Online Bachelor's Degree

The University of Richmond has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Finish your degree online with the University of Richmond in about two years.

Our Online Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST Online) degree is designed for those who want a liberal arts degree that focuses on key competencies from the fields of business, political science, leadership and science as well as the humanities. By enrolling in IDST Online, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Richmond, one of the top-ranked liberal arts schools in the nation.

The online curriculum responds to the growing need in workplaces for employees whose approach to business and commerce is sophisticated, yet vigorously practical. The goal of the program is to promote the growth of effective professionals who develop a broad, holistic perspective on the world around them.

Be challenged while completing coursework online, on your terms.

You’ll take 10 classes — 2 courses each Fall and Spring semester and 1 course each summer term — in 15-week terms, studying entirely online. Enter in the fall with a cohort of your peers and proceed together through the program.

You’ll encounter challenging ideas from around the world in a broadly-based educational experience. You’ll also develop your ability to write well, communicate effectively, work with groups, engage in problem solving and think critically — timeless skills that are applicable to every part of professional life.

Degree Requirements

Online Major in Interdisciplinary Studies

The undergraduate major in interdisciplinary studies in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) is only available online.

60 semester hours

ADED300U Knowledge Management - Methods of Learning and Thinking
IDST306U Understanding Culture and Language
HIST345U The History of Ideas
HUM346U The History of Human Expression
PLSC301U The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
GSCI301U The Role of Science and Technology in Shaping the Modern Era
MGMT345U Business Literacy
LDSP310U Leadership and Ethical Decision Making
IDST310U The Examined Life
IDST495U Capstone Course: Senior Seminar

IDST Online Application

IDST Online admits students only in the fall semester. This is a cohort-based program that requires reaching enrollment goals. Contact our recruiter to discuss options.

Start Fall 2025 Application

Program Highlights

Program Features

Our online-only program offers many advantages over more traditional undergraduate programs and is perfect for working adults.

Complete your University of Richmond bachelor’s degree entirely online from anywhere.
Take two highly-concentrated courses at a time, so you can focus all your efforts on those two courses.
Proceed through the program with many of the same classmates, giving you a great support network.
Earn a degree from one of the most respected private universities in the country.
Enroll in 12 credit hours each fall and spring, making you a full-time student and eligible to complete your degree in 2 years.
Learn with dedicated faculty and scholar practitioners who blend theory with real-world practice.

What You’ll Learn

Improve oral, written and digital communication skills
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to historical and contemporary issues
Hone research skills using the latest digital resources
Apply knowledge from across the liberal arts and sciences, social sciences, business and commerce
Synthesize theories in core content courses and focus areas and apply them to real-world situations

Who Should Enroll

Associate degree holders in multiple disciplines/areas of study
Adult students with at least 45 transferrable hours from previous college coursework
Working professionals looking to earn a bachelor's degree to meet educational requirements for career advancement and promotions

Application Process

Transfer 60 hours into the degree to fulfill Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts requirements, then take 60 hours in 10 classes through our online curriculum program. Those entering with fewer than 60 hours must complete coursework during the 2-year cycle if they plan to complete the program on schedule.

Requirements

Submit an online bachelor’s degree application with fee
Transfer 45-60 semester hours (with earned grade of ‘C’ or better) from a regionally accredited college or university
Meet with the Liberal Arts advisor to review transcripts
- Submit original transcripts of all college-level work directly to SPCS
- Take the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills test scores for placement

Finish Your Degree Quickly

Transfer in 60 Semester Hours

The ideal IDST Online candidate has earned 60 semester hours of transferable credits at other accredited institutions that can be applied to the degree.

At least 45 semester hours of transferable credits are required for admission.

Year 1: 5 Courses

Fall: 2 courses (12 sem. hrs.)
Spring: 2 courses (12 sem. hrs.)
Summer: 1 course (6 sem. hrs.)

If admitted with fewer than 45 credits, additional transfer coursework will be required.

Year 2: 5 Courses

Fall: 2 courses (12 sem. hrs.)
Spring: 2 courses (12 sem. hrs.)
Summer: 1 course (6 sem. hrs.)

If required, transfer coursework must be completed to walk at May Commencement and graduate.

Paying for Your Studies

Overview

You may qualify for financial aid, SPCS scholarships and/or Virginia Tuition Assistant Grant (VTAG) and should utilize the University of Richmond’s Financial Aid Office. Applicants should familiarize themselves with and adhere to the financial aid timeline.

Review additional information on tuition, fees and refunds.

2023-24 Tuition Rates

Our undergraduate tuition ranks among the most competitive in the Richmond region, making our online programs a great value for adult and non-traditional students.

$575 per semester hour
$3,450 per class (6 semester hours)
$34,500 for the entire degree (10 courses)

Review annual cost of attendance (COA) for SPCS degree-seeking students.

University of Richmond alumni may be eligible for the 25% Spider Spirit Alumni Discount on degree coursework.

Financial Resources

Financial resources available to qualified applicants include:

Your Online@SPCS Experience

Flexibility & Independence

15-week online classes that give you the flexibility and independence each week to manage your coursework. There are no required online class meetings.

Rigorous & Challenging

Plan to spend 9-12 hours per week for every 3 semester hours of coursework. Your course will be rigorous, challenging, thought-provoking, engaging & rewarding.

Engagement & Community

Online doesn’t mean alone. Engage with instructors and colleagues in our online classes. Connect with other online & seat-based students in virtual events.

Caring & Supportive

Experience 24/7 access to resources & tips, remote access to campus supports, easy access to your instructor and meeting options with your advisor.

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