Interdisciplinary Studies

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

University College

Program description

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) empowers students to design an academic pathway that reflects their intellectual curiosity, lived experiences, and long‑term goals. For students whose interests don’t fit neatly within a single major, the BIS offers the flexibility to build an individualized, interdisciplinary focus area drawing on courses from two or more disciplines across the university. Working closely with academic advisors in University College, students craft a curriculum that aligns with their academic, professional, and personal aspirations.

The BIS emphasizes the skills today’s world demands: the ability to think critically across fields, navigate complex systems, and create innovative approaches to real‑world problems. The core curriculum, an introduction to interdisciplinary theory & praxis towards the beginning of their interdisciplinary journey and a capstone seminar that produced a tangible example of the student’s undergraduate training, engage students in hands-on, applied learning. Students are also able to earn credit for immersive, problem solving experiences through internships, professional development courses, and prior learning assessment.

Open to all VCU students, the BIS degree invites learners to take ownership of their education, integrate diverse forms of knowledge, and chart purposeful, adaptable futures in a rapidly changing world.

Career opportunities

BIS graduates are able to design their own specializations or pursue one of our curricular pathways. Available pathways include:

UI/UX (User Interface/User Design)
Business Psychology
Health Equity
Legal Studies

Recent BIS graduates have designed the following custom degree programs to prepare them for their professional lives after graduation:

Marketing & Creative Writing
Fashion Communication
Bio-Restorative Education
Art Therapy
Business Technology
Public Health
Environmental Justice
Art Conservation
Real Estate and the Environment
Philosophy of Psychology

Change of major requirements

To begin the process of changing your major to Interdisciplinary Studies attend our weekly information session or watch our introductory video. Links to both are found in the Start Here area of our advising website. Information about meeting with an advisor will be shared at the information session and/or in the video.

Bachelor-level job titles

Business Technologist
Client Services Coordinator
Community Health Worker
Creative Project Assistant
Digital Content Specialist
Disability Advocate
Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Event Planner
Fashion Writer
Healthcare Administrator
Instructional Support Specialist
Legal Support Specialist

Graduate and professional level job titles

Art Therapist
Attorney
Landscape Architect
Nonprofit Director
Physician
Researcher

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of (B.I.S.)

Plan of study in Bulletin

Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of (B.I.S.)

Requirements

Highest level of math required

Quantitative Foundations requirement only

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Contact name:

University College

Building/room location:

1015 Floyd Avenue, Box #842015, Richmond, VA 23284

Phone:

(804) 827-8167

Email:

bis@vcu.edu

https://uc.vcu.edu/academics/bachelor-of-interdisciplinary-studies/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Contact your IDS advisor to enroll in UNIV 291: Interdisciplinary Exploration, where you'll begin exploring and designing your major.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Collaborate with your BIS advisor to plan your Focus Area.
Take IDST 301 Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
Join and stay up-to-date with the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Student Association (BISSA).

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Take IDST 303: Interdisciplinarity in the Professional World.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Design a community-engaged research project.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Run for a leadership position in the BISSA.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Update your e-portfolio to incorporate new learning and experiences.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Take IDST 499: BIS Capstone.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Attend OMSA I Love Diversity Week.
Write a diversity statement to be included in your e-Portfolio.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Design an independent study course aimed at building your knowledge about your unique field.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

Interdisciplinary Studies

University College

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Contact your IDS advisor to enroll in UNIV 291: Interdisciplinary Exploration, where you'll begin exploring and designing your major.	Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Consider applying to the Honors College. Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.	Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Collaborate with your BIS advisor to plan your Focus Area. Take IDST 301 Interdisciplinary Theory and Practice.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference. Join and stay up-to-date with the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Student Association (BISSA).	Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest.	Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Take IDST 303: Interdisciplinarity in the Professional World.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Design a community-engaged research project. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Run for a leadership position in the BISSA. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Update your e-portfolio to incorporate new learning and experiences.	Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Excel	Year 4	Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Take IDST 499: BIS Capstone.	Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field. Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Attend OMSA I Love Diversity Week. Write a diversity statement to be included in your e-Portfolio.	Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Design an independent study course aimed at building your knowledge about your unique field.	Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey. Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.