Why major in Integrated Studies at Washburn?

This flexible degree option allows you to build upon credits you may already have to create a degree plan that fits your goals. The requirements of the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree embrace the ideals of a multi-disciplinary education. In many cases, knowing the fundamentals in a lot of areas, rather than deep knowledge in one area, is just what you'll need to succeed.

Multi-disciplinary plans of study within the Bachelor of Integrated Studies may be created in two ways:

  1. Unique, customized plan created by a student and approved.
  2. Multi-disciplinary plan created by a group of departments and pre-approved.
Career Forecast Bright OutlookAverage Salary $40,000 to $70,000 depending on career path on campusonlinehybrid
A student smiles while wearing a Washburn shirt and suit jacket.

Integrated Studies is right for you if:

  • you need to finish your bachelor’s degree in order to advance in your current career
  • you want to complete your degree completely online, completely in person, or with a mix of both types of classes
  • you’ve changed your major several times and you’re ready to graduate
  • you dream of earning a degree of your own design

The BIS is well suited for adult learners, or traditional students who are motivated to pursue an independent path.

You can take courses from across the university in this program. Your specific curriculum will be different than other BIS students if you design your own degree plan.

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Tuition and fees

Depending on the courses you select, you’ll be taking either traditional undergraduate, or undergraduate distance courses.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waiver programs

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Study plan options

By far the most common BIS study plan is one that builds on credits you've already earned.

If you already have an associates degree, or you have a lot of credits from Washburn or another school, your first step in pursuing this option is to meet with the program director. After reviewing the credits you already have, you’ll understand what the best options are for you. Your advisor can help you plan for all online courses, all in person courses, or a mix of both to help you balance your educational goals and responsibilities.

To complete the BIS degree you’ll need:

  • A minimum of 60 credit hours from a four-year college or university.
  • A minimum of 45 credit hours of upper division courses.
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours from Washburn University.
  • A minimum of 120 total semester credit hours to complete the BIS degree.
  • Completion of all General Education, University Requirements and Prerequisite coursework.

General Education Requirements (42 credit hours)

  • 15 hours in Arts and Humanities* with at least 3 hours selected from Art, Music, or Theatre, and recommend 3 hours of CN 101 Principles & Practices of Human Communication.
  • 12 hours in Natural Sciences and Mathematics,* including courses in at least two disciplines other than Mathematics.
  • 15 hours in Social Sciences* including the following recommended course, 3 hours in Introduction to Psychology.
  • In any of the three General Education distribution areas, no more than 6 hours in any one discipline may be counted toward the General Education requirement.

University Requirements (9 credit hours)

  • Freshman Composition* (equivalent to EN 101 at Washburn)
  • MA 112 Contemporary College mathematics or higher.
  • Advanced Composition (must be completed with Washburn).
*Denotes those courses that will most likely be transfer credits from another institution. To ensure compatibility with Washburn’s program, contact the BIS advisor.

Each student in the BIS program has a unique Individualized Study Program (ISP). If you’re planning to customize your own degree plan, the ISP worksheet and the university catalog are good resources for you.

You’ll want to start by choosing two (or more) emphasis areas, or courses which are consistent with a specific focus, theme, or unifying concept. Alumni have created degrees with themes including Social Justice, Sports Psychology, and Neuroscience. Your advisor will work with you on creating this plan. The plan must be approved.

Combine one, two or even three core areas of study and add supplemental courses. For example, if the credits you've already earned are focused in a few areas, this can be a good option for you.

Combine Business and Public Administration with the general and university requirements listed above.

Combine Art and Computer Information Science with the general and university requirements listed above.

Jobs & Opportunities

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook

You'll be prepared for:

Workforce

Graduate school

Law school

Career options

This will be determined by your study plan

Non-profits

Sales/marketing

Event planning

Content development (social media, video, websites)

Administration

Human resources

Qualities

Motivated

Future-focused

Interested in the connections between fields

Project-based learner
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