Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s May commencement ceremony will celebrate the first cohort of graduates to earn a bachelor’s in integrative studies. The innovative program offers a unique academic experience in which students merge their true passions to create an individualized curriculum track that spans disciplines.
The first eight students to graduate from the program chose to combine such academic focus areas as special education and social work, biology and forensic sciences, biology and exercise science, chemistry and mathematics, engineering and mathematics, mass communications and theater, English and sociology, and applied communications studies and black studies.
“I am extremely thankful that this degree program gave me the opportunity to do exactly what I want in life,” said Emily Greenway, a native of Ottawa, who studied special education and social work. “What is going to make me marketable is the uniqueness of this degree. I bring more to the table than a teacher or social worker alone, thanks to the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained from both areas.”
“This program puts you in control of what you study,” said Kortney Webb, of New Baden. “My focus areas are biology and exercise science.
It’s what I have a passion for. I definitely want to pursue earning my personal training certificate and take more courses on nutrition.”
The unique program provides students the opportunity to embrace their individuality and widen their perspectives. The students work in consultation with a professional advisor and a faculty mentor from each of their chosen focus areas.
“This program will continue to grow and provide opportunities for students whose skills and interest cannot be met by traditional degree programs,” said Zenia Agustin, PhD and integrative studies program director. “I plan to work closely with other entities at SIUE, like the Career Development Center, to identify experiences such as internships, cooperatives or volunteer opportunities that will give students hands-on experiential learning opportunities.”
SIUE also offers a master’s in integrative studies to prepare students for the fast pace of change in society and gain interdisciplinary academic expertise to meet the needs of emerging career fields.
Photos: Emily Greenway will earn a bachelor’s in integrative studies at SIUE’s May commencement ceremony.
Kortney Webb intends to pursue certification as a personal trainer and carry out her passion for helping people live healthy lifestyles.