Interested in designing your own major? Consider Minot State's bachelor of individualized studies (BIS) program.

The BIS is a “design-your-own major” program at Minot State that offers you the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree by combining coursework from disciplines you choose in an intentional, thoughtful way. The program is designed for students whose career goals cannot be adequately met by pursuing an existing major.

How does it work?

STEP 1 – You have an idea

Develop a program of study that meets your educational and career goals — one that you’re not able to identify within our existing programs and meet with our interdisciplinary studies director. The director will make sure you understand the nature of the program and ask about your idea development. Some topics that may be discussed include:

• Did you find similar programs at other schools?
• Explain why existing Minot State programs don’t meet your needs.
• Did you speak with faculty members in disciplines you want to combine?
• Did you investigate the courses needed to meet your career goals?

The director may suggest additional research and/or discussions with faculty members and will explain how to enroll in your first IDS course, IDS 240 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies.

STEP 2 – Develop your plan

In IDS 240, you will learn about interdisciplinary studies, which will help you thoughtfully consider the programs of study and specific courses you want to combine. You will then develop your formal application for the BIS program, including:

• Identifying your advisors
• Developing rationale for your major
• Building your Academic Plan
• Putting together a schedule

Toward the end of the course, you will submit your application to the Interdisciplinary Studies Advisory Council. The advisory council will meet to consider your application for admission to the BIS program.

STEP 3 – Implement your plan

Once your application is approved, you can move ahead with completing your Academic Plan. Throughout your program, you should meet regularly with your advisors. If it becomes necessary to modify your Academic Plan, you will work with your advisors and the advisory council to formalize the changes.

Offered: Flexible delivery depending on academic plan