Your student is unique . . . and so are we
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree provides your student the opportunity to create a baccalaureate degree program that reflects his or her unique interests and talents.
Not every student enjoys being placed into a box, and many students do not fare well when forced into one. The BIS degree encourages each individual student to construct a meaningful plan of study by combining two subjects. For many students, the BIS degree is the best path to success.
What is interdisciplinary studies?
American universities are usually organized around departments or schools that reflect disciplines, or traditions of scholarship in a specific area. During the twentieth century, these disciplines grew narrower. As an example, 60 years ago a department of English may have included studies in literature, composition, theater, communication and journalism. Today, we are likely to find five separate departments—one each for literature, composition, theater, communication and journalism. Students typically are forced to pick one area of study when they select a major. Through interdisciplinary studies, a student is offered the opportunity to study two disciplines and integrate ideas from both areas in classroom settings and applied contexts. This approach to learning prepares the student for a world that is not bound by disciplines or academic traditions. Thus, in interdisciplinary studies a student builds bridges by integrating two subject areas from a list of more than 100 subjects areas.
Interdisciplinary studies attracts honor students, first-year students, returning students, transfer students and students who have changed majors. Research indicates that academic or career indecision is not related to achievement or intelligence. BIS offers a range of students the opportunity to succeed in the academic, professional, civic and personal arenas of life. Our graduates, over 6,000 to date, have gone on to graduate school, law school, medical school and successful careers in small businesses, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, educational systems and international agencies.
We offer a challenging but nurturing environment for students with small classes. Ours is a spirit of collaboration based on community building and personal responsibility. We assist students as they make academic choices based on personal and career goals, identify and integrate talents and abilities, and strive toward balance in their lives.
Our core faculty is a diverse group of scholars with broad interests in academia, community and people. Each brings a unique perspective to interdisciplinary studies: Denise Bates (Ph.D., University of Arizona) United States history; Nalini Chhetri (Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University) sustainable development and policy; David Conz (Ph.D., Arizona State University) science in society; Stephanie deLusé (Ph.D., Arizona State University) social psychology and interpersonal communication; Kevin Ellsworth (Ph.D., Arizona State University) democracy and global politics; Layne Gneiting (Ph.D., Arizona State University) communication, performance and storytelling; Jessica Hirshorn (Ed.D., University of Houston) multicultural and international education; Brian McCormack (Ph.D., Arizona State University) global politics and the power of naming; Kelly Nelson (Ph.D., Brandeis University) gender, sports and culture; Melanie Pitts (Ph.D., University of Miami) English literature; Michael Pryzdia (Ph.D., Bowling Green State University) American cultural studies; Duane Roen (Ph.D., University of Minnesota) rhetoric and writing; David Thomas (Ph.D., University of Southern California) studies organizational behavior and achievement; and David Wells (Ph.D., University of Southern California) political sociology and tax policy.
Our academic advisors build relationships based on mutual respect, guidance, critical thinking and personal responsibility. Advising is part of the educational process wherein students make choices and plan for the future. We are home to some of the most experienced and professional advisors at ASU: John Coughlin, Douglas Dozer, Kim Fielding, Sandra Freedman, Paula Estrada Guzman, Suzanne Lewenstein, Monica Minjarez, Scott Thorpe, Gerald West and Linda Zygmond. As parents, you can help your students through this process by asking about classes they are taking, degree requirements, the full range of options and internship opportunities.
We believe your student made an excellent choice in selecting interdisciplinary studies. We invite you to browse our Web site and learn more about the School of Letters and Sciences, University College and Arizona State University. We have provided useful links below, and we have a list of frequently asked questions.
We will see you at graduation!
See also Useful Links for Parents