Nov 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Integrated Studies, B.A. or B.S.


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Building upon Ferrum College’s established academic strengths, the major in Integrated Studies affords focused and organized students with academic interests that do not align in the traditional programs of study to develop their own unique major. In consultation with two faculty advisors, students craft an educational experience that meets the academic rigor of established undergraduate programs while also transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries in search of an education that either prepares students for very specific vocations and avocations or allows them to explore a variety of questions or interests with demonstrated connection and significance.

While completing Interdisciplinary Studies 200, Educational Integration (IDS 200), students craft an interdisciplinary studies major program proposal under the supervision of the class instructor and at least one additional mentor. That proposal includes a detailed plan for completion of all school and program requirements and is submitted to the academic standards committee for initial approval before being forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for final approval. A 2.8 GPA is required for admission to the program. A minimum of 57 hours is required to complete the Integrated Studies Major, with a total of 30 hours of 300-400 level coursework, of which at least three hours must be an internship.

Experiential Component (3 Credits)


Any approved internship at the 300-400 level.

Other Requirements (45 Credits, 30 at 300/400 Level)


○ Students must have completed all General Education Common Competencies (21 credits total) before enrolling in IDS the Spring of their Sophomore Year

○ Submission of a proposal to Academic Standards during the Fall or Spring Semester of the student’s Sophomore year.

■ Proposal components

● Subtitle for specific proposed program of integrated study.

● Rationale for proposal including specific intellectual and skills-based learning outcomes

● 5-semester course plan to begin Spring of Sophomore year of a minimum of 54 hours, 30 of which must be at the 300-400 level and of which no more than 39 hours comes from an individual discipline. Each listed class is to be accompanied with an annotation explaining how it contributes to the student’s learning outcomes

● Two brief (1. Page, maximum) letters of support from two faculty members, indicating a willingness to act as co-advisors for the student.

Total Credit Hours Required:120


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