2023-2024 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Integrative Studies
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies section in this catalog.
Website: gvsu.edu/int
Students may choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The major provides an option in which students can pursue interdisciplinary studies and can reach across disciplinary fields to develop expertise in specified areas of focus. Students begin with core courses and may choose to work with an academic advisor to develop an individualized study plan with a focus area based on academic and career goals, creating a custom-designed major. The flexibility of this degree program also allows students to earn additional credentials while earning their degree. Examples include certificates in business fundamentals, leadership, intercultural communications, project management, applied data analytics, and a badge in intercultural competence. Study plan forms and sample areas of focus are located on the integrative studies program website under Student Resources.
Integrative studies is housed in the Integrative, Religious, and Intercultural Studies Department (IRIS), which is a unit committed to supporting access to higher education for all learners. Courses are offered in multiple formats including traditional face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes. The department also serves as the academic home for the LEADS (Lifelong Educational Attainment for Diverse Students) program, an accelerated, primarily online degree completion program. For more information on LEADS, visit gvsu.edu/complete.
Integrative studies is appropriate as a major for students who wish to achieve the following:
- Organize their studies around problems, issues, and themes rather than around the traditional disciplines; for example, the relationship between poverty and society, community organization, and/or local music cultures and activism.
- Design a bespoke major, that is custom-designed to fit their needs and interests.
- Focus on a particular interdisciplinary area of study; for example, cultural studies, American studies, sustainability studies, gender justice, leadership studies, and more.
- Concentrate simultaneously on a general education and a particular academic discipline or career field.
- Complete their bachelor's degree while working full-time or balancing caregiving responsibilities. We offer a range of online, hybrid, and accelerated format courses to support returning and/or non-traditional students.
Advising
Prospective majors should contact the Brooks College Advising Center to meet with an advisor: (616) 331-8200 or [email protected]. Substantial information, forms, guidance, and resources are also available online: gvsu.edu/int.
Honors Organizations
Alpha Iota Sigma is the academic honor society for interdisciplinary studies. The organization recognizes the academic achievements of students and encourages and supports scholarship and excellence of students at the undergraduate level.
Meijer Campus in Holland
The Integrative, Religious, and Intercultural Studies Department, in partnership with the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies and Grand Rapids Community College, now offer an accelerated, primarily online adult degree completion program (LEADS) through the Meijer Campus in Holland. Visit gvsu.edu/holland.
Regional Center in Traverse City
The Integrative, Religious, and Intercultural Studies Department, in partnership with the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies and Northwestern Michigan College, now offer an accelerated, primarily online adult degree completion program (LEADS) in Traverse City. Students design a program that suits their specific interests, talents, and career goals. Working closely with a faculty advisor, students will develop a major area of study based on a specific theme, issue, problem, or career interest. The Traverse City program provides the integrative studies core courses and a selection of electives that may apply to your emphasis area. Students will combine coursework transferred from NMC, other community colleges, or four-year institutions to complete the degree requirements.
Regional Center in Detroit
The Integrative, Religious, and Intercultural Studies Department, in partnership with the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies, now offers an accelerated, primarily online adult degree completion program (LEADS) in Detroit. Students design a program that suits their specific interests, talents, and career goals. Working closely with a faculty advisor, students will develop a major area of study based on a specific theme, issue, problem, or career interest. Students may combine coursework transferred from community colleges or four-year institutions to complete the degree requirements.
Program Requirements
The following programs are available: