Interdisciplinary Studies BIS

The BIS program is designed for students who want to create their own “major” by combining coursework from more than one discipline into one degree. Students take classes in those disciplines to form a “concentration,” and they also take courses in interdisciplinary studies that will help them learn the skills they need for interdisciplinary work. Students may create their own concentrations, in consultation with an advisor, or choose from available concentrations (see below as well as the school website). Students leave our program prepared for lives and careers in a rapidly changing global society that requires complex problem solving, an awareness of and respect for diversity, and a commitment to the public good.

Interdisciplinary Studies BIS Degree Requirements (120 hours)  

Interdisciplinary Studies BIS Semester Guide  

Availability: Hattiesburg Campus; Hybrid – Hattiesburg Campus; Gulf Park Campus; Hybrid – Gulf Park Campus

Admission Requirements: See University Admission Policies  

Program Academic Policies and Requirements:

• See University Academic Policies and Requirements  

BIS with a concentration in Southern Studies

The BIS degree with a concentration in southern studies is earned by completing an interdisciplinary series of courses on issues and research concerning the study of the southern United States totaling at least 36 hours.

To earn the southern studies concentration, students must complete:

1. Either ENG 370  or ENG 371   
2. Either HIS 201  or HIS 202   
3. Nine additional courses in at least 4 different disciplines, including (recommended courses are marked with an *): *ANT 334 , ANT 426 , ANT 433 , ENG 372 , ENG 473 , *ENG 485 , GHY 400 , *HIS 370 , HIS 373 , HIS 374 , *HIS 463 , HIS 467 , *HIS 468 , *HIS 469 , HIS 470 , HIS 475 , MUS 464 , MUS 364 , PS 306 , *PS 407 , *PS 409 , PS 489 , SOC 311 , SOC 350  and/or SOC 355 .

The following courses may also count toward the concentration in southern studies if their content in the given semester is based on southern studies: ANT 416 , ANT 429 , ENG 410 , ENG 489 , ENG 470 , HIS 478 , HIS 479 , PS 453 , PS 459 , PS 473 , REL 490 , SOC 421  and SOC 425 . Please talk with the school director regarding with particular classes in a given semester will count towards the degree.

IDS 491   - serves as a course in the practical application of an IDS concentration in Southern Studies and may be counted towards the degree. Please see the school director for details.

BIS with a concentration in Environmental Studies

The BIS degree with a concentration in environmental studies is earned through an interdisciplinary series of courses whose goal is to provide a program of study geared to those with career goals in environmental policy, journalism, law, or activism, who seek a sufficient scientific background to be able to communicate relevant ideas to the public, or apply them in their own work, but who do not seek training in conducting environmental science themselves.

To earn the Environmental concentration, students must complete:

1. 12 hours of coursework chosen from this list: BSC 111 , BSC 111L , CHE 106 , CHE 106L , GHY 104 , GHY 104L  or GHY 105 , GHY 105L , or GLY 101 , GLY 101L   
2. 10 hours of coursework chosen from this list: CHE 251 , CHE 251L , BSC 340 , GHY 472  or GHY 422  
3. 12 hours of coursework chosen from this list: PHI 457 , PS 403 , ANT 422 , CJ 431 , GHY 370 , ECO 225 , COA 306 , HIS 470 , HIS 472   
4. One of the following classes: IDS 492  (CA), GHY 443 ; IDS 491 , if it includes an approved environmental field experience or internship.  
5. ENG 332  or ENG 333   

BIS with a concentration in Disability Studies 

The disability studies concentration BIS degree is earned through an interdisciplinary series of courses whose goal is to introduce students to the social, cultural, and institutional systems that both shape the experience of, and provide services to, persons with disabilities, and their support networks, at all stages of life. This degree also provides students with the skills to understand disability as one dimension of social diversity. Students will take 6 hours of required courses before selecting one of three 18-hour ‘tracks’. The concentration is completed with 12 additional hours of electives, as well as the 13 hours of interdisciplinary coursework required of all majors.

To earn the Disability Studies concentration, students must complete:

1. Core Concentration requirements (6 hours): IDS 151  and SPE 121  
2. The courses associated with one of the three tracks below (18 hours):
            • Community Living Track: IDS 351 , SWK 300 , PSY 331 , SPE 492  and SPE 498   
            • Development and Education Track: SPE 405 , SPE 420 , SPE 498 , PSY 436 , SHS 211  and SPE 492  
            • Disability and Diversity Track: CMS 440 ; HE 319  or HE 492 ; SOC 423  or SOC 450 ; SWK 415  or SWK 315 ; Select 2 courses: ANT 420 , SOC 350 , SOC 415 , SOC 301 , PS 406 , PSY 413 , WGS 301  
3. Select four courses from the following list: SHS 211 , SHS 323 , SHS 329 , SHS 340 , SOC 340 , SOC 424 , SOC 405 , PSY 210 , PSY 330 , PSY 432 , PSY 400 , PSY 446 , SPE 421 , SPE 422 , PSY 477 /SPE 477 /CD 477 , PSY 478 /SPE 478 , SPE 497 , SPE 492 , SPE 421 , SPE 422 , SWK 300 , SWK 315 , SWK 415 , PSY 210 , PSY 313 .