2009-2010 University Catalog

Integrative Studies, BS

Banner Codes: LA-BS-INTS

The bachelor’s degree program 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.

Students who enroll in this degree program their first year of college take Mason Cornerstones . After the first year, students take learning communities, courses that feature experiential learning and faculty-student research addressing fundamental questions. Students complete their degree programs with an interdisciplinary concentration.

The degree program requires mastery of nine essential competencies: communication, valuing, global understanding, problem solving, group interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic awareness, critical thinking, and information technology. The competencies are assessed through freshman and graduation portfolios.

Students in this degree program meet university general education goals in the following way:

Completion of Mason Cornerstones : lower-level written communication (ENGL 101), oral communication, information technology, arts, natural science (non laboratory), global understanding, social and behavioral sciences
Completion of 24 credits of learning communities: upper-level written communication (ENGL 302), writing-intensive course
Completion of coursework specifically approved for these requirements (in NCC or in other units): Western civilization or world history, quantitative reasoning, natural science (with laboratory)
NCLC 491: synthesis

Students must complete Cornerstones and the 24 credits of learning communities with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in order to be able to use these to fulfill the general education requirements.

Students who transfer into New Century College should consult with an advisor on what they need to take to complete university general education requirements.

This program of study is offered by New Century College .

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees. For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies complete 120 credits with at least 24 credits in learning communities, 12 credits of experiential learning, and a concentration of at least 30 credits. Students must present a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the concentration courses, which may include learning communities, experiential learning, independent study, and traditional university courses. All students complete their program of study by producing a final cumulative portfolio and a college senior exposition, completed through NCLC 491.

4 courses (12 credits) of Mason Cornerstones

NCLC 101, 102, and 203 are writing intensive courses that emphasize written communication as a way of thinking, discovering, and expressing ideas. Students who complete these three courses with a minimum GPA 2.0 have fulfilled 3 credits of the general education requirement in written communication (equivalent to ENGL 101).

NCLC 101 - Narratives of Identity Credits: 6
NCLC 102 - Global Communities and Networks Credits: 6
NCLC 103 - Human Creativity: Science and Art Credits: 6
NCLC 203 - Inquiry for Action: Facilitating Change Credits: 6

At least 24 credits of learning communities

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.

At least 12 credits of experiential learning

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.

Cumulative portfolio

The cumulative portfolio is reviewed by New Century College faculty.

College senior exposition

Students complete their senior exposition through NCLC 491, which they must take the semester prior to graduation.

NCLC 491 - The Senior Capstone Experience Credits: 3

At least 30 credits in a concentration

A concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students chose from an established interdisciplinary concentration below or create with faculty an individualized program of study to fit their interests and needs. The concentration consists of traditional courses, learning communities, independent study, and experiential learning.