History & Mission

History:

In the early 1990s, a visionary committee of Baylor administrators and professors sought to reimagine general education. They aimed to create a curriculum that reflected the interdisciplinary nature of life itself, encouraging students to engage deeply with diverse ideas and perspectives. From these efforts, the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core was born.

The BIC welcomed its first cohort of 200 students in 1995, pioneering a new approach to education that prioritized:

Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Team-taught courses by professors from various disciplines, providing a range of perspectives.
Active Learning: Engagement with primary sources, fostering a direct connection to foundational ideas and texts.
Community Building: Students progressing through the program together to foster a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

Over the years, the BIC has refined its approach based on pedagogical research and student feedback. It has inspired university-wide initiatives, such as the adoption of first-year experiences and innovative course models. The program remains committed to preparing students for life beyond Baylor through critical thinking, intellectual rigor, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives.

As the BIC celebrates more than 30 years of success, its mission remains clear: to cultivate a supportive academic community that empowers students to become thoughtful, compassionate, and impactful leaders in a complex and interconnected world.

Mission:

Our mission is simple yet profound: to equip students with the tools to understand the world and the courage to change it. Through rigorous academics and a vibrant sense of community, the BIC prepares students not just for their careers, but for a lifetime of inquiry, growth, and leadership.

The BIC isn’t just a curriculum; it’s a philosophy. It’s a space for students who dare to ask both the world and themselves big questions, who seek truth across boundaries, and who thrive in a supportive, close-knit environment. From the first day you step into the BIC to the moment you join our global network of alumni, you’ll be part of something extraordinary— a legacy of thinkers, doers, and changemakers.