Interdisciplinary Studies at North Greenville University is an innovative major leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BIDS). It allows students to concentrate on at least two disciplines while developing a range of integrative skills (like creative synthesis, dialogue, and “big-picture” thinking) which have proven to be highly valuable in today’s complex world. The major is designed for students who have an emerging career path in mind, one requiring integration of disciplinary methods and concepts. The major is also an excellent route to graduate school, professional school, or seminary, as it provides a broad, rigorous, and flexible preparatory foundation. Most importantly, the BIDS student at North Greenville becomes an integrator for Christ, learning to cross territories and build bridges for the Kingdom of God. Students in interdisciplinary studies combine two approved disciplines and may leave enough free electives to obtain significant work in a third area (including the Honors Program). The required interdisciplinary seminars allow students to reflect on their chosen disciplines while developing integrative skills and learning to utilize critical thinking skills across disciplines. The seminars are provided during the sophomore, junior, and senior years. The senior capstone course focuses on the culminating integration of respective fields. This new, personalized whole is communicated through a paper/project and a TED Talk style presentation. In sum, students learn how to address real-world problems through the lens of more than one discipline.
Students wishing to declare BIDS as a major need to have, and maintain, at least a 3.0 GPA (those with a lower GPA may be considered for entrance into the program and for graduation). Interested students need to set up an interview with the coordinator/chair, at which time they will make a case for why they desire the interdisciplinary degree. Once students receive approval to be an interdisciplinary major, they should
- declare the major with Academic Records
- choose the two components for his or her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.
Required INTD courses include: INTD-2300, which is a Sophomore Introductory course (3 hour), INTD-3330 Junior Seminar Course (3 hours) or PSYC-3405 Research Methods in Social Science with PSYC-3406 Lab (4 hrs), and INTD-4330, a Senior Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 hrs). Each of these courses must be passed with a C or greater. (The PSYC-3405 class is reserved for those students whose concentration choices or project focus reveal a clear need for quantitative, scientific research.)
As part of the Junior class (INTD-3310 or PSYC-3405), IDS students will choose a mentor from each concentration's discipline to assist with the senior project In INTD-4300. The mentors will offer guidance for the final project that Integrates the disciplines.
Current Concentration Options & Foreign Language Requirement:
Six hours of foreign language required for all BIDS majors unless a student chooses one of the asterisked (*) concentrations below, in which case the student must take 12 hours with at least 6 hours each of 2 different languages.
- American Sign Language*
- Art
- Biology
- Christian Studies
- Communication*
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
- Cybersecurity
- English*
- French*
- History *
- Information Technology (IT)
- Linguistics*
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Music
- Music Worship Studies
- Outdoor Leadership (ODEL)
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Spanish*
- Sport Management
- Theatre
Due to the unique nature of this degree involving more than one field of study, the student must be aware of more than one discipline's requirements when planning a course of study. The student is responsible for ensuring that all academic requirements are met. The intent of the elective hours is to allow the student (1) to enrich the interdisciplinary degree by exploring courses in disciplines other than the chosen concentrations, (2) to take additional courses in either of the chosen disciplines for more in-depth study (or to complete Honors Seminars), (3) to choose a language path if it will enhance career goals, and (4) to adequately prepare for the upper-level courses by taking prerequisites/preliminary courses. The student will concentrate in at least two disciplines of study: twenty-one (21) hours for each concentration. A third area can come within available electives (see below). Any pre-requisite course for concentrations that do not count toward the general education core will be counted toward the Free Elective requirement. All interdisciplinary studies candidates must meet all prerequisites or preliminary courses for each of the components. A student must have at least 30 hours of upper-level courses (3000 or 4000 level) on their final transcript.
Core Curriculum
First Year Experience, Choose 1 (1 Credit)
Communication, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Required
Literature, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Required
Fine Arts, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Required
| HIST-1385 | Western Civ in a Global Context Since 1517 | 3 |
Math, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
| - | Any 1000-level math course 1310 or higher | 3 |
Required
| PSYC-2310 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL-1310 | Scientific Inquiry in a Living World | 3 |
| PHSC-1430 | Scientific Inquiry in a Physical World | 4 |
| PHSC-1431 | Scientific Inquiry in a Physical World Lab | 0 |
Civic Awareness, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
| PLSC-2310 | American National Government | 3 |
| HIST-2310 | United States History to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST-2320 | United States History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
Major Requirements
Interdisciplinary Seminars - 9 hours
| INTD-2300 | Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
| - | | |
| INTD-3320 | Interdisciplinary Studies Junior Seminar | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| PSYC-3406 | Research Methods in Social Science Lab | 0 |
| - | | |
| INTD-4320 | Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Seminar | 3 |
Foreign Language Requirement - 6 or 12 hours
| - | Six hours of a foreign language is required for all BIDS majors unless a student chooses one of the asterisked (*) concentrations, in which case the student must take 12 hours with at least 6 hours each of 2 different languages. | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15-21 |
Concentration One
| - | Choose a concentration from the list of Interdisciplinary Concentrations | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Concentration Two
| - | Choose a concentration from the list of Interdisciplinary Concentrations | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
| Total Free Elective Requirements |
17-23 |
| Total Degree Requirements |
124 |
A student must have at least 30 hours of upper-level courses (3000 or 4000 level) on their final transcript.
Faith Integration Statement
“Wholeness”
“Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).”
Interdisciplinary and General studies focus on equipping students to find connections between the various disciplines through the eyes of faith. We believe all truth, beauty, and goodness come from God our Creator, and the students are encouraged to discover it through their studies. Jesus Christ reconciles us back to God and is the one who brings wholeness to the person. The world is longing for redemption. As the students work on their final projects, they are encouraged to find broken areas where they are called to minister wholeness. Students are encouraged to learn from the various disciplines, finding ways to integrate the insights into new ideas, theories, or solutions and apply this along with a biblical worldview to these broken issues. Our students are called to be Ambassadors of Christ bringing reconciliation as they step into their vocations.
Interdisciplinary Studies Mission Statement
The purpose of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is to offer a liberal arts degree in upper-level studies with two or three areas of concentration. In keeping with the institution’s Statement of Purpose, this major seeks to:
- Prepare students to become better-contributing members of society by educating the whole person through an integration of academic discipline, a Christian lifestyle, and an enriched cultural experience.
- Present distinctive, innovative programs which attract and meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.
Interdisciplinary Studies Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
- Exhibit a deep sense of identity as an interdisciplinarian (including the ability to relate one’s interdisciplinarity to others and to link one’s “calling” as an integrator to a distinct career preparedness).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the language and concepts of interdisciplinarity.
- Demonstrate integrative skills (e.g., synthesis, conceptual and methodological blending, holistic processing, contextualization, cognitive-affective learning, interdisciplinary research, and the integration of faith and learning).
- Exhibit strong communication skills both orally and in written form and where a distinct Interdisciplinary voice Is attained.
- Engage in independent learning involving the integration of disciplines and the deepening of interdisciplinary identity.
Current Concentration Options & Foreign Language Requirement:
Six hours of foreign language required for all BIDS majors unless a student chooses one of the asterisked (*) concentrations below, in which case the student must take 12 hours with at least 6 hours each of 2 different languages.
American Sign Language Concentration*
ASLA (Elective): Students may take any ASLA course at or above ASLA-2340 in order to fulfill this requirement.
Art Concentration
| ARTS-1300 | Engaging the Arts Through Visual Arts | 3 |
| ARTS-1310 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ARTS-1330 | Design I | 3 |
| ARTS-1340 | Design II | 3 |
| ARTS-1360 | Digital Imagery | 3 |
| ARTS- | Studio Class (Level 2000) | 3 |
| ARTS- | Studio Class (Level 3000) | 3 |
| ARTS- | Studio Class (Level 4000) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
ARTS-1300, ARTS Studio Class (Level 2000), ARTS Studio Class (Level 3000), and ARTS Studio Class (Level 4000): Studio Class topics include Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Students must choose one studio class topic to complete the 2000, 3000, and 4000 level topic.
Biology Concentration
Choose from: (13 Credits)
If the student’s major requires the core Scientific Inquiry BIOL and PHSC courses, the biology interdisciplinary concentration courses should not substitute for those core courses. The student should take both sets of 1000-level courses.
Prerequisite course: CHEM-1450 and CHEM-1451 General Chemistry I with lab.
Christian Studies Concentration
| CHST-2303 | Foundations for Excellence | 3 |
| CHST-2390 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
| - | Biblical Studies | 6 |
| - | Historical/Theological/Ethical Studies | 6 |
| - | Christian Studies Electives | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Biblical Studies: Choose one Old Testament and one New Testament course from CHST 4000-level Biblical Studies courses.
Historical/Theological/Ethical Studies: Choose two from CHST 3300-level or higher Historical, Theological, or Ethical courses.
Christian Studies Electives: Choose one from CHST 3300-level or higher courses.
CHST-2303 and CHST-2390: A grade of C or higher is required in this course prior to taking any course for which it is a prerequisite.
Communication Concentration*
Choose 12 credit hours from:
Computer Science Concentration
| CYBR-2340 | Network Fundamentals | 3 |
| CSCI-2325 | Structured Computer Programming | 3 |
| CSCI-3325 | Introduction to Computer Organization | 3 |
| CSCI-2350 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CSCI-3361 | Database Design and Maintenance for the Internet | 3 |
| CSCI-3362 | Programming for the Internet | 3 |
| CSCI-4331 | Computer Operating Systems and Web Server Design | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Concentration
Choose one of the following tracks:
Law Enforcement Track
Legal Studies Track
Cybersecurity Concentration
English Concentration*
Cultural Identity: Choose 2 (6 Credits)
Literary Masterpieces Courses: Choose 2 (6 Credits)
English Electives (6 Credits)
| - | Choose any two English courses at the 3000 or 4000 level | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
French Concentration*
FREN (Electives): Students may take any three FREN courses at or above FREN-2340 in order to fulfill this requirement.
History Concentration*
Two HIST survey courses: (6 Credits)
Required
| HIST-2360 | Historical Research and Writing | 3 |
| - | Four history electives | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Four history electives: HIST-3000 and above.
Information Technology Concentration
Linguistics Concentration*
ELECTIVES Choose any two courses: (6 Credits)
| LING-3325 | Second Language Acquistition | 3 |
| ENGL-3315 | English Grammar and Style | 3 |
| ENGL-4307 | History of The English Language | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Management Concentration
Prerequisite:
Required Management Courses:
Management Electives, Choose two courses (6 Credits)
| MGMT-3310 | Introduction to Human Resources Management | 3 |
| MGMT-3320 | Introduction to International Business | 3 |
| MGMT-3370 | Human Resources Recruiting and Staffing | 3 |
| MGMT-3380 | Market Problems and Solutions | 3 |
| MGMT-4310 | Cross-Cultural Management and Behavior | 3 |
| MGMT-4340 | Human Resources Compensation and Benefits | 3 |
| MGMT-4350 | Human Resources Law and Compliance | 3 |
| MGMT-4360 | Value Creation and New Product Development | 3 |
| MGMT-4370 | Innovative Technology: Past, Present, and Future | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Marketing Concentration
Marketing Electives, Choose four classes (12 Credits)
Mathematics Concentration
Math Electives, Choose 2 (6 Credits)
Music Concentration
Per NASM standards, the total music hours in the IDS degree may not exceed 28 hours.
Ensemble, choose from: (4 Credits)
Music Elective (3 Credits)
| - | Applied Lesson, Concert Band, Chamber Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Handbell Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Orchestra, Basic Conducting, Computer Technology for Musicians, Music History I-III, Applied Studio Pedagogy, Concert Choir, North Greenville Singers, or Contemporary Christian Music | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Music Worship Studies Concentration
MUAP-2100: Four semesters in the same discipline and consecutive. There is a jury exam and a performance requirement.
Per NASM standards, the total music hours in the IDS degree may not exceed 28 hours.
Music Elective, choose six hours
| MUSC-2350 | Computer Technology for Musicians | 3 |
| MUSC-2360 | Spiritual formation for Worship Leadership | 3 |
| MUSC-3340 | Advanced Conducting | 3 |
| MUSC-3390 | Arranging and Song Writing for The Church Musician | 3 |
| MUSC-3365 | Worship Theology and Ministry Philosophy | 3 |
| MUSC-4355 | Worship Arts Administration | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Outdoor Leadership Concentration
Choose one course below: (3 Credits)
| ODEL-1300 | Introduction to Outdoor Leadership | 3 |
| ODEL-2365 | Foundations of Parks and Conservation Management | 3 |
Creation Care course
| ODEL-2370 | Creation Care and Environmental Stewardship | 3 |
Choose two of the following theory courses: (6 Credits)
| ODEL-1300 | Introduction to Outdoor Leadership | 3 |
| ODEL-1320 | Group Processing and Facilitation | 3 |
| ODEL-2355 | Outdoor Ministries | 3 |
| ODEL-2365 | Foundations of Parks and Conservation Management | 3 |
| ODEL-3315 | Outdoor Program Administration | 3 |
| ODEL-3345 | Park Planning and Design | 3 |
| ODEL-4385 | Experiential Education: Philosophy and Curriculum Design | 3 |
Choose two of the following skills courses: (6 Credits)
Required
| - | One ODEL elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
One ODEL elective: Pick any ODEL course not previously selected.
Political Science Concentration
American Politics Electives, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Political Philosophy Elective, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Policy and Law Electives, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Political Science Elective, Choose 2 (6 Credits)
| - | Choose three PLSC courses not taken in Policy and Law Electives, American Politics Electives, Global Politics Electives, or Political Philosophy Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Psychology Concentration
Choose 2 from (6 Credits)
Choose 3 from (9 Credits)
Spanish Concentration*
SPAN (Elective): Students choose any SPAN course at or above SPAN-3300 in order to fulfill this requirement.
Sport Management Concentration
Prerequisite:
Require Sport Management Courses:
Management Electives, Choose two classes (6 Credits)
| SPTM-2340 | Psychology and Sociology of Sport | 3 |
| SPTM-3340 | Sport, Recreation and Wellness Program Development | 3 |
| SPTM-3350 | Sport Communications | 3 |
| SPTM-3355 | Sport Emergency Management | 3 |
| SPTM-3360 | Sport Finance and Fund Raising | 3 |
| SPTM-4310 | Sport Facility Design and Management | 3 |
| SPTM-4320 | Sport Marketing, Sales and Promotion | 3 |
| SPTM-4360 | International Sport Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Theatre Concentration
THTR-1100: 1 credit course taken 2 times.
Any other THTR or THED course: 6 credits must be 3000 level or above.