College of Arts and Sciences
Individualized Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Individualized Studies
Forge Your Own Academic Journey
The Bachelor of Individualized Studies program is designed for individuals like you, with extensive, comprehensive, or eclectic academic and career interests. As a BIS student at New Mexico State University, you’ll collaborate with an academic advisor to construct a unique program of study plan that aligns with your goals. Your individualized plan is organized to meet your unique needs, whether that’s leveraging prior university credits, advancing in your current job, preparing for further education, or navigating a career change. This program can also be designed to help you obtain a degree when an initial major does not fit as well as planned, or when a degree is not offered at NMSU.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total classes: 40
- Total credit hours: 120
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
In-person or 100% online
Career Pathways
With the Bachelor of Individualized Studies, you will find success in roles that require adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to connect ideas from various fields. Specific career opportunities will depend on the unique combination of skills and interests you develop in your program of study. Here are examples of the broad selection of career opportunities you can access through interdisciplinary studies:
- Research Analyst
- Project Manager
- International Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Training Coordinator
- Technology Consultant
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Bachelor of Individualized Studies? Fill out our inquiry form.
Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS): A Degree Designed Around You
The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) at NMSU is built for students who think beyond traditional majors. Whether you're combining eclectic academic interests, planning a career change, or looking to maximize previously earned credits, BIS gives you the flexibility to create a degree that fits your unique goals.
Why choose individualized studies?
- Custom Curriculum: Work with an advisor to design a personalized academic plan that reflects your passions and career ambitions.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Tackle 21st-century challenges by approaching complex issues from multiple perspectives.
- Real-World Preparation: Whether you're advancing in your current career, preparing for graduate school, or exploring new paths, BIS equips you with the skills to succeed.
- Capstone Experience: Showcase your journey through a culminating project that integrates your academic and professional goals.
What You’ll Gain:
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Confidence navigating ambiguity and complexity
- A proactive, self-directed approach to learning
- A cohesive degree program—often including at least one minor—that reflects your vision
BIS students are active participants in their education, working closely with advisors to stay on track and graduate on time. If you're self-motivated, curious, and ready to take charge of your future, the BIS program is your launchpad.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) with a Pre-Pharmacy concentration at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is designed for students pursuing a career in pharmacy through the NMSU-UNM cooperative program or the Early Assurance Program (EAP). This degree pathway allows students to complete approximately three years of coursework at NMSU, earning a bachelor's degree that reflects their academic achievements. Upon successful completion of the first year in the University of New Mexico's Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, students can transfer up to 36 upper-division credits back to NMSU to fulfill degree requirements. The BIS Pre-Pharmacy concentration offers a flexible and structured approach to preparing for a professional pharmacy career. The Pre-Pharmacy concentration is not available online.
Take classes like:
- BCHE 140 – Introduction to Biochemistry
- BIOL 305 – Principles of Genetics
- BIOL 353 L – Pre-Professional Human Anatomy Laboratory
- BIOL 354 – Physiology of Humans
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.