Basic Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degrees (120 Hours)

Note: Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Geological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sociology or Statistics, and the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a major in Chemistry require 120 hours. All other Bachelor of Science degrees require a minimum of 128 hours.

1. Carolina Core Plus General Education Requirements
2. Major
3. Cognate or Minor Requirements (optional for BSIS majors)
4. Electives

2. Interdisciplinary Studies Major (36 Hours)

Each student must complete a program of studies designed by an interdisciplinary program committee appointed by the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office. The program shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit in major eligible courses in two or more fields. No course submitted in fulfillment of the general education requirements may be included in the program requirements. A maximum of 15 semester hours of independent study courses may be applied to the interdisciplinary studies program requirement.

3. Cognate or Minor Requirements (12-18 Hours) for B.S. Degrees

A cognate or minor is not required for the BSIS degree. Students who opt to complete a cognate or minor must follow requirements for the cognate or minor as detailed in the College of Arts and Sciences section of the Bulletin.

4. Electives for B.S. Degrees

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification of inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Procedure

The following procedures shall be followed in designing a program of interdisciplinary studies:

1. The candidate shall apply to the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office for declaration of an interdisciplinary studies program.
2. The candidate must submit to the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office a written statement of goals concerning a potential interdisciplinary studies program.
3. The College Academic Affairs and Advising Office will help the candidate formulate an interdisciplinary program committee, which shall consist of faculty members from the student’s areas of interdisciplinary interest. The members of the interdisciplinary program committee shall be appointed by the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office, who will designate one member as chair and as the student’s academic advisor.
4. The interdisciplinary program committee shall meet with the student and prepare a program of studies leading to the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The program shall include a written justification for the specific program of studies designed with the student. The program of study must be approved by the committee prior to the completion of 75 hours. The committee and College Academic Affairs and Advising Office must approve any subsequent changes in the student’s program.
5. The candidate’s academic advisor shall advise the student each semester and shall sign the necessary registration and other advisor’s forms. Advising shall adhere to the student’s approved program of studies. The academic advisor shall consult with the interdisciplinary program committee for approval should deviation from the original program become necessary or advisable. All changes shall be registered with the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office.

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree After Completion of One Year of Medical or Dental School. Upon application to the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office, a student who has completed 90 hours or more of degree-applicable undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina (with the last 30 hours in residence at the University) with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher, will be granted the BSIS degree provided that:

1. The applicant has satisfied all graduation requirements for the BSIS degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, except for the final 30 hours.
2. The applicant has not applied these University of South Carolina credits to obtaining a baccalaureate degree from any institution.
3. The applicant submits documents from an accredited medical or dental school demonstrating satisfactory completion of the first year of study leading to a post-baccalaureate degree.
4. The applicant has the program of study approved by the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office.
5. The College Academic Affairs and Advising Office certifies that the requirements prescribed for the degree have been met.

Interested students enrolled at the University should consult the College Academic Affairs and Advising Office for details concerning this option.