Bachelor of Integrated Studies

As the world becomes more complex, the need for interdisciplinary educational experiences increases.  To respond to this trend, Washburn University offers the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS).  BIS is a degree that gives students exposure to multiple disciplines that are relevant to their personal interests, goals, aspirations, or career path, despite never completing the full set of major requirements in a specific discipline.

• BIS Booklet (.docx)
• BIS Booklet (.pdf)
• BIS ISP form (.docx)
• BIS Application form (.docx)

Degree Requirements

• Completion of an Associate of Arts or Science Degree from one of the partner community colleges. Non-partner community college students and other associate’s degree are reviewed on an individual basis for eligibility.
• A minimum of 60 semester credit hours from a four year college or university.
• A minimum of 45 semester credit hours of upper division courses.
• A minimum of 30 semester credit hours from Washburn University.
• A minimum of 124 total semester credit hours to complete degree.
• Completion of all General Education, University Requirements and Prerequisite coursework.

General Education Requirements (42 credit hours)

• 15 hours in Arts and Humanities* with at least 3 hours selected from Art, Music, or Theatre, and recommend 3 hours of CN 101 Principles & Practices of Human Communication.
• 12 hours in Natural Sciences and Mathematics*, including courses in at least two disciplines other than Mathematics.
• 15 hours in Social Sciences* including the following recommended course, 3 hours in Introduction to Psychology.
• In any of the three General Education distribution areas, no more than 6 hours in any one discipline may be counted toward the General Education requirement.

University Requirements (11 credit hours)

• Freshman Composition* (equivalent to EN 101 at Washburn)
• College Algebra* (equivalent to MA 116 at Washburn or completion of MA 110 Exploring Mathematics)
• Lifetime Wellness* (equivalent to PE 198 at Washburn)
• Advanced Composition (must be completed with Washburn).

*Denotes those courses that will most likely be transfer credits from another institution. To ensure compatibility with Washburn’s program, contact the BIS advisor.

Specific Degree Requirements

Courses are three credits unless indicated

1)   Communication Courses (12 hours)

CN 300- Organizational Communication
CN 301 - Advanced Organizational Communication
CN 330 - Conflict & Negotiation
CN 350 - Persuasion

2)   Psychology Courses (12 hours)

Any 300 level and above courses offered in the Psychology discipline

3)   Emphasis Courses (12 hours) – choose only one emphasis

Liberal Arts Emphasis
Any 300 level and above courses from the College of Arts & Sciences plus,
MS 310 – American Experience at War
MS 340 – America’s First Battles

Administrative Communication Emphasis
PO 310 – Community Development
PO 391 – Public Personnel Administration
PO 393 – Public Budgeting
PO 401 – Program Evaluation – or – SO 314 Organizations
BU 342 – Organization & Management
BU 345 – Human Resources Management
BU 360 – Marketing
BU 381 – Finance

4)   Capstone Courses (3 credit hours)

IS 389 – Capstone Project Development (1 credit hour)
IS 390 – Capstone Project (2 credit hours)

Washburn courses will be offered in a four semester sequence that will allow students to complete the degree in two years of full time enrollment. Students may enter any semester to begin their four semester sequence.