FAQs

The BIC is an interdisciplinary, general studies program for undergraduates at Baylor, housed within the Honors College. Five sequences of courses comprise the BIC curriculum: World Cultures, World of Rhetoric, Social World, Natural World, and the Examined Life. These sequences represent fourteen individual courses for a total of 39 hours of course work (depending on the degree plan, this number may change). Students who participate in the BIC take these courses instead of regular general studies courses in freshman composition, literature survey, religion, fine arts (e.g., art history, music, theater arts), introductory social sciences (e.g., history, sociology, political science, psychology), and laboratory sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, environmental studies).

No, the BIC is a program of study that meets the majority of students' general studies requirements. BIC courses work with most majors at Baylor.

The BIC curriculum requires approximately the same number of hours as general studies. A student's major may affect some courses he or she takes in the BIC. 

No, the BIC courses are part of Baylor's course offering which are subject to regular tuition rates.

Yes! BIC students may apply for an Honors College Scholarship, which is available to students enrolled in any of the four Honors College programs or majors - the BIC, the Honors Program, Great Texts, and/or University Scholars.

Honors College Scholarships

Yes, once you have been accepted into the BIC and confirmed your acceptance, you can apply to live in the Honors Residential College. BIC women may apply to live in Memorial Hall, and BIC men may apply to live in Alexander Hall. Residents of both halls benefit from direct access to faculty members in their on-site offices. Residents will also have opportunities to take Honors College courses in the Memorial Hall HRC Seminar Room, as well as enjoy discussion in the relaxing Common Rooms. Additional benefits will include opportunities for self-governance and development of community values with the luxury of larger rooms and suite bathrooms. 

Honors Residential College

BIC graduates have been successful in many professional fields spanning multiple countries. Our graduates have gone on to be international media coordinators, technical resource specialists, attorneys, electrical design engineers, researchers, and teachers at universities, enrolled in Ph.D. and Master's Degree programs, marketing  directors, financial analysts, communication coordinators, leaders of non-profit organizations, officers in the United States Marine Corps and Air Force, legislative directors, veterinarians, psychologists, and doctors!

BIC Alumni Blog

While we cannot guarantee acceptance to any post-graduate programs, the students involved in BIC develop communication skills that are desired by competitive post-graduate programs. Whether law school, medical school, or graduate school, the BIC helps harness and develop critical thinking and writing skills that allow our students to flourish wherever life leads them.

After applying to Baylor University, students may apply to the BIC program through the Honors College general application found in your goBaylor account.

Two-hundred incoming first-year students may participate in the BIC program. Students cannot enter the program after the first semester of their first year.

The BIC Admissions Committee has a holistic review process. It examines students' GPA, class rank, and SAT/ACT scores (if available) in efforts to determine their potential for flourishing in the BIC. However, the program is structured to allow students to self-select this curriculum. The Committee reviews applications carefully to evaluate students' motivation to participate as well as their understanding of the interdisciplinary, text-based nature of the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core.

Unlike some other Honors College programs and majors which require students to maintain a high grade point average, a BIC student who remains in good standing with the University may continue to participate in the BIC.

Every college within the University has established course equivalencies for your BIC courses. When you withdraw from the BIC you are required to go through a formal withdrawal process and meet with one of the BIC advisors to submit a petition for your BIC courses to be applied to the general education curriculum.

All degrees and majors may participate in BIC, however there are some restrictions for those majoring in Music.

The BIC has worked with programs, departments, and majors across the University to ensure that students take the required courses at the appropriate time. Most majors allow students to complete their general studies in their freshman and sophomore year. Since BIC replaces general studies, it is also concentrated in a student's first two years.

The amount of time the completion of a degree requires depends upon a variety of factors such as scheduling, student commitment, and course availability. The BIC works with departments across campus to assist students in degree planning and scheduling. In most cases, students can complete their degree with the BIC in four years.

Yes! The BIC works very well for pre-professional students who are enrolled in all sorts of different majors. In fact, Biology, pre-medical track is one of the largest majors in the BIC.

Yes, the BIC program works well with both the Honors program and University Scholars major. World Cultures I-IV and Social World I-II may be taken for Honors credits, allowing students to complete several required Honors courses within the BIC. Also, students may complement their interdisciplinary general studies in the BIC with the multidisciplinary University Scholars major. 

Yes, the Great Texts major or minor is compatible with the BIC program! 

Yes, many students are drawn to both programs and they work well together.

Yes, you can! The BIC course sequence is modified to suit the Baylor Business Fellows program and Hankamer Scholars program. In fact, the BIC has had many successful graduates from both programs. Please contact your advisor for additional information.

Many BICers are members of Greek sororities and fraternities, service and fellowship organizations, and intramural sports. The Baylor Interdisciplinary Core provides the skills necessary to organize and prioritize schedules and events for all aspects of life. The BIC encourages the development of a well-rounded student and recognizes the importance of such a student in post-education environments. Likewise, extracurricular organizations on campus such as Chamber, Greek organizations, and intramurals all understand the importance of education and maintain a "school-comes-first" attitude. Many organizations allow students to participate at a level they are comfortable with; however, careful consideration should be given before joining any organization. Baylor University takes a unique stance in that no incoming freshman may join an organization requiring dues until the Spring semester. This allows students to get the hang of college life without getting bogged down with too many activities too soon. Getting involved in such groups helps widen one's perspective and proves useful in not only classroom settings, but in real world applicatons as well.