Bachelor of Integrated Studies

This guide has been prepared with the information you need to successfully register for your first year at UFV. Please review the information provided on this page thoroughly before contacting your academic advisor with questions.

Overview

In the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS), students can create a flexible, multidisciplinary program suited to their educational and career goals. To complete their program, students develop and demonstrate core competencies highly desired in the workforce, such as effective communications and the use of data. Prior learning and professional experience can be used, by assessment, to meet one or more of the competencies. In their program, students can choose to specialize by completing a customized theme, minor(s), or a concentration in Applied Management.

Program structure and requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree, students must complete the following minimum requirements:

• 120 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00, of which 30 must be completed at UFV.
• 45 upper-level credits, of which 24 are completed at UFV.
• CGPA of 2.00 in the BIS degree.
• CGPA in courses for minor(s), as specified by minor program.
• CGPA of 2.00 in all upper-level credits.
• The 120 credits must incorporate the breadth requirement.

In addition, students must complete the following two requirements:

• Breadth requirement: Completion of one or more courses in each of at least six separate disciplines, as identified by course prefix (e.g. AGRI, ANTH, ASTR, BIO, BUS, etc.).
• E-Portfolio requirement: Completion of PORT 398 and PORT 399.

Core Competencies requirement:

1. Effective Communications
2. Use and Interpretation of Numerical Data
3. Scientific Practice
4. Digital Competency
5. Intercultural Engagement
6. Professional Competency

Students can choose from the following degree pathways: themes, minors, concentrations, Co-operative Education, and General option (no specialization).

Workload

Given that 3 classes correspond to approximately 20+ hours/week of school work both in and out of the classroom, it is very important that you consider your workload capacity carefully.

It is much better to start with less and add more coursework in future semesters than to start out feeling overloaded in your first semester.

Ultimately, the number of courses you take each semester is up to you, but here is what we recommend for first-year students:

Suggested course plan (first and second semester)

The BIS is a highly flexible, customizable degree program based on student need. A program plan will look different for each student. In choosing courses, students can select a mix of what they like and what is required:

• Writing Foundation requirement: ENGL 105 (English) or CMNS 125 (Communications)
• Note: Students completing ENGL 12 with an A meet this requirement
• Personal interest elective (100-level course)
• Yes, really – something that sounds interesting to you.
• Academic Skills course: UNIV 101
• A course on "how to" UFV — there is a lot to learn!

Next steps