What Is BDIC?

What is BDIC?  What makes it unique?

Students in BDIC design "individual concentrations"--their own majors.  This lets you design your curriculum around your intellectual passions and your career interests.

BDIC is unique because the students are not just fulfilling requirements given to them by academic authorities.   

The theory behind BDIC is that knowledge can never be completely mapped out in academic disciplines.  Some students need extra room to pursue creative interests that are outside the box. 

Recent BDIC concentrations include "Entrepreneurship and Information Technology," "Creative Writing and Religion," "Sustainability and Community Development," "Asian Studies," "Film Production and Criticism," and "Performing Arts Management."

Visiting BDIC

I am a high school student interested in learning more about BDIC.  What should I do?

You can e mail the director, Dan Gordon, at dgordon@history.umass.edu.  We can answer questions and send brochures about the program

You care also welcome to visit UMass Amherst and come to the BDIC office in 608 Goodell Hall.

Successful BDIC Alumni

Are there any very successful BDIC alumni?

The meaning of success depends on the individual's aspirations and value system.  But yes, there are many successful BDIC alumni in many fields.

The first graduate of BDIC, Tom Benedek, is a professor of screenwriting at the University of Southern California.  He wrote the screenplays for Cocoon, Free Willy, and many other notable films.

A large number of BDIC graduates have become successful high-tech entrepreneurs.  Steven R. Willis, for example, was a pioneer in the development of routers for the internet. Many BDIC alumni have started their own businesses.

Peter Manseau and Deborah Savage are two successful graduates who became novelists.

BDIC alumni have distinguished themselves in politics, business, social service, and academics.

The BDIC Degree

Will a BDIC major make it difficult for me to go to law school, or to get a job?

BDIC students have gone to law schools at Stanford, Cornell, Boston College, and many other excellent universities.  (BDIC students have also gone on to top medical schools.)

In terms of job interviews, the BDIC degree can be a card in your favor.  The individualized concentration demonstrates your special interest in a subject and your motivation to follow through on a unique curriculum.  It distinguishes you from students who have done standardized programs.  It allows you tell a unique story about your interests and your ability to contribute to an organization.

Many BDIC students have also started their own organizations--business and non-profits.  The entrepreneurial spirit required to design one' own major can translate into more initiative and innovation in the real world outside.

However, a BDIC degree is not the best route for everyone.  Students who wish to become nurses, for example, should attend a nursing school.  BDIC advisors can give you information based on your specific aims.

BDIC Minor?

Can you do a minor in BDIC?

No. You can design your major in BDIC but there is no design-your-own minor.  Students interested in an interdisciplinary minor can explore some of the minors or certificates offered elsewhere on campus, such as the Information Technology Minor, the Religious Studies Certificate, etc.  These minors don't permit as much individuality as a BDIC major but they do offer a lot of choice in course selection.  For a list of minors and certificates, click here.

Business Classes

The management school is not letting me take all the business classes in my concentration plan.  What should I do?

The main way BDIC students get into ISOM classes is by registering on the ISOM course request list that is kept in the BDIC office.   BDIC students should start by requesting Marketing 301 and Management 301.  These are good introductory classes and they are also the prerequisites for some other ISOM classes.  In general, students are able to get into the 301 classes; the challenge is with other classes.  Besides registering on the course request list, it is sometimes a good idea to communicate with the professor offering the class. 

Also very imporant--UMass Amherst is a big university and good courses on business, economics, and organizational leadership can be found in other departments.  The Building and Construction Technology department sometimes offer business classes.  So do the Economics and Sociology departments.  BDIC itself is now offering the Entrpreneurship Initiative.  The EI offers a 1-credit class, Intro to Entrepreneurship, and a 2-credit class, Leadership and Networking.  Students who take both may count ithe combination toward the BDIC concentration. 

BDIC faculty supervisor MJ Alhabeeb is a professor in Resource Economics.  MJ holds office hours in BDIC to advise students with business interests.  Call 545-2504 for MJ's hours.

Application to BDIC

I'd like to be a BDIC major.  I know you have to take the proposal writing class first.  How does this work?

Yes, to be admitted to BDIC, you must take the 1-credit proposal writing class.  It's offered every semester.  You must apply for the proposal class by writing a brief description of your intended concentration in BDIC and by submitting your academic transcript.  The application is available here.  We advise students to submit the application for the proposal class as early in the semester as they can.  Applications are received on a rolling basis but it is to your advantage to apply before the middle of the semester in order to take the proposal class the following semester.

The proposal class itself is an eight-week course co-taught by UMass faculty and advisors.  Students read texts about creativity and interdisciplinary theory.  They also learn how to make their way through the university effectively as BDIC students--how to develop relations with professors in other departments, find internships, etc.  And students construct a detailed plan for their BDIC concentration.  Once your plan is accepted, you are officially a BDIC major!