What is a BDIC Major?
BDIC is short for “Bachelor’s Degree with Individualized Concentration.” The BDIC Major allows students to design their own individualized, interdisciplinary programs in areas that are not covered by traditional majors at UMass Amherst.
How do I find out if BDIC is a good choice for me?
Come to the BDIC office in 350 Campus Center Way for a consultation. You will meet with a Peer Advisor, a current BDIC major, to talk about your ideas and whether BDIC is a good match for you?
What will it say on my diploma if I am a BDIC major?
The diploma will read, “Bachelor of Arts (or Science) with Individual Concentration” and the transcript will read, “. . .with a concentration in your field.” In order to receive the Bachelor of Science degree, the student must complete at least 60 credits in the sciences.
Students will also be awarded a certificate recognizing their individualized concentration. Certificates are issued by the BDIC office and are sent to students in a separate mailer than the student's UMass diploma.
The first step is to submit an application for placement in the BDIC Proposal Writing class (BDIC 396P).
Your application will be evaluated by BDIC faculty and staff based on your academic qualifications and the suitability of your proposed area of concentration for BDIC.
Before you can declare BDIC as your major you must apply to and complete the Proposal Writing Class.
Application acceptance notifications start on November 15 for Spring class and on April 10 for Fall class and are accepted on a rolling-basis until the class is full.
What is the Proposal Writing class?
This is where you formulate your proposed BDIC program in detail. In the class you will focus your educational goals, choose a faculty Sponsor and formulate the list of classes that will become your major. These elements form the core of your BDIC Proposal.
At the end of the class, you submit your Proposal for approval and admission into the BDIC Major.
Major Requirements
BDIC concentrations must be interdisciplinary, drawing from at least three fields or disciplines, and may not duplicate an existing major. Courses may be chosen from any of the departments within the University, and from the other campuses in the Five College Consortium. Internships and Independent Studies are strongly recommended for most majors. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Domestic and International exchange programs when relevant.
- Take BDIC 396P: Proposal Writing Class (2 cr.)
- Take 12 curriculum courses (12 courses that are 300-level or above and a minimum of 3 credits each)
- Take BDIC 350: Junior Year Writing (required for primary majors)
- Complete BDIC Senior Summary
Can I do a semester abroad or domestic exchange as a BDIC major?
Yes! A great many BDIC students study abroad or do domestic exchanges. Talk to the BDIC Assistant Director or Peer Advisors for advice on making this part of your program.
Can I include internships or independent studies in my BDIC curriculum?
Yes, you can use a maximum of 9 total credits of internships and independent studies (with a max of 6 in either category) to count towards your 12 class/36 credit BDIC concentration requirement. You are always free to go beyond this (and many BDIC students do), but the additional credits won’t count towards the requirement.
Can I include Five College classes in my BDIC curriculum? Is there a limit on the number?
Absolutely! Many BDIC majors include Five College classes in their curricula. There is no limit on the number of Five College classes.
Does BDIC have a foreign language requirement?
The foreign language requirement may not apply to every BDIC student. Your BDIC faculty supervisor will decide whether or not you need a foreign language on the basis of your concentration area
I am a freshman and I definitely anticipate joining BDIC. What steps should I take?
Come to the BDIC office to familiarize yourself with our requirements so you can start planning your future course work. Try to satisfy as many General Education requirements as well as prerequisites to future upper-level BDIC-related courses as possible before you start your program as a first-semester sophomore.
Can I begin BDIC as a first or second-semester junior, or as a transfer student?
Very likely - Yes. You should come to the BDIC office in 350 Campus Center Way as soon as possible to discuss your situation and get started with the admission process.
Can I do a double major with BDIC?
Yes. Many BDIC students do double majors. Some have BDIC as their primary major. Others have BDIC as a secondary major.
For some students, their BDIC concentration complements their traditional major. A recent example is a BDIC concentration in "Integrated Labor Studies" together with an Economics major. Some pre-med students combine a natural science major with a BDIC concentration that relates to their interests in human health. Other students have second majors that are unrelated to their BDIC concentrations.
In addition, you only need to take one Junior Year Writing class.
Can I minor in BDIC?
No. There is no BDIC minor.
Can I design my own version of an existing major through BDIC?
No! BDIC cannot be used to redesign an existing major, such as Biology or History.
Can classes from before I entered the program count towards my BDIC major?
You may be allowed to count a maximum of 12 credits from the three semesters preceding your enrollment in the Proposal Writing Class (BDIC 396P), provided that they are relevant for your BDIC concentration. A minimum of 3 semesters of BDIC work must be completed following the semester you are enrolled in the Proposal Writing Class.