The College of Arts and Sciences offers two interdisciplinary studies degrees, the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS), for students who want to pursue interdisciplinary studies without a major in a single department or in one of the structured interdepartmental degree programs (African American studies, classics, European studies, film studies, Latin American studies, marine science, and women’s studies). The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies are not intended to be substitutes for approved major and minor programs. The degree programs are under the general supervision of the college Interdisciplinary Studies Committee, and individual programs are administered by special interdisciplinary program committees.

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies programs in the College of Arts and Sciences must focus primarily on disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies programs in the College of Arts and Sciences must focus primarily on disciplines in the sciences, mathematics, and statistics; they may be particularly useful for students who plan to seek teacher certification in more than one science area.

A student who wishes to undertake a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies shall apply to the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Gambrell 258. A student who wishes to undertake a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies shall apply to the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, Jones Physical Science Center 108.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

(120 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (53-62 hours)

For a general outline, see “College of Arts and Sciences, Curricula Section I.”

2. Interdisciplinary Studies Program Requirements. (64-73 hours)

Each student must complete a program of studies designed by an interdisciplinary program committee appointed by the assistant dean and approved by the college Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. The program shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit in courses numbered 300 or above and in two or more fields. No course submitted in fulfillment of the general education requirements may be included in the program requirements. A maximum of 15 semester hours of independent study courses may be applied to the interdisciplinary studies program requirement.

Procedure

The following procedures shall be followed in designing a program of interdisciplinary studies.

1. The candidate shall apply to the assistant dean for declaration of an interdisciplinary studies program.
2. The candidate must submit to the assistant dean a written statement of goals concerning a potential interdisciplinary studies program.
3. The assistant dean will help the candidate formulate an interdisciplinary program committee, which shall consist of faculty members from the student’s areas of interdisciplinary interest. The members of the interdisciplinary program committee shall be appointed by the assistant dean, who will designate one member as chair and as the student’s academic advisor.
4. The interdisciplinary program committee shall meet with the student and prepare a program of studies leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. This program shall include a written justification for the specific program of studies designed with the student. The program of study must be approved by the committee prior to the completion of 75 hours. The committee and assistant dean must approve any subsequent changes in the student’s program.
5. The candidate’s academic advisor shall advise the student each semester and shall sign the necessary registration and other advisor’s forms. Advising shall adhere to the student’s approved program of studies. The academic advisor shall consult with the interdisciplinary program committee for approval should deviation from the original program become necessary or advisable. All changes shall be registered with the assistant dean.
6. The college Interdisciplinary Studies Committee shall review and give final approval to individual programs of interdisciplinary studies.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

(128 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (43-54 hours)

For a general outline, see “College of Arts and Sciences, Curricula Section II.”

2. Interdisciplinary Studies Program Requirements (74-85 hours)

Each student must complete a program of studies designed by an interdisciplinary program committee appointed by the assistant dean and approved by the college Interdisciplinary Studies Committee. The program shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit in major eligible courses in two or more fields. No course submitted in fulfillment of the general education requirements may be included in the program requirements.

Procedure

The following procedures shall be followed in designing a program of interdisciplinary studies:

1. The candidate shall apply to the assistant dean for declaration of an interdisciplinary studies program.
2. The candidate must submit to the assistant dean a written statement of goals concerning a potential interdisciplinary studies program.
3. The assistant dean will help the candidate formulate an interdisciplinary program committee, which shall consist of faculty members from the student’s areas of interdisciplinary interest. The members of the interdisciplinary program committee shall be appointed by the assistant dean, who will designate one member as chair and as the student’s academic advisor.
4. The interdisciplinary program committee shall meet with the student and prepare a program of studies leading to the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The program shall include a written justification for the specific program of studies designed with the student. The program of study must be approved by the committee prior to the completion of 90 hours. The committee and assistant dean must approve any subsequent changes in the student’s program.
5. The candidate’s academic advisor shall advise the student each semester and shall sign the necessary registration and other advisor’s forms. Advising shall adhere to the student’s approved program of studies. The academic advisor shall consult with the interdisciplinary program committee for approval should deviation from the original program become necessary or advisable. All changes shall be registered with the assistant dean.
6. The college Interdisciplinary Studies Committee shall review and give final approval to individual programs of interdisciplinary studies.

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree After Completion of One Year of Medical or Dental School. Upon application to the College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, Jones Physical Center 108, a student who has completed 95 hours or more of degree-applicable undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina (with the last 30 hours in residence at the University) with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher, will be granted the BSIS degree provided that:

1. The applicant has satisfied all graduation requirements for the BSIS degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, except for the final 33 hours.
2. The applicant has not applied these University of South Carolina credits to obtaining a baccalaureate degree from any institution.
3. The applicant submits documents from an accredited medical or dental school demonstrating satisfactory completion of the first year of study leading to a post-baccalaureate degree.
4. The applicant has the program of study approved by the college Interdisciplinary Studies Committee.
5. The assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences certifies that the requirements prescribed for the degree have been met.

Interested students enrolled at the University should consult the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for details concerning this option.

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