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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Integrative Studies, BS


Banner Codes:  LA-BS-INTS
Web: integrative.gmu.edu

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences  
Department: School of Integrative Studies  

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.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  as well as Mason Core  requirements. Students who transfer into the School of Integrative Studies 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 School of Integrative Studies 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 the School of Integrative Studies’ 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 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 course in statistics (3-4 credits) chosen from:

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

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

Five courses (16 credits) in natural science and policy

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

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.

Total: 41-45 credits

▲ Life Sciences (LIFS)


Students must complete one of the following emphases.

At least one course chosen from:

Emphasis Total: minimum 30 credits

Emphasis Total: 50-52 credits

Emphasis Total: 43 credits

Emphasis Total: 48 credits

Emphasis Total: 40 credits

Emphasis Total: 49 credits

Total: 30-49 credits

▲ Natural Science for Education (NSED)


Required science courses (19 credits)

Total: 42-53 credits

▲ Individualized Concentration (IND)


With approval of the assistant dean of academic affairs, students may construct an individualized concentration.

Total: 30 credits (minimum)

Electives


Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits