Program history

Admission

Degree requirements

Transfer policy and
credit options

Scholarships

Nontraditional Studies Alumni Association

Contact us

Forms

In 1972, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requesting the state's senior universities to develop "nontraditional degree programs, at both the baccalaureate and master's level" for adult students. In 1974, VCU responded by organizing a faculty committee to study the possibility for such a program. In 1975, this committee produced a concept paper which was used to obtain preliminary approval for a nontraditional degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Board of Visitors approved the program in May 1976 and on January 1, 1977, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program began its first semester of operation with five students admitted to the program. By 1978, the BIS program had grown to well over 50 students and since then has continued to grow substantially. Currently more than 30 faculty members advise approximately 80 BIS students.

Since 1977, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program has given over 1,300 graduates the opportunity and flexibility to design their own degree programs. This interdisciplinary, individualized program is for mature adults who are unable to select a traditional Virginia Commonwealth University major which meets their educational and career goals. Because of the flexible nature of the program, BIS accepts a variety of transfer credits from nontraditional modes of learning.