Catalog Course Descriptions
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Bachelor of Individualized Study Courses
Undergraduate
Focuses on literature and issues relevant to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies and the BIS program. Students explore selected topics, develop and gather feedback on individualized concentration proposals, and review BIS program requirements. Limited to three attempts.
A comprehensive, research-based, problem-solving educational experience in which adult students learn the multiple factors that affect adult degree completion, assess their situation regarding these factors, and develop skills and plans to overcome the challenges of completing a bachelor’s degree as an adult. Limited to three attempts.
This course serves new transfer students in the Bachelors of Individualized Studies (BIS) program, and assists them with a successful transition to Mason. Students develop relationships with peers, staff, and faculty. They are introduced to campus resources, with special emphasis on research and writing resources and tools, and work closely with BIS academic advisors and faculty. Notes: Only transfer students in their first or second semester at Mason are eligible to take this course. Only one of BIS 304, UNIV 300, UNIV 302, UNIV 303, UNIV 304, UNIV 305, or UNIV 308 may be taken for credit. Equivalent to UNIV 304.
Focuses on skills to develop a research project, find and organize relevant information, examine and critique evidence, establish criteria, and create plan to complete senior project. Notes: Open only to pre-BIS students and BIS majors. Students cannot receive credit for both BIS 390 and 391. Equivalent to BIS 391.
Focuses on skills to develop an honors-level research project, find and organize relevant information, examine and critique evidence, establish criteria, and create plan to complete Honors Senior Research Project (BIS 490). Approved research proposal required prior to registration in BIS 490. Notes: Students cannot receive credit for both BIS 390 and 391. Equivalent to BIS 390.
Selected topics reflecting interest in specialized areas. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Readings and research on a topic directly relevant to student's core concentration. Notes: Open only to pre-BIS students and BIS majors. Individualized sections by arrangement. Guided by instructor with expertise. Topics must be approved by instructor and BIS director prior to enrollment. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Project or thesis on a topic directly relevant to student's concentration, which will be formally presented to an audience of peers and faculty. Guided by student's faculty advisor and 490 instructor. Notes: Open only to BIS majors. Individualized sections for BIS honors. Capstone course in BIS core concentration. Research proposals must be approved by faculty mentor, executive committee, and BIS director prior to enrollment. Limited to three attempts.
Supervised experience in application of specified area. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Selected topics reflecting interest in specialized areas. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
