Each student will be assigned to an adviser for the duration of his or her undergraduate work at WKU. Students must meet with their academic advisers prior to registration each semester until graduation. This process is advantageous because it allows students to gain insight from knowledgeable advisers and gives them an advocate in their education. Good advising also ensures BIS students that they are taking relevant courses and will prevent individuals from taking inappropriate courses that can extend the amount of time required to complete the degree.

In your conversations with your advisor, it will help if you’ve considered these questions:

• What skills do I have?
• What are my professional goals?
• What are my strengths?
• What kind of work do I enjoy?

The broad areas of emphasis listed below are available for a BIS degree.

• Arts
• Business
• Education
• Health
• Humanities
• Organization and Communication of Ideas
• Science
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Social Justice and Equity Studies
• Technology
• Military
• Sustainability

If none of these areas of emphasis meets a student’s needs, he or she may design an individualized emphasis, with the help of an academic adviser.

Elective courses are a part of all degree programs. Electives allow you to gain knowledge about topics and subjects outside of your area of emphasis. We encourage you to take courses that will supplement your growth and serve a useful purpose for your professional identity. For example, if you are interested in business, you might augment your degree program with courses in communication (since this is typically the number one need indicated by employers). Similarly, if you choose an emphasis in technology you might supplement your degree program with health courses in order to gain a more industry-specific knowledge. Our academic advisors can offer suggestions; however, the electives you take are ultimately your own decision. Below is an outline of the typical credit requirements when attaining a BIS degree.

As the workplace becomes increasingly diverse, employees need a stronger knowledge base, as well as the ability to work with others, communicate well, and respond to change with openness and flexibility. The main advantage of the BIS derives from its flexibility. You can tailor your program to meet the demands of a globally challenging world, the needs of employers, as well as your own commitments, goals and dreams. A BIS degree allows you to present yourself as an individual who can perform well in a wide array of job opportunities. You are expected to be able to articulate the ways that you have evaluated your goals and made decisions as to how best to achieve them. If you choose to earn a BIS degree you should understand clearly why you select a certain area of emphasis and how your electives support your goals.