Frequently Asked Questions
What
make the BIS Unique?
The
Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS) degree is an entirely Internet-based
degree completion program granted by Emporia State University's
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This accredited alternative
to conventional degree programs provides students a quality multi-disciplinary
program of study that fulfills traditional university requirements
and is designed to meet the student's specific goal for a college
degree. Working closely with an academic advisor, each student develops
his/her program of study from four proficiency areas: communication,
information literacy, problem solving/decision making, and community
leadership. Students may choose to study either full or part-time.
How
does the BIS compare to a BS or BA degree?
The BIS is a regular four year baccalaureate degree that has identical structure to any BS or BA in terms of total hours (124) needed, upper division (senior college) course requirements and General Education requirements. Additionally, all courses we offer for the BIS online degree are available to students in any of the other institutional degrees.
What
is the program of study?
Instead of having a major, you have a program of study. It is an individualized plan for the courses you choose to fulfill your educational/employment goals.
Who
is eligible for admission?
Students who have earned approximately 60 semester credit hours from a two- or four-year accredited institution, predominately in liberal arts/general education. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Please note that it is possible to be admitted into the program, while concurrently working on meeting the general education requirements. Please note that it is possible to be admitted into the program, while concurrently working on meeting the general education requirements.
Do
I need to come to the ESU campus?
NO. The distance learning format will create virtual "online classrooms" which enable you to complete your degree without leaving your home community.
What
steps do I take to apply to ESU and the BIS program?
-
S
end
in application forms and fees. Visit BIS
Admissions for details. -
Have each post-secondary institution you have attended send official transcripts to ESU.
-
Contact an ESU BIS Advisor.
-
Enroll in CW300: Online BIS Seminar.
What
are the BIS degree requirements?
-
Complete at least 124 semester hours of credit (For details, click here.)
-
Compete BIS Seminar and BIS Capstone courses.
-
Fulfill the university's competency examination requirement.
What
are the General Education Requirements?
Students must meet specific general education requirements (49 hours) in basic skills, cultural literacy, science, and graduation requirements.
Requirements for Kansas Community College Graduates
Requirements for Tulsa Community College Graduates
Requirements for all other students
What
if I lack some General Education Requirements?
Emporia State University has agreements with many two-year colleges which offer general education courses online. Please click here for a list of resources.
Does
this program give credit for life experience?
No, not directly. However, the design and 3-12 credits awarded for the capstone course, a tangible project or research paper, often work or community related, will directly reflect the student's previously acquired skills, experience, and formal education.
How
long will it take to complete the program?
The typical student takes one, two, or three courses per semester. How long it takes to complete the program, depends on how many courses you have prior to beginning the program, and how rapidly you can take courses.
How
competitive is tuition?
Course costs are very competitive. Emporia State University tuition and fees are often provided at a lower cost than similar programs across the United States. For current tuition and fee costs, click here.
What
determines success in an online course?
-
Responsibility
-
Commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the process
-
Motivation to learn independently
-
Access to and ability to use appropriate equipment
How
does an online course work?
Please see these resources:
How Online Learning Works
http://www.emporia.edu/cetech/online_support/begstudentguide.html
About Internet Courses
http://lifelong.emporia.edu/geninfo/internet.htm
What
level computer skills do I need?
You must be proficient in:
-
word processing
-
using e-mail
-
browsing the World Wide Web
Use the self-assessment at http://www.emporia.edu/lifelong/geninfo/newskills.htm. You may wish to enroll in IT343, Introduction to Microcomputer Applications, or SP370, Using the World Wide Web if you want to upgrade your computer skills.
What
are the minimum computer requirements?
Please visit About Internet Courses for details.
Am
I required to take ESU Competency Exams?
YES. All students earning a baccalaureate degree from ESU are required to pass these exams in the junior or senior year. These exams can be administered at an educational center near you.
What
student services are available?
-
Admissions counselors are available to provide timely degree analysis information including information about transfer credits prior to making application to the program.
-
Advising by full-time professors
What
is the Off-Site and Distance Education Excellence grant?
-
$100 per semester
-
Awarded to selected BIS students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
-
Based upon student's goals and financial need
-
Can be renewed once
-
Click here for additional information.
How
do I buy my books?
Books are purchased from ESU'S Memorial Union Bookstore (a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble) by mail, phone, or online and shipped directly to students. For more details, please visit Off-Site and Distance Education's textbook page.
How
do I contact Off-Site and Distance Education?
-
By fax: (620) 341-5744
-
By email: lifelong@emporia.edu
-
By mail:
Office of Off-Site and Distance Education - Box 4052
Emporia State University
1200 Commercial St.
Emporia,KS 66801-5087 - By telephone:
(620) 341-5385
Toll free: 1-877-332-4249
Last Updated January 25, 2006