Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Degree Completion

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Earn credit for what you already know.

Overview

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program provides a dynamic framework for intellectual growth, fostering collaboration among a diverse community of students. Designed to encourage interdisciplinary exploration, the program challenges you to uncover connections between various fields while engaging with peers who bring expertise from different professions and learning areas. This approach broadens your understanding of your chosen areas while broadening your perspective through meaningful interactions and shared learning experiences.

The program offers students who have completed 45 or more college credits the opportunity to join the BIS program and complete their remaining undergraduate credits online. This program is available to qualified students in the Finish What You Started (FWYS) program at URI.

Courses

Courses are offered in 7-week sessions through our accelerated online calendar, with two sessions in each term (Spring,Summer, Fall). Students can start the program in Spring, Summer, or Fall semester. Students will be able to complete any remaining General Education credits.

BIS 199
WRT 227
BIS 399

Students will take 9 additional classes from the following areas (in no particular order):

Effective Communication:
COM 302
COM 310
COM 322
COM 361
COM 441
COM 422

Strategic Thinking
NUR 383
HDF 318G
COM 310
COM 414
COM 383
COM 422

Ethics and Leadership
GWS 325G
THE 338G
HLT 313
COM 477
COM 310
COM 361
COM460

A total of 120 credits is required for graduation. At least 30 of these must be in courses numbered 300 or above. General education requirements are the same as outlined in the University of Rhode Island catalog.

Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $610

Admissions

Students in this program are typically:

Non-traditional, adult learners (approx. 25 years of age or older)
Currently employed or have other responsibilities (e.g., family caretaker)
Current or previous Military/Veteran status
All students require flexibility and accessibility in order to successfully complete this degree program.

If an applicant has received an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution, applicants must have earned a minimum 2.4 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), be in good standing and eligible to return to institutions previously attended. Associate degree applicants are not required to submit a high school transcript.

Fall 2025 Dates

8/5Application Deadline

9/9Classes Begin

Program Outcomes

Advance your career with URI Online.

Gain the essential skills to thrive in a wide range of professional roles.

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An Effective Communicator

Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas professionally using a variety of different media (oral, written, visual) appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.

The image shows a modern office setting with four individuals seated at a glass conference table and one person standing. The person in the foreground, facing away from the camera, is wearing a red shirt and is engaging with the other seated individuals. To the left, a bearded man in a dark green jacket holds papers. In the center, a woman with a light pink blouse sits with her hands resting on the table beside a laptop. To her right, a woman in a beige blazer is also seated attentively. A standing person in the background, wearing a white shirt and glasses, holds a clipboard. The room features floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of adjacent buildings, and several potted plants are visible.

A Strategic, Evidence-Based Thinker

Compare, contrast, and synthesize information from a variety of disciplinary concepts and professional practices.

Integrate theory and practice in interdisciplinary fields to solve problems.

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An Ethical and Inclusive Leader

Apply professional and ethical approaches to decision-making and problem-solving.

Demonstrate an ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.

Readmission

Applicants who have previously registered for courses at URI as a degree-seeking student are considered at readmission and must apply using the Readmission Application.

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