competencies in the field of psychology and creates a pathway for BIS students seeking professional opportunities in psychology and related fields such as mental health, social work, child care, and counseling. It is also be suitable for those who plan to pursue graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, or other fields.
Those focusing in Psychology 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, at least 24 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II. Students in the psychology concentration should complete Introduction of Psychology or its equivalent before taking the core psychology concentration classes. This prerequisite can be completed either as transfer credits or soon after entering the BIS program.
Degree elective courses must be outside of the Psychology Concentration. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, business, classics, drama, economics, history, information technology, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
Below are the required courses for the Psychology Concentration:- ISSS 3410 - Abnormal Psychology: Disorders and Treatment
- ISSS 3411 - Personality Psychology: Theory and Application
- ISSS 3416 - Social Psychology in Modern Society
- ISSS 4430 -Topics in Developmental Psychology
- ISSS 4431 - Cognitive Psychology: Theory and Experiment
- one required elective Psychology course
- Public Safety Management
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The Public Safety Management (PSM) concentration includes 18 credits comprised of 6 required PSM courses. The concentration provides students with foundational knowledge and competencies in the field and creates a pathway for BIS students who are seeking professional and graduate program opportunities such as the Master of Public Safety at UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies or degrees in related fields. This concentration will primarily serve current and aspiring public safety professionals, including those in law enforcement, emergency management, fire services, and related fields; community leaders and policymakers involved in creating and implementing public safety policies; and those seeking careers in public safety management.
Students in the PSM concentration are also required to take two ISLS courses and two 4000-level ISIN Special Topics in the Conduct of Inquiry (one in Humanities, and one in Social Sciences) courses, at least 24 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II.
Required PSM Courses
- ISBU 3610 Organizational Behavior
- ISSS 3149 Foundations of Public Safety Management
- ISSS 3760 Issues in Leadership
- ISSS 4432 Theories of Interpersonal Communications
- ISSS 4670 Organizational Change and Development
- SEC 3010 Securing the Cyber World
Students in the PSM concentration are also required to take at least 24 credits of degree electives outside of PSM courses. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, classics, drama, economics, history, literature, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
- Writing
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The BIS Writing Concentration is designed for students who wish to focus on critical reading, writing and literature. The concentration prepares students for work in a variety of fields, including technical, professional, and grant writing, as well as communications, digital media, marketing, publishing, and management. It is also suitable for students who plan to pursue graduate study in writing (both creative and professional), law, and the humanities.
Students focusing in Writing 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 - 39 credits of degree electives, Capstone I and Capstone II.
Degree elective courses must be outside of the Writing Concentration. These vary by semester and may include courses in disciplines such as anthropology, art, art history, architectural history, business, classics, drama, economics, history, information technology, music, philosophy, politics, religion, and sociology.
BIS in Writing Courses:
- ISHU 3130 The Writing Side of Children’s Literature
- ISHU 3170 The Writer as the Cartographer: A Class in Poetry and Memoir
- ISHU 3180 Roots and Stems of Effective Writing: the Essay
- ISHU 3183 Writing the Story of Your Life: Creative Nonfiction
- ISHU 3193 Writing about the Environment
- ISHU 3240 20th Century American Literature
- ISHU 3251 Creative Writing: Poetry Workshop
- ISHU 3260 Contemporary American American Fiction
- ISHU 3330 Write Where You Are
- ISHU 3383 The Dark Side of the 20th Century
- ISHU 4090 Writing: Comfortable as a Hearth Rug
- ISHU 4120 The American Short Story: The Writer and Tradition
- ISHU 4170 African American Novels
- ISHU 4171 African American Literature: 1845 - Present
- ISHU 4180 The Nature of the Hero and How to Create One
- ISHU 4190 Writing Strategies
- ISIN 4510 The World of Jane Austen: Exploring the Novels in Historical Context
- ISIN 4520 Literature in the Digital Age
- ISLS 3210 The Frost is Hard-Edge and Quick: Metaphor - Making a Final Unity
- ISLS 3250 The Notion and the Heft of Home
- ISLS 3300 The Poet in Society
- ISLS 3360 The Role of Memory and the Human Condition
Curriculum
A total of 120 credits are required to complete the BIS degree: at least 60 credits are completed at UVA and are combined with transferable credits at admission from other regionally accredited institutions.
On average, students take two courses a term, including the summer, and take three to four years to complete the degree. Many, however, are able to finish sooner or choose to move more slowly, taking up to seven years.
Total: 60+ Credits (depending on credits at admission)
- Required Seminars
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Liberal Studies Seminars
Liberal Studies Seminars provide students with opportunities to develop a set of core skills early in the BIS program. All first-term BIS students are required to take ISLS 3000 Transformations: Reading, Thinking, and Communicating in the Liberal Arts, which addresses academic writing, critical thinking, and research fundamentals. Students also take one more ISLS, and then two ISINs for all concentrations.
6 Credits
ISLS 3000
ISLS 3XXXConduct of Inquiry Seminars
Conduct of Inquiry Seminars build upon the skills developed in the Liberal Studies Seminars and introduce students to analytical and research fundamentals in various disciplines.
6 CreditsISIN 4510 - Social Sciences focus
ISIN 4520 - Humanities focus
Note: These seminars must be completed within the first four consecutive terms of BIS matriculation with a grade of C or better. At least one 3000-level Liberal Studies Seminar must be completed with a C or better before enrolling in one at the 4000-level. - Capstone Experience
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6 credits. Please see details below on the page.
- Elective Courses
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18-48 credits (depending on concentration and credits at admission)
In consultation with advisors, students in all concentrations will distribute degree hours beyond the Liberal Studies Seminars, Conduct of Inquiry courses, Concentrations, and Capstone Project in courses that will complement academic, professional, and personal goals.Commerce Essentials
SCPS BIS students are eligible to take UVA McIntire School’s Commerce Essentials micro-courses, which are half-credit courses offering bite-sized modern business content and skills to support you on your path to success. Created by some of UVA's and the McIntire School's most distinguished faculty and partners, Commerce Essentials are highly flexible and delivered on demand. Explore courses currently offered.
Students will take Commerce Essentials courses on a credit/no credit basis. Advisor approval is required for registration.
