What is Integrated Studies?

The Program in Integrated Studies serves students with interests and capabilities in more than one scholarly discipline. The interdisciplinary degree trades disciplinary depth for cross-disciplinary research and writing that culminate in a senior thesis. The major generally attracts creative, self-motivated students who don't want to leave behind multiple areas of expertise and interest to focus exclusively on a single discipline.

Students receiving an Integrated-Studies degree have developed skills in thinking, problem solving, collaborative work, gathering and analyzing data, writing, and speaking, and have done so on the foundation of solid (but not exhaustive) disciplinary emphases. They are not specialists in any one discipline; but they have written a senior thesis on a topic that cuts across disciplines, using disciplinary tools from their two emphases to solve a problem that requires research and interpretation and clear presentation.

For those completing the Bachelor Degree in Integrated Studies (IS), many opportunities exist for advanced and professional degrees (law school, medical and dental schools, MBA, MPA, etc) and in the business environment. Many employers seek students with skills gained from liberal arts programs like Integrated Studies. These skills include the ability to comprehend diverse material, to write clearly, to think critically, to work cooperatively, and to become adept at problem solving.