Academic Catalog

2024-2025 Edition

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) is a flexible, interdisciplinary program designed for students who want a degree tailored to their specific career goals integrating diverse coursework and culminating in a capstone project.  The major offers a versatile academic track that allows students to explore various academic disciplines of study while earning a unified degree. It accommodates individuals whose career aspirations or intellectual pursuits span multiple disciplines, empowering them to craft a customized major. Emphasizing vocational exploration and skill development, this program equips graduates with leadership, analytical, and relational skills essential for the workplace.  This degree serves as a foundation for both professional endeavors and future graduate studies.  Some areas where graduates of interdisciplinary studies program commonly pursue further education include: law, public administration, social sciences, education, business administration, healthcare administration, environmental studies, international relations, media and communications, and creative arts.

A bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies opens up a diverse range of career paths. Here are some potential career options:

  • Project Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Program Manager
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Research Analyst
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Education Program Coordinator
  • Entrepreneur

These are just a few examples. The versatility of interdisciplinary studies means graduates can pursue careers in various industries and sectors.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for the Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies

Graduates of the Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies program will be able to:

  • PLO 1: Demonstrate the ability to integrate biblical concepts and principles with inter-concentration specific topics and domains.
  • PLO 2: Develop professional competencies in two concentrations and in the integration of those concentrations.
  • PLO 3: Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
  • PLO 4: Analyze inter-concentration specific issues, practices, and trends using appropriate research concepts and processes.
  • PLO 5: Demonstrate critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
  • PLO 6: Apply principles of Christian ethics in response to ethical dilemmas and issues within inter-concentration contexts.
 

The Los Angeles Pacific University Core comprises the General Education requirements and the LAPU Distinctives. Students are encouraged to complete the Core before beginning their major requirements. General Education requirements may be met by transfer work. The LAPU Distinctives are required for all undergraduate degrees at LAPU.

Requirement Title Credits
General Education Requirements25
LAPU Distinctives9
Total Credits34

General Education

Requirement Title Credits
English Communication
COMM 105Public Communication3
ENGL 105Introduction to Academic Research and Writing3
Arts
ARTS 110Introduction to Art3
Humanities
ENGL 115Introduction to Literature3
or PHIL 205 Introduction to Philosophy
or PHIL 210 Introduction to Ethics
Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 105Survey of College Mathematics3
or MATH 125 College Algebra
or STAT 280 Applied Statistics
Behavioral Sciences
ECON 203Principles of Microeconomics3
or PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology
Social Sciences
HIST 202World Civilizations3
or HIST 204 U.S. History from 1865
or HIST 420 United States History and the Constitution
Physical and Biological Sciences
BIOL 105General Biology/Lab4
or BIOL 230 Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
or CHEM 115 Chemistry for Health Sciences/Lab
or NSCI 150 Introduction to Astronomy/Lab
Total Credits25

LAPU Distinctives

Requirement Title Credits
BIBL 100Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy3
BIBL 230Introduction to Biblical Literature: Luke/Acts3
ISTU 101Success in the University 13
Total Credits9
1

Must be taken at LAPU.

 

To earn the Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, students must complete the degree components listed below:

Requirement Title Credits
Core34
Two Concentrations30
Capstone6
Electives50
Total Credits120

In order to earn the Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, students create a personalized study focus by completing two compatible concentrations (comprising at least 30 credits) and two capstone courses, while achieving a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in the combined concentrations and capstone courses. There may be at most one course that is common to the two concentrations; an approved substitute course will be required to complete the second concentration.

Requirement Title Credits
Core
Core Requirement34
Major Requirements
Concentrations Requirement 130
Capstone Courses
ISTU 490Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone I3
ISTU 495Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone II3
Electives
Electives Requirement 250
Total Credits120
1

Please consult a success coach to determine an appropriate pairing of concentrations.

2

Students may choose from any course in the catalog.