UFV’s Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS) is unique in that no two students have the same program. You can choose from courses and short programs offered across the institution, transfer credits, and integrate professional and non-credit experiences in your degree.
You may choose to specialize by completing one or more minors or extended minors, or by selecting courses that address a common topic or question. For instance, if you are planning on to becoming a K-12 teacher, you may take courses related to children, education, and family studies.
One way to specialize is to build a theme within your BIS program. A theme is an opportunity to build a unique specialization within your degree — one that you can list on your résumé and graduate school applications.
Themes consist of 24 upper-level credits, chosen from two or more disciplines, and related to a common theme or goal. Review these examples of recent themes:
- Inclusive Learning Environments
- Language and Literacy Education
- Digital Commerce and Communication
- Information Management and Studies
- Agriculture Communications and Consumption
- Deconstructing Modern Colonialism
- Educational Studies
- Global Indigenous Geography
- Public Health Education
- Social Diversity Studies
- Aviation
- Design your own, based on your interests and career goals
Themes cannot duplicate existing major or minor programs. As an example, we cannot approve a theme in history. However, if you love history, English, and languages, you may want to consider specializing in European Studies.
Proposing or requesting a theme
If you wish to complete a theme, you are required to submit a proposal when you have completed 60 and 90 credits. You can still submit a theme proposal after that milestone, but late submissions leave less flexibility for course planning.
After you submit the theme, you will usually meet with the program chair and advisor to review your proposal. The chair will provide feedback on the proposed name and course content. In cases where the name of the proposed theme is similar to programs elsewhere, the chair may also recommend that you complete certain required courses as part of your program.
Interested in doing a theme? Make an appointment with an Integrated and General Studies advisor.
Guide and form for themes