Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions to BIC

Degree Requirements & BIC

General Information

Majors & BIC

Other Programs & BIC

Admissions to BIC

1. What is the application process for admission to the BIC program?
After applying to Baylor University, students may apply to the BIC program through the Honors College general application. Complete the Honors College general application online. Once you've submitted the general application, you'll have access to the BIC program application. The receipt of your application will be followed by a phone interview in which you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have concerning the program.

2. How many new students does the program accept each fall?
Two-hundred incoming first-year students may participate in the program. Students cannot enter the program after the first semester of their first year.

3. Must a student meet a minimum GPA, class rank, or test score to qualify for BIC?
The BIC Admissions Committee examines students' GPA, class rank, and SAT/ACT scores 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 Core.

4. Must a student maintain a particular GPA to remain in the program?
While the BIC is one of four programs in the Honors College at Baylor, it is housed in the interdisciplinary wing of the College. Unlike some other Honors College programs 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.

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Degree Requirements & BIC

1. Does BIC meet all general studies requirements?
BIC meets most, but not all, general studies requirements. Requirements for study in a foreign language and in mathematics will be fulfilled outside of the BIC program. Other requirements may be completed outside of the program if required by degree or major.

2. How do my AP, IB, and dual credit courses count in the BIC?
If Baylor accepts your AP, IB, or dual credit, then you receive those hours and it is noted on your transcript. These courses, however, do not replace BIC courses. Since our courses are interdisciplinary, we cannot pull the history out of World Cultures or the literature out of World of Rhetoric. You would miss a valuable part of the program. If the course for which you receive AP IB, or dual credit is required by your major, then your credit meets the major requriement. For example, if you receive credit for PSC 1305-American National Government, and are a political science major, then the credit meets a major requirement, but does not affect your BIC requirements. For AP and IB credits accepted by Baylor, please visit the Institutional Research and Testing site and click on "Testing" in the left column.

3. If I have AP/Dual Credit, why should I be in the BIC and take the same classes?
The BIC courses are not the same classes you take in AP or Dual Credit. Our courses are an accelerated, interactive environment that focuses on primary text readings. While some of the material in your AP/Dual Credit course may be addressed in your BIC class, the BIC course will provide a different perspective and cover a wider-range of topics than in traditional general studies coursework.

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General Information

1. What is the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core?
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 forty-four hours of course work. 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 science (e.g., history, sociology, political science, psychology), and laboratory science (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, environmental studies).

2. Is the BIC a major?
No, the BIC is a program of study that meets the majority of students' general studies requirements. BIC courses work with any major at the University.

3. Does the BIC require more hours or tuition than general studies courses?
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. BIC courses do not affect the tuition rate, which is set by the Regents of the University.

4. Is there additional tuition cost to participating in the BIC?
No, the BIC courses are part of the Baylor course offerings subject to regular tuition rates.

5. Are scholarships available specifically for BIC students?
Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available specifically through the BIC. However, BIC students may apply for the Robinson Honors College Scholarship, which is available to students enrolled in any of the four Honors College programs--the BIC, Great Texts, the Honors Program, and/or the University Scholars Program. For more information, visit the Honors College website and select "Scholarships."
More Information: http://www.baylor.edu/admissions/index.php?id=24812

6. What are some of the statistics regarding BIC students (i.e. majors, gender, race, etc.)?
Each year, the Institutional Research and Testing office compiles such statistics. These may be found at the link below (Adobe Reader required to view):
More Information: http://www3.baylor.edu/irt/Vol05_06/IRT056-34_Profile_BIC.pdf

7. Is there any opportunity for BIC students to live together in the residence halls?
Yes, once accepted into the BIC, students may apply to the Honors Residential College (previously known as the Honors College Living-Learning Center)comprised of Alexander Hall and Memorial Hall. 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. For more information, please visit the Honors Residential College website.

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Majors & BIC

1. With which majors does the BIC work?
All degrees, all majors may participate in BIC, however there are some restrictions for those majoring in Music.

2. The BIC course sequences take most of my schedule the first semester and first two years. How will I complete my major requriements?
The BIC has worked with programs, departments, and majors across the university to insure 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, too, is concentrated in a student's first two years.

3. Can I complete the BIC and my major in four years?
The amount of time the completion of a degree requires depends upon a variety of factors such as scheduling, student committment, 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.

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Other Programs & BIC

1. Can a student enroll in the Honors Program and/or be a University Scholars major and participate in the BIC?
Yes, the BIC program works well with both the Honors and University Scholars programs. World Cultures I-IV and Social World I-II may be taken at the honors level, 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. The University Scholars major and Honors Program have specific standards for acceptance: to be a competitive candidate for UNSC, a student needs to have made at least a 1350 on the SAT/33 on the ACT. To qualify for the Honor's Program, a student needs to have made at least a 1270 on the SAT/30 on the ACT.

2. Can I participate in BIC and the Academy for Leader Development?
Yes! Many students are drawn to both programs and they work well together.

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