Online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) from LSU
Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex professional and societal challenges.
Develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills through interdisciplinary coursework and a capstone experience.
Build expertise across customized areas of study while strengthening skills that support career advancement and lifelong learning.
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Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
Apply by
May 11, 2026
Classes begin
May 25, 2026
I have no college credits
First Time Freshman
- 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core
- LSU is a test-optional institution which means applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered for admission. Click here to learn more!
I have some college credits
Transfer Student General Admission Requirements
- 30* or more transferable (academic, non-remedial) credit hours from a regionally-accredited college or university
- 2.5 academic GPA on all transferable college work attempted
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level Math course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
*Students who will not have 30 transferable credit hours by the time they plan to enroll at LSU can still be considered for admission if they meet all remaining transfer requirements.
To see about transfer credits please check out the TIGER TRANSFER TABLES.
Re-Entry Student Admission Requirements
- Students interested in applying for re-entry to LSU must have a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework and must meet the requirements for their prospective senior college.
- Students who have attempted 30 or more hours at another institution must also have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college work attempted. For your senior college specific requirements please check out the Re-Entry Student Requirements per College.
If you feel like you do not meet any of the above qualifications please reach out to your Enrollment Coach team member as there are different evaluation pathways for non-traditional students to take.
Undergraduate students who are reviewed and admitted by meeting LSU A&M general admissions requirements but do not meet the admittance requirements to a senior college have two admissions options:
- Option 1
Students can start with The University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). This academic unit is designed for new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. Their mission is to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the UCFY at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU. - Option 2
Students can start with The Center for Advising and Counseling (UCAC). This administrative unit serves as the academic home for students who have attempted 30-plus hours of college credit and who do not yet meet the admission requirements for one of the University’s degree-granting senior colleges.
For a list of specific senior college requirements please visit the LSU A&M Undergraduate Admission page.
Tuition
LSU's online programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $445
- Cost per credit hour
- $13,350
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $53,400
- Total cost with fees
The final cost of this program will be determined once all transfer credits are evaluated. For the BIS program, you are able to transfer up to 75% of previous credits. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits earned will apply toward your LSU degree.
*For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
Academics
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) is a customized degree intended for students who are looking to combine social sciences with interests in business, leadership, information technology, digital marketing, and humanities.
What Will I Learn?
Since the online BIS is a program that is specifically tailored to your individual needs and desires, the topics learned in the program will vary. However, you will hone your skills in written or verbal communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking throughout any degree pathway you choose.
The Interdisciplinary Studies major will also provide a chance for you to build a foundation in the following concentrations:
- Health Sciences
- Individualized Studies
- Leadership And Society
- Studies In Organizations
- Writing And Performing Arts
Degree Requirements
General Requirements
- No more than 24 hours in any one subject may be used toward this degree, unless minor area requirements dictate otherwise.
- No more than 30 hours of Independent and Distance Learning credit may be used toward this degree.
- No more than eight hours of kinesiology activity courses may be used toward this degree.
- No more than 12 hours of ROTC credit may be used toward this degree.
- At least 45 hours of credit at or above the 3000 level must be completed; of the 45 hours, at least 15 must be at the 4000 level.
- At least a 2.00 GPA on all work taken in the LSU System. At least a 2.00 GPA on all work taken.
- At least a 2.00 GPA in all minors.
- Enrollment in internships, independent study, and research courses must have prior dean’s approval.
- Students are required to complete coursework from at least three different departments in both the humanities and social sciences areas.
Specific Requirements
- Complete all requirements for the area of concentration.
- Complete all general education requirements.
- Complete elective courses to reach 120 hours.
- A student must earn three hours in one of the following: computer science, EXST 2000, ISDS 1100, LIS 2001, or a foreign language.
- Complete UNST 3900, a capstone course for seniors majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies currently enrolled in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Minors
The online BIS is an undergraduate degree that includes three minors. A student must select three minors from the following choices listed below:
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Construction Management
- Information Technology Management
- Leadership Development
- Psychology
- Sociology
Courses
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
ENGL 1001 English Composition |
3 |
ENGL 2000 English Composition |
3 |
UNST 3900 Interdisciplinarity |
3 |
General Education course - Analytical Reasoning (Mathematics) |
3 |
General Education course - Analytical Reasoning |
3 |
General Education course - Arts |
3 |
General Education course - Humanities |
9 |
General Education course - Natural Sciences |
12 |
General Education course - Social Sciences |
3 |
General Education course - Social Sciences (2000-level) |
3 |
Approved Electives |
15 |
Approved Social Sciences Electives |
12 |
EXST 2000 or ISDS 1100 or LIS 2001 or computer science or a foreign language |
3 |
Minor Selection 1 |
15 |
Minor Selection 2 |
15 |
Minor Selection 3 |
15 |
*This recommended path template is a general course path for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, but does not encompass every minor or course option available. Please consult with your academic counselor in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences for an individualized course path that will incorporate your specific minors and previous course credits earned.
- If two-course sequence is taken in the physical sciences, the additional three hour course must be taken from the life sciences, and vice versa.
- At least 45 hours of credit at or above the 3000-level must be completed; of the 45 hours, at least 15 must be at the 4000-level.
- General Education/Approved Social Sciences must cover at least three different departments from list.
- General Education Humanities must cover at least one non-ENGL, non-General Education Arts department from list.
Careers
Graduates of LSU’s BIS program can finish in as little as four years, and become equipped to succeed in various career roles such as a legislative assistant, college recruiter, business manager, human resources specialist, and more.
Career Opportunities
- Human Resources Manager
- Market Analyst
- Human Rights Officer
- Legislative Aide
- Corrections Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Juvenile Court Specialist
- Police Officer
- Public Health Educator
- Child Development Specialist
- Environmental Organizer
- Family Planning Worker
Testimonials
Purposefully designed to develop students’ problem-solving and formal communication abilities, the program provides them with practice in the ability to step back from a problem, as it were, and regard it from multiple disciplinary perspectives. This broadened view improves the prospect of effective practical approaches to the resolution of complex problems.”
