300 Level Courses

BIS 300: Understanding Interdisciplinary Studies. 3 credits.
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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 301: Adult Learner Transition. 3 credits.
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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 304: Introduction to BIS. 1 credit.
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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 304.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 390: The Research Process. 3 credits.
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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to BIS 391.
Specialized Designation: Writing Intensive in Major
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: ((BIS 300C or 300XS) and (ENGH 302C or 302XS)).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Individualized Study.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 391: The Research Process for Honors. 3 credits.
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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to BIS 390.
Recommended Prerequisite: Acceptance to pursue honors in the major.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Individualized Study.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 399: Special Topics. 1-3 credits.
Selected topics reflecting interest in specialized areas. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Individualized Study.

Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

400 Level Courses

BIS 489: Directed Readings and Research. 1-3 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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Open only to degree students in the Bachelor of Individualized Study Program.
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
BIS 490: RS: Senior Project. 4 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. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Synthesis
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (BIS 390C or 390XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment limited to students in the LA-BIS-INDV program.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
BIS 495: Career Practicum. 1-6 credits.
Supervised experience in application of specified area. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Permission of instructor or BIS Director.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.