Integrative Studies Major

Meredith Dodson, Ph.D., Program Director

The integrative studies program encourages students to customize their learning as they develop critical and creative thinking skills. Students will take two courses focusing on real-life problem-solving and exploration of different perspectives. The rest of the coursework is crafted to develop those skills and prepare students for their careers.

The integrative studies major is designed by the student in consultation with his or her advisor. In addition to the two required courses, students will design one or two concentrations areas. Various planned concentrations are available, or the student may choose to propose a unique concentration aligned with their personal and professional goals.

An academic plan should be designed and approved by the end of the semester immediately following the sophomore year or during a junior or senior transfer student’s first semester. The academic plan includes a statement of purpose, learning objectives, and a proposed curriculum designed to ensure completion of both the university-wide and individualized educational outcomes. The proposed curriculum must include at least 36 semester hours of coursework in the individualized major, of which 18 semester hours will be upper division work. Upon approval by the advisor and department chair, the plan is forwarded to the Academic Performance Committee for review and final approval.

The integrative studies major is designed by the student in consultation with his or her advisor. Various concentrations are available. Individualized plans of study should be designed and approved by the end of the semester immediately following the sophomore year or during a junior or senior transfer student’s first semester. The individualized major plan includes a statement of purpose, learning objectives, and a proposed curriculum designed to ensure completion of both the university-wide and individualized educational outcomes. The proposed curriculum must include at least 36 semester hours of coursework in the individualized major, of which 18 semester hours will be upper division work. Upon approval by the advisor and department chair, the plan is forwarded to the Academic Performance Committee for review and final approval.

Integrative Studies Learning Outcomes

With the completion of this degree program, the following learning outcomes can be expected:

• Articulate connections between multiple academic disciplines, personal experiences, and the experiences of others.
• Demonstrate lifelong learning skills including adapting skills to new situations, independently seeking new learning, and reflecting on learning experiences and growth.
• Demonstrate personal and social responsibility and understanding through civic engagement, development of ethical reasoning strategies, and valuing multiple perspectives.
• Synthesize creative and critical thinking skills in problem solving.
• Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration in multiple formats.