Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentrations, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) is a flexible, career-focused degree designed for adult learners, working professionals, and transfer students seeking to complete their undergraduate education. Combining a rigorous liberal arts foundation with applied professional study, the BIS develops critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for today’s evolving workforce.
Students may complete the degree by selecting two disciplinary concentrations or by pursuing the Individualized Interdisciplinary Concentration Plan (ICP) aligned with their academic interests and career goals. Offered in an online format, the program provides flexibility for students balancing academic study with professional and personal commitments. A reduced 45-credit residency requirement makes the BIS especially accessible for students transferring prior coursework.
The program culminates in a capstone seminar in which students integrate interdisciplinary learning through a comprehensive project demonstrating synthesis of knowledge, applied skills, and career readiness.
Students pursuing this bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours in their degree and a 2.000 minimum GPA. Additionally, students must complete the School of Professional Advancement core curriculum. More information on general degree and core curriculum requirements can be found here.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Major with Concentrations Requirements
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) offers students the option to complete the degree through either pre-approved interdisciplinary concentrations or the Individualized Interdisciplinary Concentration Plan (ICP). Pre-approved concentrations provide structured academic and career-aligned pathways developed and approved by faculty and program leadership, while the ICP allows students to design an individualized interdisciplinary plan in consultation with an advisor and with program director approval. Both approaches maintain the interdisciplinary flexibility of the BIS degree while supporting intentional, career-relevant learning.
In accordance with SoPA policy, at least 60 of the 120 total credit hours required for graduation must be completed at the 2000 level or above. The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree requires completion of a minimum 45-credit residency at Tulane SoPA.
Interdisciplinary Studies Core (9 Credit Hours)
In addition to the Tulane SoPA Core Curriculum requirements, students complete the required Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Core:
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PAIS 2000 | Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
Foundations of interdisciplinary inquiry and integration of multiple perspectives. | ||
| PAIS 3000 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 |
Development of research, analytical, and problem-solving methodologies. | ||
| PAIS 4000 | Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (Capstone Seminar) | 3 |
Culminating experience requiring synthesis of interdisciplinary learning through a major applied project. | ||
Disciplinary Concentrations (24 Credit Hours)
Students complete 24 credit hours of concentration coursework through one of the following pathways:
- Pathway A: Pre-Approved Disciplinary Concentrations, or
- Pathway B: Individualized Interdisciplinary Concentration Plan – ICP
Pathway A: Pre-Approved Disciplinary Concentrations
Students complete two pre-approved disciplinary concentrations, each consisting of 12 credit hours, for a total of 24 concentration credit hours.
Each concentration:
• Represents a coherent area of professional or academic study
• Includes coursework designed to develop disciplinary depth and applied knowledge
• Requires completion of upper-division coursework appropriate to advanced undergraduate study
Approved concentrations are established by participating academic programs and are aligned with workforce needs, graduate-level study preparation, and interdisciplinary career pathways.
The following concentrations are offered:
Principles of Management Concentration
(Business and Leadership Studies Program)
The Principles of Management concentration introduces students to the foundational concepts and practices used to lead and manage organizations effectively. Coursework explores organizational structure, human behavior in the workplace, ethical decision-making, and leadership strategies that support organizational success. Students develop skills in communication, team dynamics, and managerial problem-solving while examining how leaders motivate employees, manage change, and promote responsible and effective organizational performance across diverse professional environments.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Management Concentration | ||
| BSLS 2310 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BSLS 3340 | Managing Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| or BSLS 3330 | Introduction to Human Resources | |
| BSLS 3380 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| BSLS 3800 | Leadership: Navigating for Success | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Principles of Finance Concentration
(Business and Leadership Studies Program)
The Principles of Finance concentration introduces students to the fundamental concepts used to understand financial decision-making within organizations and the broader economy. Coursework develops foundational knowledge in economics, accounting, finance, and quantitative analysis, preparing students to interpret financial information and evaluate organizational performance. Students gain practical skills in data-informed decision-making, ethical business practice, and financial problem-solving while building an understanding of how financial systems support strategic planning and sustainable organizational growth across diverse professional settings.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Finance Concentration | ||
| BSLS 1000 | Economics for Non-Majors | 3 |
| BSLS 1110 | Accounting I | 3 |
| BSLS 2220 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| BSLS 3250 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Health Promotion Concentration
(Kinesiology Program)
The Health Promotion concentration within the BIS degree focuses on principles and practices used in wellness promotion and disease prevention for individuals and communities. Students explore how the human body responds to lifestyle behaviors and how communication and media messaging influence health decisions. Coursework emphasizes evidence-informed approaches to promoting healthy behaviors while developing practical skills applicable to real-world wellness and public health contexts.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Health Promotion Concentration | ||
| KINE 2220 | Mind/Body Health | 3 |
| KINE 3200 | The Human Body | 3 |
| KINE 4050 | Mass Media and Health | 3 |
| KINE 4600 | Wellness Coaching: ACE Health Coach Certification | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Lifestyle Strategies in Health Concentration
(Kinesiology Program)
The Lifestyle Strategies in Health concentration examines how lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, nutrition, and stress management contribute to overall health and well-being. Students engage with scientific research and contemporary wellness practices to understand factors shaping long-term health outcomes. The curriculum highlights the growing role of digital tools and wellness technologies while preparing students to evaluate and support sustainable, lifestyle-based approaches to health.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle Strategies in Health Concentration | ||
| KINE 1800 | Wellness in Contemporary American Society | 3 |
| KINE 2230 | Stress Management | 3 |
| KINE 2330 | Nutrition and Behavior | 3 |
| KINE 4350 | Exercise in the Digital Age | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Strategic Communication Concentration
(Media + Design Program)
The Strategic Communication concentration within the BIS degree provides students with a foundational understanding of the strategic communication process. Designed to meet the growing demand for communication skills, the concentration builds workforce-aligned competencies valued by today’s employers. Students learn to apply core principles including research, planning, implementation, and evaluation to address organizational communication challenges and opportunities. They also develop audience-centered content across digital platforms by integrating public relations, digital marketing, and graphic design principles.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Communication Concentration | ||
| DDSN 1000 | Digital Design Foundations for Non-Majors/Minors | 3 |
| MDES 1120 | Media Writing | 3 |
| MDES 2200 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |
| MDES 2300 | Digital Marketing Principles | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Applied Digital Marketing Concentration
(Media + Design Program)
The Applied Digital Marketing concentration within the BIS degree equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to plan, execute and evaluate digital marketing campaigns. Designed to meet the growing need for in-demand marketing skills, this concentration builds workforce-ready competencies valued by today’s employers. Students learn to apply foundational marketing principles across key digital channels and use analytics to measure performance and optimize campaign effectiveness.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Digital Marketing Concentration | ||
| MDES 2300 | Digital Marketing Principles | 3 |
| MDES 3300 | Creating Digital Content | 3 |
| MDES 3310 | Digital Media Analytics and Reporting | 3 |
| MDES 3450 | Digital Marketing Campaigns | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Cybersecurity Concentration
(Information Technology Program)
The Cybersecurity concentration introduces students to the principles, technologies, and practices used to protect organizational systems, networks, and data in an increasingly digitally automated world. Coursework develops foundational knowledge in IT infrastructure, networking, and information security while emphasizing ethical responsibility, risk awareness, and problem-solving using digital tools within real organizational contexts. Students learn how technology systems operate together and how security strategies are designed to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. Within the interdisciplinary BIS framework, the concentration prepares students to apply technical literacy alongside critical thinking and communication skills to support secure operations across industries where cybersecurity awareness is essential.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Concentration | ||
| CPST 2500 | Information Technology Infrastructure Fundamentals | 3 |
| CPST 2600 | Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
| CPST 2700 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CPST 4310 | Certified Ethical Hacking | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Information Technology Concentration
(Information Technology Program)
The Information Technology concentration provides students with a practical foundation in the systems, applications, and infrastructure that support modern organizations. Coursework introduces core concepts in information systems, software development, database management, and enterprise server administration, preparing students to understand how technology solutions are designed, implemented, and maintained in professional environments. Emphasizing applied problem-solving through hands-on lab experiences, ethical practice, and collaboration, the concentration equips students to evaluate organizational technology needs and support data-driven decision-making across a wide range of industries. Within the interdisciplinary BIS framework, students develop technical literacy alongside critical thinking and communication skills essential for technology-enabled workplaces.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology Concentration | ||
| CPST 1200 | Fundamentals of Informational Systems and Technology | 3 |
| CPST 2200 | Application Development Fundamentals | 3 |
| CPST 2300 | Database Fundamentals | 3 |
| CPST 4610 | Windows Server Administration | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Pathway B: Individualized Interdisciplinary Concentration Plan - ICP
The Individualized Interdisciplinary Concentration Plan (ICP) is aligned with academic interests and professional goals. Coursework must be drawn from existing courses approved and published in the Tulane catalog. The plan is developed in consultation with an academic advisor and requires approval from the BIS Program Director.
The concentration must include:
• A minimum of 24 credit hours drawn from at least two academic disciplines
• At least 18 credit hours at the 3000-level or above
• Coursework demonstrating disciplinary depth and intellectual coherence appropriate to the student’s approved academic and professional goals
Course selections are structured to ensure meaningful integration across disciplines while supporting a unified interdisciplinary focus.
Academic Structure and Advising
Students select concentrations in consultation with an academic advisor to ensure appropriate sequencing, interdisciplinary integration, and timely degree completion. Concentrations are designed to complement one another while supporting individualized academic and professional goals within the BIS framework.
The Individualized Interdisciplinary Concentration Plan must be formally reviewed and approved prior to completion of advanced coursework. Students work closely with advisors to ensure appropriate course sequencing, academic rigor, and alignment with the BIS program learning goals.
Transfer Credit - BIS Degree Framework
Students may transfer coursework toward completion of the BIS degree in accordance with Tulane SoPA transfer credit policies. Transfer coursework may apply toward concentration requirements where appropriate and approved; however, all students must satisfy the 45-credit Tulane SoPA residency requirement and complete the interdisciplinary core and required concentration coursework.
Program String and Field of Study: PABIS_UG, PAIS
Concentration Codes: PMIS (Principles of Management), PFIS (Principles of Finance), HPIS (Health Promotion), LSIS (Lifestyle Strategies in Health), SCIS (Strategic Communication), DMIS (Applied Digital Marketing), CSIS (Cybersecurity), ITIS (Information Technology), ICIS (Individualized Interdisciplinary)
For more information, contact the School of Professional Advancement.