Bachelor Of Interdisciplinary Studies (Optional Co-op) at TRU - Thompson Rivers University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) is a unique degree program offered by the Faculty of Arts at Thompson Rivers University. This program is designed for students who wish to create a customized curriculum tailored to their specific career goals or post-graduate aspirations. Typically, students enter this two-year program after completing two years or 60 credits of undergraduate study. The BIS allows for flexibility, enabling students to explore various interests and career paths before committing to a specific major. It also provides opportunities for independent research and collaboration with experienced faculty mentors.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program is structured to be completed in a two-year timeframe, typically requiring four semesters of full-time study. Key features of the program include:

Students can design their own curriculum, allowing for a personalized educational experience.
Options within the BIS include streams such as pre-architecture, pre-medicine, pre-law, and pre-urban planning.
Students can receive credit for relevant workplace learning, enhancing their practical experience.
The program is designed to build on two-year diplomas and associate degrees, allowing transfer students to ladder into the BIS degree.
Co-op Education placements are available to explore career options.

To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits, which includes 60 credits from a diploma or degree program and an additional 60 academic credits after admission to the BIS. Required courses include IDIS 300: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies, IDIS 498: The Research Project, and IDIS 499: The Graduating Essay.

Featured Experiences

Field study opportunities, including international experiences such as a field study in Kenya.
Co-op Education placements that provide practical work experience in various fields.
Independent research projects that allow students to delve deeper into their areas of interest.
Collaboration with knowledgeable faculty mentors who guide students throughout their studies.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program have a wide array of career options available to them in Canada. Potential job roles include:

Architect: Design and plan buildings and other structures, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
Lawyer: Provide legal advice and representation to clients in various legal matters, including criminal, civil, and corporate law.
Healthcare Professional: Work in various capacities within the healthcare system, including roles in medicine, occupational therapy, and dentistry.
Public Relations Specialist: Manage communication between organizations and the public, crafting messages to enhance the organization's image.
Educator: Teach and inspire students in various educational settings, from primary schools to universities.

Other career paths include roles in management, human resources, public service, marketing, and more, reflecting the program's interdisciplinary nature and flexibility.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit TRU - Thompson Rivers University official website

Last updated on 2025-12-03

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program at Thompson Rivers University has specific academic requirements for prospective students. Here are the key points to consider:

Minimum GPA: The program does not specify a minimum GPA requirement.
International Students: International students are encouraged to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding their application process.
Transcripts: Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite Courses: There are no specific prerequisite courses mentioned for the BIS program.

Students who have completed a two-year diploma or associate degree (equivalent to 60 credits) from other institutions can ladder into the BIS degree. This program is designed for those who wish to tailor their studies to specific career paths or post-graduate programs.

For any further questions or detailed guidance, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you in your academic journey.

Language Requirements

For the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Optional Co-op) program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition:
- Direct entry: 88+ with no section below 20
- EAP Level 5: 80+
- EAP Level 4: 71+
- EAP Level 3: 61+
IELTS:
- Direct entry: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0
- EAP Level 5: 6.0+ with no bands below 5.5
- EAP Level 4: 5.5+ with no bands below 5.0
- EAP Level 3: 5.0+
Duolingo:
- Direct entry: 125+ with no sub-score less than 115
- EAP Level 5: 115+ with no sub-score less than 100
- EAP Level 4: 100+ with no sub-score less than 90
- EAP Level 3: 90+
MET:
- Direct entry: 62
- EAP Level 5: 58
- EAP Level 4: 54
- EAP Level 3: 50
CAEL:
- Direct entry: Overall 70+ with no subtest below 60
- EAP Level 5: Overall 60+ with no subtest below 50
- EAP Level 4: Overall 50+ with no subtest below 40
- EAP Level 3: Overall 40+
PTE:
- Direct entry: 58+ with no band below 55

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!