2014-2015 University Catalog

Integrative Studies, BS

Banner Codes: LA-BS-INTS

The bachelor of science degree in integrative studies is based on intensive, interdisciplinary learning communities coordinated with traditional academic programs. The result is an integrated program of study that emphasizes collaboration, experiential learning, and self-reflection. The degree program requires mastery of eight essential competencies: communication, global understanding, group interaction, aesthetic awareness, critical thinking, civic engagement, digital literacy, and well-being.

This program of study is offered by New Century College .

Students in this degree program who are admitted to Mason Cornerstones complete Mason Core requirements as specified below. They must complete Cornerstones and the 24 credits of learning communities with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in order to be able to use them to fulfill Mason Core requirements.

Completion of Mason Cornerstones : lower-level written communication (ENGH 101), oral communication, information technology, arts, natural science (non laboratory), global understanding, social and behavioral sciences, literature, and Western civilization
Completion of 24 credits of learning communities: upper-level written communication (ENGH 302), writing-intensive course, and synthesis
Completion of coursework specifically approved for these requirements: quantitative reasoning, natural science (with laboratory)

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees . Students who are not admitted to Mason Cornerstones need to complete the Mason Core requirements. Students who transfer into New Century College should consult with an advisor on what they need to take to complete Mason Core requirements.

Degree Requirements

Learning communities (24 credits)

Learning communities are interdisciplinary courses that combine subjects often taught in separate courses into a single course of 3-9 credits. In learning communities, faculty and students explore various ways to understand a topic. Learning communities are structured to help promote a greater sense of identity with an academic community. Hallmarks of New Century College learning communities are team teaching, collaborative projects, emphasis on writing and critical thinking, and opportunity for independent study. They often include experiential learning, either as an integral part of the class or as an optional add on.

Experiential learning (12 credits)

The requirement in experiential learning reflects New Century College’s commitment to provide educational experiences that prepare graduates for the workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. The workplace is as viewed as a site of instruction, one where students are exposed to the variety of skills needed to succeed. Through experiential learning, students combine work experience with academic study so that each will enrich the other.

Experiential learning includes include internships, study abroad, community service learning, course field trips, and other field study opportunities. The learning sites may change each semester and are usually off campus. George Mason provides student liability insurance for the experiential learning internship, but students are responsible for their own transportation and health care. Accident and health insurance is available from George Mason.

No more than 24 credits of experiential learning can count toward a student’s total credits for graduation.

Electives (0-15 credits)

If students take courses that fulfill more than one degree requirement (e.g. Learning Communities, Experiential Learning, Concentration, or Mason Core), they may need to take additional electives to reach the total of 120 credits required for a BS degree.

Concentration (30-53 credits)

A concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students choose from an established interdisciplinary concentration below or create with faculty an individualized program of study to fit their interests and needs. The coursework for the concentration consists of traditional courses, learning communities, independent study, and experiential learning. Where applicable, courses applied to a concentration can also be used to fulfill the credits required in learning communities or experiential learning. Students must present a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses applied to the concentration.

▲ Applied Global Conservation (AGCN)

One additional learning community (3-6 credits) chosen from:

In addition to the courses below, NCLC 375 , 395 , and 398 may be applied to the concentration when the topic is relevant to conservation studies.

NCLC 305 - Conflict Resolution and Transformation Credits: 6
NCLC 311 - The Mysteries of Migration: Consequences for Conservation Credits: 6
NCLC 334 - Environmental Justice Credits: 4
NCLC 331 - The Nonprofit Sector Credits: 4

Four or five courses (16-17 credits) in natural science and policy

Students may complete this requirement through regular coursework or through either option of the Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program.

Regular Coursework (16-17 credits)

NCLC 390 - Internship Credits: 1-6 or NCLC 395 - Field-Based Work Credits: 3
BIOL 308 - Foundations of Ecology and Evolution Credits: 5
BIOL 310 - Biodiversity Credits: 5
BIOL 377 - Applied Ecology Credits: 3 or EVPP 361 - Introduction to Environmental Policy Credits: 3

Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program (16 credits)

Students complete 16 credits offered through the Mason Center for Conservation Studies in cooperation with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. In this integrated series of courses, taken together in one semester, students live on site at the institute in Front Royal, VA. Students who apply this coursework to the concentration cannot also apply it to the minor in Conservation Studies.