2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
  Catalog Home
  About George Mason University
  Admission
  Tuition, Expenses, and Financial Aid
  Academic Policies
  Student Rights and Responsibilities
  General Policies
  University Academic Programs and Resources
  University General Education
  Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
  College of Education and Human Development
  College of Health and Human Services
  College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study
  School of Management
  School of Public Policy
  College of Science
  College of Visual and Performing Arts
  Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
  Programs of Study
  Programs by Department
  Courses
  Course Information Directory
  Administration and Faculty
HELP
2009-2010 University Catalog

Individualized Study, BIS

Banner Code: LA-BIS-INDV

Students pursing a bachelor’s degree in individualized study must meet the baccalaureate degree requirements for all undergraduates: they need to complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work, complete 45 credits in courses above the 300 level, take at least 30 credits at Mason, and complete general education requirements.

Students in the BIS program are required to meet a modified general education program of 36 credits: 6 credits in English composition (ENG 101 and ENG 302), 9 credits in humanities, 9 credits in social sciences, 3 credits in MATH or STAT (MATH 106 or STAT 250), 3 credits in IT-designated course work, 3 credits in a lab or non-lab natural science, and 3 credits in synthesis (BIS 490).

This program of study is offered by the Individualized Study Program .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing a BIS degree must complete four required courses and one of the concentrations below. Concentrations consist of 24-39 credits. At least 24 credits applied to the concentration must be at the 300 level or above. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses applied to the concentration. No more than six credits of C- or D grades may be applied to the concentration.

Courses applied to a concentration may not also be used to fulfill general education requirements.

Students are encouraged to pursue a minor. 15 credits of the minor must be applied uniquely to the minor and not to the BIS concentration.

Four required courses (10 credits) with a minimum grade of 2.00:

To enroll to enroll in BIS 490, students must have an approved BIS 390 project proposal. In BIS 490, students complete a senior capstone project that varies according to the individual program of study. It may be a research or creative project, and it must be appropriate to the student’s interdisciplinary concentration. BIS 490 requires significant writing and fulfills the synthesis requirement. The project is evaluated by the BIS 490 instructor in consultation with the student’s faculty mentor and usually one other faculty member or qualified professional. BIS 490 and BIS 491 are taken concurrently when no more than 6 credits remain in the concentration.

Choose from one of the following concentrations:

Concentration Requirements

▲ BIS Individualized Concentration (IND)

Students may choose to do an individualized concentration to meet their own academic needs and interests. The concentration is developed in close consultation with BIS staff and a faculty mentor.  Students may incorporate into their individualized concentrations up to 9 credits of previously earned college course work and nontraditional credit from other institutions. The concentration consists of between 24 and 36 credits depending on the topic and the student’s preparation. In addition to meeting the requirements for all concentrations above, 25 credits applied to this concentration must be completed at Mason.

24 to 36 credits from a minimum of two disciplines

Students are encouraged to include BIS 489 - Directed Readings and Research in the concentration and complete it before taking BIS 490.

Notes:

Students must have an approved BIS 390 project proposal to enroll in BIS 490. In BIS 490, students complete a senior capstone project that varies according to the individual program of study. It may be a research or creative project, and it must be appropriate to the student’s interdisciplinary concentration. BIS 490 requires significant writing and fulfills the synthesis requirement. The project is evaluated by the BIS 490 instructor in consultation with the student’s faculty mentor and usually one other faculty member or qualified professional. BIS 490 and BIS 491 are taken when no more than 6 credits remain in the concentration. Students must receive a grade of 2.00 or better in all BIS Core classes.

Total: 24-36 credits

▲ BIS Concentration in Business Communications (BCO)

This concentration provides an interdisciplinary foundation for students who want to pursue a variety of business and/or communication-related careers. Drawing from course work in management, psychology, communication, and English, students learn about communication in the workplace from multiple perspectives.

Five courses (15 credits) of communication:

Three courses (9 credits) in business:

Two courses (6 credits) of other interdisciplinary coursework:

Total: 30 credits

▲ BIS Concentration in Educational Psychology (EDP)

This concentration provides an interdisciplinary foundation for students who want to go into educational careers, including administrative, instructional, and counseling roles across the K–12 spectrum. Drawing from psychology and education course work, students in this concentration learn about the psychology of learning, including cognitive processes across developmental stages and educational strategies through which individuals better comprehend and internalize knowledge.

Five education courses (15 credits):

Five courses (15 credits) of psychology:

Total: 30 credits

▲ BIS Concentration in Early Childhood Education Studies (ECES)

This concentration offers students holding a Northern Virginia Community College associate’s degree in applied science in early childhood development the opportunity to obtain a BIS in early childhood education studies and a minor in business. This concentration does not lead to teacher licensure in early childhood education. Students must complete 49 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this concentration requires a separate application to the program after admission to the university. Students are guaranteed admission to Mason and the BIS program if they have achieved the GPA stipulated in the Mason/NVCC general articulation agreement (currently 2.75) and completed all requirements for an associate’s degree in applied science in early childhood development. Unlike the individualized program, there is no restriction regarding years since high school graduation for admission into the BIS in early childhood education.

24 credits of interdisciplinary courses:

In addition to the courses below, students complete this requirement with electives chosen in consultation with the director.

Five courses (15 credits) leading to a minor in business:

Total: 39 credits

▲ BIS Concentration in Human Resources and Organizational Studies (HROS)

This concentration provides an interdisciplinary foundation for students who want to pursue careers in employee relations, human resources management, and organizational development. Drawing from course work in sociology, management, psychology, and communication, students learn theories on employee and organizational behavior from multiple perspectives as well as ethical and best practices in the field.

33-34 credits of interdisciplinary course work:

Total: 33-34 credits

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in BIS may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing BIS 390/391. Students must have an approved BIS concentration and a grade of 2.00 or better in ENGL 302 before enrolling in BIS 390/391.