The BIS is a degree program that allows students of all ages to design a course of study that reflects the mission of Ferris while providing a pathway for students to meet their personal career goals. The 21st century workforce calls for individuals who have multiple talents who must be flexible and have the ability to contract their skills in a variety of contexts. The BIS asks students to focus
on multiple capacities that they wish to develop and combine for individualized career paths. While each self-styled program is different, the orientation/capstone experiences and general education core provide commonality. Regardless of concentrations, minors, associates that are combined to create the individual’s program of study, the culminating experience requires students to demonstrate exceptional communication skills, presentation skills, as well as a self-assessment skills in order to market themselves in their chosen career path. In recognition of the changing demands of this new workforce and the need for life-long learning, students are additionally required to plan for ongoing professional development. The BIS is the degree to meet the needs of today’s workforce and its emphasis on demonstration of skills and competencies is consistent with the University goal of becoming learner-centered. BIS graduates will not be trained for a particular job but rather will be developing themselves, learning in a variety of discipline areas in order to demonstrate their adaptability for multiple career opportunities and life-long learning.
