Interdisciplinary Studies

Your Voyage of Exploration is about to Begin!

At Southern Miss, you can design an academic path that incorporates your interests and talents through the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS). The program fosters independence of mind, a spirit of exploration and discovery, and an awareness of working collaboratively across disciplines towards solutions to complex problems.

If you’re motivated and creative and want to do something a little different, if you want to select a double or triple major but still want to graduate in four years, or if you really like USM but we don’t have the exact degree you are looking for,  then choose the BIS!

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Designing Your Pathway

Take charge of your own learning: You may select (2) concentrations from a large selection of academic minors or design your own approved concentrations from a variety of disciplines and courses offered by USM. Students can also choose from (2) specialty concentrations.

• CHOOSE 2 CONCENTRATIONS: Take 18-hours of coursework by selecting from among the list of available minors offered at USM or create your own 18-hour concentration, in consultation with an advisor.
  
  
• DESIGN YOUR OWN BIS DEGREE: Select a single concentration and take 36-hours of coursework by choosing one of our established specialty concentrations (environmental studies or disability studies), or design an individualized concentration, in consultation with an advisor, from a variety of disciplines and courses offered by USM.  
  
  
• COMPLETE THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE: Develop a research project that incorporates knowledge from your concentrations. Over a two-course research design process, you will design, implement, and present your research, while also honing writing and speaking skills. We encourage projects that involve applying knowledge in real-life settings. 
  
  

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