B.A. or B.S. in Integrative Studies
New Century College awards two degrees, a BA or BS in Integrative Studies (BAIN or BSIN). Each program allows students
to design their own concentrations in conjunction with a faculty advisor.
Students follow the common first-year experience and then
pursue an approved concentration that
integrates two or more disciplines. Students may also transfer into
the BAIN and BSIN program from other degree programs. Any student accepted
by the University may enroll in New Century College.
Admission Requirements
Students who meet Mason's general admission requirements may enroll in the integrative studies program. Each student works with an advisor from the college's advising staff to identify the student's academic objectives and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the curriculum.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete an equivalent of 120 credits of course work with at least 24 credits in learning communities, 12 credits of experiential learning, and 44 credits in general education. A student's concentration consists of at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00, which may draw from learning communities, experiential learning, independent study, and traditional university courses. Students must present a final, cumulative portfolio and a college senior exposition.
Curriculum Requirements
Division I, or first-year experience
Four-unit, common curriculum. Each learning community (NCLC 110, 120, 130, 140) is six or seven weeks long and separated by two-week interims or a winter intersession. Each meets Monday through Thursday and may include lectures and exams, but emphasizes seminar discussions, collaborative assignments, problem-centered projects, and self-paced learning.
NCLC 110 emphasizes composition and communication, computer applications, and analytical reasoning; NCLC 120 studies the natural world and develops computational skills; NCLC 130 studies the socially constructed world through the interdisciplinary study of Western civilization; and NCLC 140 studies the relationship between the individual and society.
The sessions are built into the curriculum to allow co-curricular activities such as community service learning, leadership training, or specialized workshop courses, or to allow students to complete their work at their own pace. The winter intersession also allows for intensive short courses, study abroad, individualized projects, research, or experiential learning outside the college.
Transfer Students
NCC accepts students from other four-year institutions or community colleges, as well as from other academic units within Mason, into the integrative studies program after admission to the university. NCC's academic advisors work with students to best use transfer credits and provide a plan for timely completion of the bachelor's degree. All transfer students are required to meet with an academic advisor as soon as possible. For more information, call 703-993-1436.
Division II – Learning Communities (24 credits)
Combines subjects usually taught in separate courses into a single course of study. Learning communities offer the equivalent of between 3 and 9 credits of undergraduate work
Division III – Concentration (37-49 credits)
Capstone Course - meets synthesis requirement (3 credits)
An Integrative Studies concentration is equivalent to a major in a traditional degree program. Students may complete an interdisciplinary concentration already established in the integrative studies curriculum or, in some cases, create with faculty a unique program of study to fit their particular interests and needs. The requirements of each concentration determine whether it is a B.A. or B.S. degree program.
Division IV – Experiential Learning (12-24 credits)
All students are required to participate in at least 12 credits of experiential learning. A portion of the credits can be earned in various learning communities, through internships, study abroad, or experiential learning courses.
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