Masters of Accountancy
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a...
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.)
Richmond, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers students a unique opportunity to design a personalized and flexible course of study that integrates multiple disciplines to address complex real-world challenges. This interdisciplinary program allows students to explore diverse interests, combine areas of study, and tailor their education to align with their academic and career goals.
Curriculum: The B.I.S. curriculum at VCU is highly customizable, allowing students to select courses from various academic departments across the university. Students work closely with academic advisors to design a cohesive program of study that combines courses from different disciplines and areas of interest. The curriculum typically includes a combination of core courses, elective courses, and experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, or community engagement activities.
Research Focus: The B.I.S. program at VCU encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary research projects that address complex issues from multiple perspectives. Faculty members from different disciplines collaborate with students on research initiatives that span a wide range of topics, from healthcare disparities and environmental sustainability to social justice and cultural diversity. Students have the opportunity to contribute to scholarly publications, present their research at academic conferences, and participate in interdisciplinary research teams, gaining valuable research experience and making meaningful contributions to their fields of study.
Industry Engagement: VCU's B.I.S. program fosters strong ties with industry partners, community organizations, and professional networks to provide students with opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and career development. Students may intern or volunteer with local businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or cultural institutions, gaining practical experience and networking with professionals in their fields of interest. Guest speakers, industry panels, and networking events provide students with insights into career opportunities, industry trends, and emerging issues relevant to their interdisciplinary interests.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of global perspectives in addressing complex challenges, VCU's B.I.S. program integrates a global perspective into its curriculum and research initiatives. Students have the opportunity to explore global issues, cross-cultural communication, and international development through courses, study abroad programs, or research projects with a global focus. Faculty members with expertise in international affairs and global studies mentor students and facilitate discussions on global issues, fostering a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness and cultural diversity.
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 37588
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: US$ 80
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 is often required.
- PTE : A minimum overall score of 53 is required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Scholarships for International Students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Global Excellence Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. It provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of study at VCU. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and their potential to contribute to the VCU community.
International Student Scholarships: VCU offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships vary in award amounts and eligibility criteria. They are typically based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments.
VCU Presidential International Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students pursuing graduate studies at VCU. The awards cover partial tuition costs and are granted based on academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and meet specific GPA requirements.
VCU Honors College Scholarships: The Honors College at VCU provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
VCUarts Scholarships: For international students interested in pursuing degrees in the arts, VCUarts offers scholarships that are specific to their programs. These scholarships may include awards for outstanding portfolios or auditions.
VCU School of Engineering Scholarships: International students studying engineering at VCU may be eligible for scholarships offered by the School of Engineering. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and career aspirations in engineering fields.
Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at VCU may offer scholarships to international students within their specific fields of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by department.
External Scholarships: VCU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The university's scholarship office provides guidance on finding and applying for external scholarships.
It's important for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is typically a requirement to retain scholarship awards.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are equipped with a diverse skill set and a broad knowledge base that prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows graduates to pursue careers in fields such as education, non-profit management, public administration, communications, marketing, human resources, and more.
Education: Some B.I.S. graduates choose to pursue careers in education, working as teachers, educational administrators, or curriculum developers. They may specialize in areas such as elementary education, special education, or adult education, utilizing their interdisciplinary background to design innovative curriculum and educational programs that meet the needs of diverse learners.
Non-Profit Management: Many B.I.S. graduates are drawn to careers in the non-profit sector, where they can apply their interdisciplinary skills to address social, environmental, and community issues. They may work as program coordinators, development officers, or executive directors for non-profit organizations, managing programs, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts.
Public Administration: Graduates with a B.I.S. degree may pursue careers in public administration, working for government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. They may work in areas such as public policy analysis, urban planning, or community development, leveraging their interdisciplinary perspective to address complex social and political challenges facing communities.
Communications and Marketing: Some B.I.S. graduates find opportunities in communications, marketing, or public relations roles, where they can use their interdisciplinary background to craft compelling messages, develop marketing strategies, and engage with diverse audiences. They may work for corporations, media outlets, advertising agencies, or public relations firms, helping clients effectively communicate their messages and build brand awareness.
Human Resources: Graduates with a B.I.S. degree may pursue careers in human resources, where they can apply their interdisciplinary skills to recruit, train, and manage talent within organizations. They may work as HR specialists, recruiters, or training coordinators, helping organizations build diverse and inclusive workplaces and develop employee programs that support professional growth and development.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Some B.I.S. graduates choose to work as community outreach coordinators for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community-based organizations. They may be responsible for developing and implementing outreach programs, coordinating events, and building partnerships with stakeholders to address community needs and promote social change.
Entrepreneurship: With their interdisciplinary background and creative thinking skills, some B.I.S. graduates may choose to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. They may start their own businesses or social enterprises, leveraging their diverse skill set to identify opportunities, solve problems, and innovate in various industries.
Consulting: Graduates with a B.I.S. degree may pursue careers in consulting, offering their expertise and interdisciplinary perspective to help organizations solve complex problems and achieve their goals. They may work for consulting firms or as independent consultants, providing strategic advice, conducting research, and implementing solutions across a range of industries.
