Program Highlights

The Bachelor of Arts in individualized studies degree is a baccalaureate degree program structured to meet the general educational needs of learners in the liberal arts. For students with previous post-secondary education, the program affords students the opportunity to receive up to 90 transfer credits. It is important to note, however, some transferred credits may not count toward degree requirements. Students may choose to pursue a single- or double-specialization, allowing them in-depth study in an area related to their career aspirations. The result is a degree program that suits the needs of students who desire a broad education experience and/or possess traditional course work experience that can be equated with credit-bearing courses.

Students completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a number of subject areas and related skills such as the following:

  1. The use of basic intellectual tools, specifically to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to use mathematical reasoning; and to comprehend the nature, techniques, and limits of the humanities, natural or physical sciences and the social and behavioral sciences.
  2. The ability to learn and apply learning to the graduate’s career and life experience, requiring the capability to define problems; to use information resources such as libraries and computers; and to analyze, synthesize and integrate knowledge, perspectives and techniques.
  3. An understanding of the historic and global context of events and achievements over time as treated in subjects such as history, the arts and the humanities. Mastery of a considerable body of knowledge in one subject area or a group of related subjects.

The B.A. in individualized studies is offered by the Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences, at the Vancouver Campus, British Columbia, Canada.

BAIS Graduation Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree consists of 120 credits (40 courses) in multiple disciplines. 46 of those 120 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or above. These disciplines and the course requirements are described below.

Communication, Mathematics and Computer Skills: 18 Credits (6 Courses)

The ability to use the English language orally and in writing, the ability to understand and use basic mathematical symbols and the mastery of basic computer skills are required of all students in the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies program.

Requirements

  • Written Communication: minimum 9 credits (3 courses)

    A combination of first-, second- and third-year writing and advanced-level writing courses or their equivalents at other institutions can fulfill Written Communications. At least one advanced-level writing course (3 credits or 1 course) must be taken at the 2000 level or above.

  • Speech / Professional Communication: 3 credits (1 course)

    Three credits in a course substantially concerned with public speaking, oral, written and/or professional communication/presentations.

  • Quantitative Analysis: 6 credits (2 courses)

    Three of the six credits must be in a college-level mathematics course. The other three credits can be from a second mathematics course or from a statistics, logic, computer science, computer technology or other course that requires substantial quantitative analysis.

Liberal Arts and Sciences: 27 Credits (9 Courses)

Students will be exposed to social, scientific, aesthetic, moral and religious ideas, the purpose of which is to gain insight into how the concerns of people are interrelated, how knowledge has been accumulated and how unsolved problems remain a challenge to humanity.

Requirements:

  • Ethical and Moral Analysis: 3 credits (1 course)

    Three credits in a course from any discipline that is substantially concerned with ethical theories and questions such as a course in philosophy, humanities and religious studies.

  • Scientific Analysis: 6 credits (2 courses)

    Six credits in course work from biology, chemistry, physics, environmental/earth/planetary sciences and/or other course that requires substantial scientific analysis. Courses need not be from the same scientific discipline. At least one must be a laboratory science course. A first-year science course for majors may be substituted for any of the recommended courses listed below:

    • Life Sciences (Biology)
    • Chemistry
    • Earth and Planetary Sciences (Geology, Physical Science)
    • Physics
  • Arts and Culture: 6 credits (2 courses)

    Six credits from any combination of studio, performing or creative arts or global studies/culture including, but not limited to the following list. Courses may be from the same discipline/category.

    • Animation
    • Art
    • Computer Graphic Design
    • Computer Animation
    • Creative Writing
    • Dance
    • Music
    • Film
    • Theatre
    • Photography
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 credits (2 courses)

    Six credits from any combination of courses in the social sciences or behavioral sciences. Courses may be in the same discipline; at least three credits must be at the 2000 level or above.

    • Anthropology
    • Economics
    • Geography
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
  • Humanities: 6 credits (2 courses)
    Six credits in any combination from the following list of courses. Courses may be in the same discipline; at least three credits must be at the 2000 level or above.

    • Art History/Appreciation
    • Literature
    • Music History/Appreciation
    • Theater History
    • Foreign Language
    • History
    • Philosophy

University Core Courses: 8 Credits (4 Courses)

The B.A. in interdisciplinary studies program requires all students to complete a common University and College Core curriculum consisting of four integrated courses with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts.

Requirements:

  • UNIV1001 College Core A – Transitioning to University Life (1 credit)
  • UNIV1002 College Core B – Preparing for Professional Life (1 credit)
  • UNIV2001 University Core A – Cross Cultural Perspectives (3 credits)
  • UNIV2002 University Core B – Global Issues (3 credits)

Students entering with 30 transfer credits are exempt from UNIV1001. Transfer students entering with 45 or more transfer credits are exempt from UNIV1002.

International Perspective Course: 3 Credits (1 Course)

The world is no longer composed of countries that are isolated from each other. Economic, political and cultural independence have been replaced by interdependence. As the 21st century nears, knowledge of other countries is essential. This requirement may be met through one of a variety of designated courses from the following disciplines:

  • Anthropology
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Literature
  • Fine arts
  • History
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political science
  • Sociology

Specialized Studies: 18 Credits

In addition to providing liberal arts skills and broad exposure to the major bodies of knowledge, the B.A. individualized studies program also allows students the opportunity to pursue a single or double area of study in depth. A minimum of 18 credits must be completed in each discipline or recognized specialization. Certain limitations apply, including a restriction on the number of courses offered by the Silberman College of Business that can be completed and applied toward the degree.

Specialization Areas (non-exclusive):

Applied Technology – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Computer programming
  • Software development
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Technological support
  • Webmaster or maintenance

Business – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Accounting/Finance
  • Human resources
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing
  • Management

Communications – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Business
  • Marketing communications
  • Public relations
  • Digital media
  • Training/Education

Hospitality & Tourism – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Catering
  • Events organization
  • Tourism
  • Hotel management
  • Restaurant management

International Studies – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Government
  • Politics
  • United Nations/Ambassadorship
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • International business

Leadership Administration – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Government
  • Politics
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Nongovernmental organizations
  • International business

Humanities – suitable for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • Government
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Teaching
  • Media & technical writing
  • Publishing & editing
BAIS Faculty