This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Zachary M. Hilpert, Ph.D.
Director of interdisciplinary studies
zhilpert@vcu.edu

Mariah Crilley, Ph.D.
Associate professor and associate director of interdisciplinary studies
mtcrilley@vcu.edu

Kimberly Matthews, Ph.D.
Associate professor, Transform LLP
matthewska@vcu.edu

Michael Rackett, Ph.D.
Associate professor, Transform LLP
rackettmr@vcu.edu

Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
singhv8@vcu.edu

Christina Davis
Academic adviser
(804) 827-0838
daviscl7@vcu.edu

Audrina Farrar
Academic adviser
(804) 827-0838
farraral@vcu.edu

Richard Quarshie
Senior academic adviser
(804) 827-0838
quarshier2@vcu.edu

ids.vcu.edu

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is an individualized and interdisciplinary degree for students who wish to create an individualized curriculum not available in traditional curricular pathways within existing VCU degree programs. Students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program are able to design an individualized degree compatible with academic, career or personal goals. Selected pathways are available online.

The IDS declaration process

To declare the interdisciplinary studies major, students should:

  • Have learning goals that are suited to an interdisciplinary program of study
  • Meet with an IDS adviser  
  • Complete the IDS application documents, including the proposed curricular plan and rationale for interdisciplinary study, in consultation with their IDS adviser, and submit the application for review  

Students interested in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies design their own curricula in consultation with an IDS adviser. The IDS advisers and faculty work closely with students to develop an appropriate curricular program and provide guidance on the application process. Each student’s plan must define a specific focus area that combines two or more areas of study and must define their educational goals by designing their interdisciplinary curricula from a variety of course offerings. 

The proposed interdisciplinary curriculum plan will be evaluated by an IDS adviser and program administrators before final approval by the director. Each application will be evaluated based on compliance with university degree requirements as well as IDS curriculum and individualized program requirements. After admission to the IDS Program, students will follow an approved individualized curriculum plan. The finalized curriculum plan is the official record of the student’s degree requirements. This document records all transfer credits applicable to the B.I.S. degree and lists the courses required to complete the degree. 

Students who complete the requirements for this degree will receive a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.