ALL PROGRAMS | College of Arts & Sciences Programs

Woman holding papers and looking at a laptop.

What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of an online bachelor’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

After completing all core curriculum requirements (60 hours), the degree requires the completion of an additional 60 credit hours. A student can expect to complete the degree in two years by taking 15 credit hours per semester.

Where will I take classes?
Online

All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall Semester
Early Application Deadline: February 1
Regular Application Deadline: July 1

Spring Semester
Early Application Deadline: October 1
Regular Application Deadline: December 1

Summer Semester
Early Application Deadline: February 1
Regular Application Deadline: April 1

View All Undergraduate Deadlines

College of Arts & Sciences

Online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) concentration in Arts & Sciences

Talk to an enrollment coach
404-413-4393
[email protected]

Contact the department

[email protected]

Are you looking for…

Increased Job Advancement and Marketability?
Increased Income Potential?
Providing a Higher Quality of Life for Yourself and Your Dependents?
Fulfilling a Personal Milestone?
All within a flexible online curriculum specialized for your interests and goals while maximizing previously earned college credits, with dedicated faculty and staff to support you.

Look no further than our Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Arts and Sciences (BIS). A Georgia State University degree with endless opportunities.

The online BIS degree empowers you with a flexible curriculum while providing an avenue to an interdisciplinary educational experience that builds on various foundations for different career options, including graduate study.

With this program, you will further develop your skills* in:

Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Leadership
Oral and Written Communication

*Key competencies that employers and graduate programs are looking for in their applicants.

Whether you are new to Georgia State or returning to complete your degree, you are closer than you think to earning your bachelor’s degree at Georgia State with the online BIS program.

What is Interdisciplinary Studies?

Interdisciplinary studies combine different areas of study to give students flexibility in choosing their coursework. Unlike a liberal arts degree, an interdisciplinary studies degree allows students to concentrate and connect their studies into several focus areas to prepare for the next steps in industry or graduate study.

What are some examples of an interdisciplinary curriculum?

One example is a student returning to complete their degree to move into a leadership role in their current position. With this career interest in mind, the student takes courses in Sociology, Philosophy and Ethics, Speech Communication, and Counseling and Psychological Services coursework to strengthen their skills to prepare them holistically for their next career move.

Another example is a student who was previously a Biology major, went into the workforce, is currently serving as a healthcare administrator and is returning to complete their degree. Utilizing previous credits in Biology, the student takes Public Health, Business Communication and Non-Profit Leadership coursework to build upon their career experiences and further broaden their knowledge, move into more advanced healthcare administration positions and complete their bachelor’s degree.

Who should consider the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary (BIS) with a concentration in Arts and Sciences?

Only some students are a good fit for the BIS with a concentration in Arts & Sciences. Many students will have clearly defined academic programs chosen, leading to a specific career path. This program supports students that have goals that require students to combine and explore various academic subjects.

This program is also a fit for students who have not been able to progress successfully in a clearly defined academic program and are looking for an avenue to earn a bachelor’s degree. The BIS with a concentration in Arts & Sciences offers the ability to maximize already-earned credits toward completing a bachelor’s degree.

Lastly, this program is also a good fit for the student who is already in a career and needs the credential or wants to make a career change and needs the flexibility of a fully online program while maximizing prior coursework taken.

Can students add a minor to this program? Pursue an undergraduate certificate?

Students can declare a minor and will be encouraged to explore one. The minor is in addition to Area G (major) requirements. Students cannot use credits satisfied in Area G towards the minor. Many students who qualify for the BIS program have already completed enough credits for a minor in a specific discipline.

Students can add an undergraduate certificate(s) to their program if they wish to. They must follow the curriculum and the process to earn an undergraduate certificate.

Refer to the University catalog for minor and undergraduate certificate offerings.

Program Highlights

A flexible, customizable degree unique to your career goals.

Choose courses of study from several departments and institutes to gain invaluable skills in areas that are of interest to you, while pursuing a fulfilling life and career you are passionate about. Unsure of a specific major or career path to complete your bachelor’s degree? Our advisors will provide comprehensive guidance and support based on transferable course credits you’ve already earned to help you identify the best path forward.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Learn interdisciplinary approaches to research that introduce you to social and scientific research methods used to explore diverse phenomena, from social networking to rates of COVID-19, to underserved youth programs in Brazil. Even if you never conduct formal research, you will become a more informed consumer—and a better user—of the results of studies that shape social policy and popular beliefs.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Capstone Seminar is the culmination of your Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Arts and Sciences degree that provides the opportunity to evaluate and connect your college experiences and critical thinking skills to your goals, whether continuing into a graduate program or advancing your career through a promotion.

Internship opportunities are another great way to connect college to career, build your network, gain experience and increase your marketability all while earning credit toward your degree.

Careers With a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

Career Opportunities

What Can I Do with the BIS with a concentration in Arts & Sciences Degree?

The interdisciplinary education received through the BIS program allows for a range of career opportunities. Graduates of this program gain valuable skills sought after in the global marketplace and are excellent candidates for a variety of positions in many different industries, such as:

Business
Communications or Media
Criminal Justice or Law
Education
Management
Marketing

Project Management
Non-Profit Leadership
Social Sciences or Human Resources
Technology
… and much more!

Earnings Potential

The median earnings of full-time workers who have earned a bachelor’s (after-tax yearly income) were $65,400. While full-time workers who did not possess a degree and had “some college, no degree” status earned an after-tax yearly income of $46,300. (College Board’s Education Pays, 2019 Survey)

Within Georgia, the Complete College Georgia initiative projects that more than 60 percent of jobs in Georgia will require some form of a college education by 2025.

Program Details

The BIS with a concentration in Arts & Sciences program is designed for students who meet the following criteria:

Earned 60 or more hours of coursework
Students will submit a written questionnaire demonstrating their interest in the program
Develop a course plan in consultation with their academic advisor

This program is not available to first-year students, only students who have the equivalent of an associate degree or who have completed 60 hours of coursework and either current or newly admitted students into the Atlanta campus.

The BIS with a concentration in Arts & Sciences program is flexible, allowing students to maximize their previous college credits. Students will complete a lower-division core curriculum encompassing courses in humanities, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences. Then they will select coursework to meet the remaining degree requirements in consultation with their academic advisor and program faculty director to tailor the program to their needs and academic profile.

All degree requirements can be completed online.

The curriculum includes:

42 hours of undergraduate core curriculum courses (Areas A-E)
18 hours of lower-division coursework (Area F)
6 hours of Interdisciplinary Foundation Coursework (Area G)
- INDS 3000: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research-CTW (3 hours)
- Experiential Learning: Students select from a Capstone, Internship or Study Abroad Program (3 hours)
24 hours of upper-division coursework within at least 3 different academic subjects (Area G)
30 hours of elective credit to reach a total of 120 credit hours

Visit the catalog for details.

Affording Your Online Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

Learn more about the cost of an online bachelor’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study.

Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

Use the Student Financial Services Guided Paths to walk you through the Financial Aid Process and learn about all our options for financing your education.

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

The program offers students an avenue to prepare academically to provide leadership on societal problems that increasingly reflect the need for cross-collegiate and cross-disciplinary insights and collaboration. Looking at issues from interdisciplinary lenses is increasingly important and encourages nimble and responsive approaches to problem-solving.