Suggested B.I.S. Curricular Pathways
Many of our students choose to design an individualized program for themselves. However, in addition to the individualized curricular options, the Interdisciplinary Studies Program also offers several curricular pathways within the major.
These pathways have been designed with attention to students’ existing credits and many of the curricular and pre-professional interests they bring to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. The minor + minor option within our individualized major allows students to align their goals and maintains timely degree completion efforts.
Along with a general description of the pathway, each entry below lists the minimum requirements a student must have met to complete the pathway in three 15-credit semesters. If the student declares the B.I.S. having earned fewer than 75 credits, those additional credits needed to graduate would allow for further flexibility in areas like electives, meeting prerequisite requirements, and so on. Many students may have already completed courses toward one or both of the minors involved in the pathway, which also allows for increased elective flexibility in these final three semesters.
View Different Suggested Pathways By Clicking Below
For students interested in innovative design for real people (for example: designing products, apps, services, curriculum, etc.), the “UI/UX” pathway combines:
- BIS core courses
- Coursework in Human-Centered Design through the daVinci Center
- Coursework in Creative Practices from the Center for Creative Economy
and, likely, one or more of the following minors and/or certificates: - Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies
- Disability Studies Certificate
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing Insights
- Product Innovation Certificate
- Fundamentals of Computing Certificate
For all students approaching Interdisciplinary Studies from pre-health, HPEX, and related academic backgrounds, the “Health Services and Advocacy” pathway leverages your previous health-related coursework to create exciting career paths. Pathway options combine BIS core courses with the following minor combinations:
- Sociology and Nonprofit Administration
- Nonprofit Administration and Entrepreneurship or General Business
- Medical Humanities and General Business
- Public Policy and Sociology
In conversation with your Interdisciplinary Studies advisor, your post-graduation plans will determine which of these combinations is the best route for you through the Health Services and Advocacy pathway.
These pathways can be completed in 45 credits upon declaring the BIS, dependent upon the students’ previous coursework.
The “Business Psychology” pathway combines General Business and Psychology minors with the BIS core courses. Students on this pathway learn to apply psychology in in business relations, from organizational management to addressing customer needs.
To complete this pathway in 45 credits, upon joining the BIS:
- Student must have met all University Core requirements
- Student must have completed 75 credits, including nine upper-level credits
The “Business Communications” pathway combines General Business and Media Studies minors with the BIS core courses. Students following this path will learn about mass communications from a business perspective, preparing them for careers in fields as diverse as public relations media management.
To complete this pathway in 45 credits, upon joining the BIS:
- Student must have met all University Core requirements
- Student must have 75 credits completed, including 12-15 upper-level credits
- Student must have at least a 2.5 GPA by the time they register for MASC 203, and must maintain that GPA to remain enrolled in the Media Studies minor
The “Cities and Politics” pathway combines the Political Science minor and the Urban and Regional Studies and Planning minor with the BIS core courses. This pathway provides students an understanding of the role of government in the expansion and management of urban spaces. BIS students with plans in local politics and city government will receive instruction that helps them to build healthier, more efficient urban regions.
To complete this pathway in 45 credits, upon joining the Interdisciplinary Studies Program:
- Student must have met all University Core requirements
- Student must have completed 75 credits, including fifteen upper-level credits
The “Public and Human Service” pathway combines Sociology and Public Management minors with the BIS core courses. This pathway positions students for careers in human services and policy advocacy. By combining these two minors with instruction in interdisciplinary methodology, BIS students will understand how to navigate the interplay of societal needs and political bureaucracy.
To complete this pathway in 45 credits, upon joining the BIS:
- Student must have met all University Core requirements
- Student must have taken SOCY 101: Introduction to Sociology
- Student must have completed 75 credits, including three upper-level credits
The “Business and Government Relations” pathway combines General Business and Public Management minors with the BIS core courses. Students following this pathway will graduate with the skills to build the public-private partnerships that drive much of the 21st century economy. This pathway includes instruction in a multitude of relevant areas, including finance, public policy, government relations and leadership for both business and the political realm.
To complete this pathway in 45 credits, upon joining the Interdisciplinary Studies Program:
- Student must have met all University Core requirements
- Student must have completed 75 credits, including six upper-level credits
Gallery Management
- Combining Entrepreneurship and Art History minors with BIS core courses
Environmental Policy and Planning
- Combining Environmental Studies and Public Management minors with BIS core courses
Urban Systems and Land Use
- Combining Real Estate and Urban and Regional Studies and Planning minors with BIS core courses
Computing and Data Literacy for Public Management
- Combining the Fundamentals of Computing Certificate and the Public Management minor with BIS core courses
Entrepreneurship in the World of Fashion
- Combining Fashion Merchandising and Entrepreneurship minors with BIS core courses
(The Fashion Merchandising minor requires a 3.0 gpa)