What is BIS/IDIM?
The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS)
is an alternative degree program that provides certain types of
flexibility not available in B.A. and B.S. programs. Rather than
completing a major within a single field, students focus their
coursework on three areas of concentration, one of which may consist of
courses from outside CLA. These areas do not have to be related to each
other, but the BIS program proposal must include an explanation of the
student's overall educational goals.
The Individually Designed Interdepartmental Major (IDIM)
program enables students to fulfill the major program requirements for
the B.A. degree by completing an interdepartmental program of
coursework focused on a theme of their own choosing, designed in
consultation with faculty and staff advisers. IDIM programs consist of
three or four areas of concentration, integrated in such a way that the
major has strong thematic unity and coherence.
The College of Liberal Arts has a 70-year tradition of enabling
students to design an individualized program of study. In the 1930s, a cross-departmental
"Curriculum in Liberal Arts" was developed, which evolved into the
Individually Designed Interdepartmental Major (IDIM) program through which
students design a major for the BA degree combining courses from three or more
departments that focus on a unifying interdisciplinary theme. A second individualized option was
established in 1978, the Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) degree
program, through which students may pursue three separate areas of
concentration, one of them from outside the liberal arts, rather than having a
major.
The Individualized Degree Programs attract students who
believe their academic needs and goals cannot be met through one of the
College's regular majors. Both BIS and IDIM are used by students interested in
exploring issues that cut across departmental boundaries. To be admitted to either BIS or IDIM,
students must carry out a rigorous process in which they work with an adviser
to develop a program proposal, based on their own goals and on consultation
with faculty and departmental advisers.
Then the proposal must be reviewed and approved by advisers in each of
the student's areas of concentration.
The process demands a level of commitment and engagement on the
student's part that is not generally required in carrying out a regular major,
for which the curriculum has been pre-determined by faculty. Nevertheless, the near-unanimous opinion of
BIS and IDIM students is "it's hard work, but it's worth it" to have the
opportunity to tailor a major program that is uniquely one's own. Another feature of the programs valued by
students is the individualized attention and support they receive from their
BIS/IDIM staff and faculty advisers as they plan and carry out their programs.
The BIS/IDIM program seems flexible.Can I pick any courses I want? BIS and IDIM are very flexible programs, but there are some provisions to keep in mind:
You must meet the credit requirements for concentration areas and for your overall program.
Your program must be approved by faculty and advisors.
You
must follow guidelines designated by departments working in association
with the BIS/IDIM office and you must complete concentration area and
course prerequisites as appropriate.
Can I add a minor or major to this program?
Students
can elect to add a minor or additional major but only a one course for a additional minor and two courses for a major can be included in your BIS/IDIM program.
Do BIS/IDIM students have to complete the CLA second language requirement?
Yes.
The BIS and the IDIM are the two individualized degree programs for College of Liberal Arts
students. Because you remain a CLA student while pursuing your
BIS/IDIM, you are required to complete the CLA liberal education
requirements (including writing intensive courses, diversified core,
and designated themes) as well as the CLA second language requirement.
For more information on how to coordinate these requirements with your
BIS/IDIM program, speak with a BIS/IDIM adviser.
How do I begin planning my BIS/IDIM?
The first step for all students interested in the BIS and IDIM is to attend one of our group information sessions.
These sessions last about 45 minutes and provide detailed information
on eligible coursework, departmental requirements, sample programs, and
the approval process.
To
sign up for one of these info sessions, please call 612-624-8006.
How do I declare a BIS or IDIM major?
Students are required to declare a major by the time they have completed 60 credits.
· Go to a BIS or IDIM information session to learn more about program requirements and the program approval process.
· When
you have decided upon your program goals and concentration areas, meet
with a BIS/IDIM adviser to fill out a BIS or IDIM Major Declaration
Form.
You have not
declared a major until you have completed a BIS or IDIM Major
Declaration Form with your BIS/IDIM adviser and filed a copy with your
CLA student community.
Remember
that declaring a major is only the first step in the BIS/IDIM planning
process. You will still be required to submit a program proposal for
approval. The semester after you declare BIS/IDIM, a registration hold will be placed on your record until you have an appproved program.
Can I change my program after I submit a proposal?
Yes, to a certain degree.
A
student can substitute courses in his or her program with the approval
of either a BIS/IDIM adviser or a faculty adviser. In some cases both
are required.
The
substitution of an entire concentration, or multiple courses across
concentrations, may so affect the overall constitution and structure of
the student's program that submission of a new program proposal may be
necessary.
Advisers and
faculty understand that students cannot be certain of future course
availability either here at the U or (for students incorporating
transfer, National Student Exchange, and/or study abroad credit) at
another institution. We therefore advise students to plan as well--and
as far into the future--as possible and practicable. In cases where a
desired course becomes unavailable, advisers work with faculty and
students to identify a good alternative.
In
any case, changes to a student's program must be approved by the
relevant adviser and/or faculty member. If you have any questions, or
you foresee changes in your BIS/IDIM program, consult a BIS/IDIM
adviser.
How long does it take to complete a BIS or IDIM program?
The
length of time necessary to complete a BIS or IDIM program will vary
from student to student. Many variables affect the time required to
complete a program. Among them are:
- the nature of, and number of credits in, the proposed program
- the number and type of BIS/IDIM program courses already completed
- plans for National Student Exchange or study abroad
How do I know if I should do an IDIM or BIS?
A
significant difference between IDIM and BIS is that the former must
have a thematic focus that links the program's courses together. Because
an IDIM program represents the development of an original academic
program, numerous proposal drafts are usually necessary, as well as
consultation with faculty in order to combine appropriately different
disciplines into a coherent and rigorous whole.
One
important difference between an IDIM and a BIS is that the latter
allows for one concentration area to be outside of CLA (with an overall
limit of 21 non-CLA credits in the program) whereas IDIM does not allow
any non-CLA coursework (on occasion, one or two non-CLA courses may be
approved). CLA courses/concentrations are generally from departments in which you can earn a major in CLA.
http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/majors.html
Finally, the IDIM requires a senior project whereas the BIS requires an analytic paper. Most students are able to write their analytic paper in a course they are taking for their BIS program. For
the senior project, students need to register for directed study
credits and develop an interdisciplinary project that integrates what
they have learned from their IDIM program. Many
students are excited about this opportunity to develop a creative and
scholarly project that represents a culmination of the learning and
thought they have put into their IDIM program. Some
students, however, find it a challenge to work on their project while
finishing their coursework and prepare for life after graduation. As a result, students who do not plan carefully for their senior project can find that their graduation is delayed. The
IDIM office works closely with students to help them make timely
progress on their project; students are strongly encouraged to begin
working on their project the term before they intend to graduate.
Can I pursue a BIS/IDIM with honors?
Certainly.
Honors students must be sure to fulfill both the CLA requirements for
Honors and the BIS/IDIM program requirements. In many cases, students
can fulfill multiple requirements with a single course or experience.
For instance, it is possible for an IDIM student to satisfy the honors
thesis requirement by completing his or her IDIM senior project.
Additionally, students can receive BIS/IDIM program credit as well as
credit for an Honors opportunity through many study abroad courses and
programs. For more information on Honors requirements, consult the CLA Honors Website.
What do graduates say about BIS/IDIM?
According
to results of our recent survey, alumni of the BIS and IDIM feel
satisfied with overall value of their individualized degree programs,
and would recommend the programs to current students.
Surveys
were distributed to the 529 alums graduating between 1990 and 1999.
Survey results represent the views of 195 respondents. (131 BIS, 63
IDIM). The purpose of the survey was to gather information about what
BIS/IDIM students have done after they leave the University and to
learn how they evaluate their experiences in the individualized degree
program.
In general,
alums rate highly the overall value of the BIS/IDIM; they report that
the individualized program has had a significant impact on their lives,
values and interests; they recommend the programs to current
undergraduates; they receive positive feedback from employers; and they
have found the BIS/IDIM to be adequate preparation for advanced degrees
such as the M.B.A., Ph.D. and J.D.
To see further results of the survey, click on BIS/IDIM Alumni Survey.
What kind of a degree is a B.I.S.? Do people know about it? Will it disadvantage me?
A B.I.S. is parallel to a B.A. or a B.S. degree in the liberal arts but offers flexibility not available in these two programs. Most
employers and graduate schools are impressed with the initiative and
creativity it takes to create an individualized degree--students who
develop their own academic program can often discuss their learning
more fully. Because the proposal development
process helps students understand and articulate the reasons behind
their course work choices, employers and graduate schools appreciate
students who earn a B.I.S.
How will my diploma look?
Your diploma lists only the University of Minnesota, the degree awarded (B.A. or B.I.S.), and any formal honors you've earned (Latin honors or distinction or both.). This is the information standard for any University of Minnesota graduate. Your transcript will list your degree (B.A. or B.I.S.), date conferred, the College of Liberal Arts,
your "plan" (that is, major: Bachelor of Individualized Study or
Individually Designed Interdepartmental) and either your concentration
areas (for BIS) or your major title (for IDIM).
How is a BIS/IDIM adviser different from my CLA Student Community Adviser?
BIS/IDIM
advisers help you with all issues related to the pursuit of your
BIS/IDIM program. They assist you in selecting courses appropriate to
your program, developing your BIS/IDIM proposal, making any needed
changes in your program, completing your BIS Analytic Paper or your
IDIM Senior Project, and incorporating into your program certain
experiences beyond the classroom. More broadly, BIS/IDIM advisers
provide information about how the CLA individualized programs relate to
other programs throughout the University, and how you can coordinate
your BIS/IDIM program with your liberal education requirements.
On
the other hand, your CLA Student Community adviser (a.k.a. "college
adviser") assists you with all issues related to earning your CLA
degree except for BIS/IDIM matters. Among other things, college
advisers assist students as they navigate the liberal education
requirements (including the CLA second language requirement), and
graduation procedures and requirements. These advisers can also guide
you as you submit petitions for exemptions to deadlines and policies,
help you resolve academic difficulties, and refer you to a host of
University resources.
Who is my Student Community Adviser? Which Student Community is mine?
All CLA students are assigned
to a Student Community based on their declared academic interest(s) or
major(s). Call the CLA Student Information Office at (612) 625-2020 to
find out who your adviser is, and where your Student Community is
located.
Can I meet with a BIS/IDIM adviser over the summer?
The BIS/IDIM advising offices are open throughout the summer for advising appointments, walk-ins and information sessions. Please call 612/624-8006 to schedule an appointment or sign up for an information session.
