BIS Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Virginia

Programme overview

An online degree for adults balancing work and family, rooted in UVA's liberal arts tradition. It builds critical thinking, communication, problem solving, teamwork and analytical reasoning.

Faculty: School of Continuing and Professional Studies | Department: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies | Duration: 120 semester credits; typically 3-4 years part-time, up to 7 years allowed | Intake: August (apply by May 15) and January (apply by November 1) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Liberal Studies Seminars, Conduct of Inquiry Seminars, electives and a two-semester Capstone Project. Concentrations: Art and Society, Business, Cybersecurity Analysis, Cloud Solutions and Operations, Early Childhood, Healthcare Management, History and Politics, Public Safety Management, Information Technology, Liberal Arts, Psychology and Writing.

Career pathways

Supports advancing in a current job, moving into a new career or pursuing graduate study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; at least 36 transferable credits with C or better, including English composition and at least 12 credits applicable to BIS general education; minimum 2.0 GPA from most recent institution; good standing at UVA if previously enrolled. Materials: approx. 500-word essay, transcripts, test scores if applicable, Virginia in-state education privileges application, one letter of recommendation. Deadlines: May 15 (August start), November 1 (January start). At least 60 credits must be UVA coursework; up to 60 may transfer.

First-year entry for Fall 2027 via Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision; transfer applicants can apply for Spring or Fall entry.

First-year deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action November 1 (decisions by December 15 and February 15 respectively); Regular Decision January 5 (decision by April 1). Applications are submitted through the Common Application. Standardized testing is test optional for Fall 2027 first-year applicants.

Transfer deadlines: Spring Transfer October 1 (notification by December 1); Fall Transfer March 1 (notification by May 1). Transfer applications are test optional.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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