Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree is primarily intended for students wishing to create an innovative program of study that meets their individual goals and integrates coursework from across the university. Students may select courses from any academic department, subject to prerequisites and policies set by the individual departments. Students plan a unique and challenging academic program in cooperation with an Interdisciplinary Studies Academic Adviser.

Admission Criteria

Students applying to the Interdisciplinary Studies program are first admitted to Pre-Interdisciplinary Studies. Students will be granted Major Standing upon approval of their Plan of Study and Rationale by the Faculty Council for Interdisciplinary Studies. Only with Major Standing can students begin taking proposed courses on their Plan of Study. Academic Advising is integral for completion of the BIS degree.

The BIS degree is very transfer friendly. This program can accept applied studies and typically non-transferrable credits with an associate’s degree from an accredited institution.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree

1. Successfully complete at least 28 credits with a minimum grade of C in each course from an approved Plan of Study at Oakland University.

2. Complete all General Education Requirements. 

3. Satisfy the university’s Upper-level Credit Requirement.

4. Satisfy the university’s Residency Requirement.

5. Complete a minimum of 120 semester credits.

6. Complete course Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and course Interdisciplinary Research.

BIS Combined Degree Programs:

Highly motivated students may wish to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees or their bachelor’s degree and a graduate certificate through one of the following combined programs:

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BIS - Wayne Law and Detroit Mercy Law Agreements

This 3 + 3 arrangement allows students with BIS major standing to complete their undergraduate degrees with three years of study at OU and one year at Wayne State University Law School or Detroit Mercy Law School. Both Law Schools require a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits for admission and a 3.4 (Wayne) or 3.5 (DML) minimum grade point average based on their first 60 credits. Holistic acceptance relies heavily on LSAT scores and undergraduate grade point averages. Once admitted and the first year of law school is successfully completed, students transfer their Law school courses (30 credits) back to OU towards the fulfillment of their BIS degree requirements. To finish the BIS degree, students need to successfully complete the BIS introduction and capstone courses at Oakland University, course Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies and course Interdisciplinary Research.

Fast Track

Fast Track programs are open to any student, with the goal of maintaining full time student status while taking courses that are accelerated, and fully online. This method allows students to remain scholarship and financial aid eligibility.

Leadership Track (with Human Resource Development minor): created for those interested in growing their leadership capabilities for application in the community, businesses, and other organizations with an interest in human resource development.

Concentrations or Minors

BIS students may wish to develop plans of study that include concentrations or minors offered by other academic schools or departments within the university. Students should consult with an Interdisciplinary Studies adviser to determine policies and procedures on seeking minors or concentrations.

Conciliar Honors

Conciliar Honors are awarded to qualified Interdisciplinary Studies students. Students who have a cumulative grade-point average of a 3.30 or better automatically receive conciliar honors. 

Applicable Minors

All Minors are applicable to this major with the exception of the following Minor(s): Child Welfare, International Orientation for EGR/CS, and Sustainability Engineering.