Self-Design, BAIS

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Emphasis areas include Humanities, Psychology, Crime and Justice Studies, Media & Art, and Self-Design.

According to the Center for Integrated Studies, integrated studies is based on the idea that integrating is “to blend into a whole.” All learning is integrative in this sense since all learning blends old and new experiences, information, and perspectives. Students who study integrative methods can be intentional and reflective, to blend their diverse educational experiences into pursuing personal and career goals.

Integrated studies is a degree program that will prepare students for careers requiring reliable and flexible thinking and communication, such as in counseling agencies, local and state government, law enforcement, and public service. It will also provide a solid basis for those wishing to pursue advanced degrees in various fields, including social work, addiction recovery, psychology, law, and cultural anthropology.

This academic degree that seeks to provide not only the skills and knowledge promised by a liberal arts education but also the encouragement that will allow students to use the skills and knowledge to become effective and inspired leaders.

General Education (31 CR)

See Northern’s General Education Offerings .

Area I. Communications (6 CR)

Area II. Mathematics (3 CR)

Area III. Laboratory Sciences (4 CR)

Area IV. Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 CR)

Area V. Humanities (3 CR)

Area VI. Fine Arts (3 CR)

Additional Nine Credit Hours for Non STEMH (9 CR)

COMM 1130 - Public Speaking 3 CR
Civics Course 3 CR
Literature Course 3 CR

All BAIS Degrees Require Fulfillment of General Education

Students choosing their emphases in Psychology and Criminal Justice must take MATH 1350 ; students choosing other emphases may choose MATH 1220 or MATH 1130 .

Integrated Studies Core Program Requirements (21 CR)

Students in the following emphases (Humanities, Psychology, Crime and Justice Studies, and Media & Art) must take all core requirements.

Group A: Integrating Core (9 CR)

Group B: The Dialogues (12 CR)

Students choose three of the following Dialogue courses:

Multi-Disciplinary Requirement (12 CR)

As part of the multi-disciplinary requirement, students must take at least 12 credit hours in upper division courses (300 level or higher) outside their emphasis.

Self-Design Emphasis (85 CR)

This program is designed for students who have earned credits in various classes bridging different programs and interests. It is particularly welcoming of transfer in students with eclectic credits. Under the guidance of an advisor, a student moves their disparate credits into an integrated, self-designed program and earns a meaningful four-year degree. Students can apply to receive credit for significant, relevant work experience to help amass the necessary 120 credits needed for this four-year BAIS degree.

Group A: Integrating Core and Senior Project (9 CR)

Students in the Self-Design emphasis take an integrating core designed to help create an individualized degree plan and Senior Project:

Group B: Concentrations (33 CR)

Students should complete a primary and secondary concentration and complete at least 40 hours of upper-division coursework.

Primary Concentration: 18 hours within any discipline or thematic interest. The courses must be approved by the academic advisor and relate to the Senior Project.

Secondary Concentration: 15 hours within any discipline. The courses should relate to knowledge or themes found in the Primary Concentration or Senior Project.

Group C: Electives (47 CR)

Students must have at least 40 hours of upper-division coursework to graduate, and electives may be used to fulfill that requirement. The following comparative and interdisciplinary courses are recommended as possible upper-division electives: