Overview
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 Honors at NGU). 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. 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.
Students may not combine the concentration options of Management and Marketing to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Mission Statement and Outcomes
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 Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies mission is to offer students a personalized major drawing from two or more disciplines while developing a keen sense of “calling” as it relates to innovative Kingdom work. Irrespective of disciplines, students also learn the “arts of integration,” a set of 21st Century meta-skills shown to be key to implementing a holistic Gospel extending to every aspect of our complex world. The end goal is cross-cultural engagement, a ministry of reconciliation, and professional fulfillment. Interdisciplinarians are groomed to be reflective, yet active, global citizens and true transformational leaders!
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.
Interdisciplinary Concentrations
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 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
Biology Electives
Choose at least 13 hours from the list below. Courses that require a lab must be taken in the same semester of the corresponding lecture course.
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.
Education Concentration
Classroom Management Option
Choose one from the list below.
Education Elective
Choose one from the list below.
| EDUC-2300 | Foundations of Reading | 3 |
| EDUC-2320 | Physical Education and Health Methods | 3 |
| EDSE-3310 | Middle School Curriculum and Organization | 3 |
| EDUC-4375 | Family and Community Relations | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Health Science Concentration
Students must take MATH-1330 as a prerequisite, which can be taken as the Core Curriculum math course.
Christian Studies Concentration*
| CHST-2303 | Foundations for Excellence | 3 |
| CHST-2390 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
-
| Biblical Studies - Choose one Old Testament and one New Testament course from CHST 4000-level Biblical Studies courses. | 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*
Communication Electives
Choose four courses from the list below.
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
Law Enforcement Track
Legal Studies Track
Cybersecurity Concentration
English Concentration*
Cultural Identity
Choose two courses from the list below.
Literary Masterpieces
Choose two courses from the list below.
English Electives
Choose any two English courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.
French Concentration*
FREN (Electives): Students may take any three FREN courses at or above FREN-2340 in order to fulfill this requirement.
History Concentration*
Required Courses
| HIST-2360 | Historical Research and Writing | 3 |
-
| Four history electives | 12 |
Four history electives: HIST-3000 and above.
History Survey Courses
Choose two courses from the list below.
| HIST-1350 | Western Civilization to 1715 | 3 |
| HIST-2310 | United States History to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST-2320 | United States History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
Information Technology Concentration
Linguistics Concentration*
Linguistic Electives
Choose two courses from the list below.
| 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 from the list below.
| 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 from the list below.
Mathematics Concentration
Mathematics Electives
Choose two courses from the list below.
Music Concentration
Ensemble
Complete four credits from the list below.
Music Elective
Choose one course from the list below. A two-hour course may be combined with an additional ensemble, secondary applied instrument, or techniques course for a total of 3 hours.
Per NASM standards, the total music hours in the IDS degree may not exceed 28 hours.
Music Worship Studies Concentration
MUAP-2100: Four semesters in the same discipline and consecutive. There is a jury exam and a performance requirement.
Music Electives
Choose two courses from the list below.
| 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 |
Per NASM standards, the total music hours in the IDS degree may not exceed 28 hours.
Outdoor Leadership Concentration
| ODEL-1300 | Introduction to Outdoor Leadership | 3 |
| ODEL-4301 | Management and Administration in Outdoor Recreation | 3 |
Outdoor Leadership Theory Courses
Complete three courses from the list below.
| ODEL-2301 | Camp Leadership and Programming | 3 |
| ODEL-2355 | Outdoor Ministry | 3 |
| ODEL-2365 | Foundations of Parks and Conservation Management | 3 |
| ODEL-2370 | Creation Care and Environmental Stewardship | 3 |
| ODEL-3300 | Environmental Interpretation & Education | 3 |
| ODEL-3301 | Group Development in Adventure Challenge | 3 |
| ODEL-3345 | Park Planning and Design | 3 |
Outdoor Leadership Electives
Complete 3 classes from any ODEL courses not previously selected. See courses for options.
Political Science Concentration
American Politics Elective
Choose one course from the list below.
Policy and Law Elective
Choose one course from the list below.
Political Philosophy Elective
Choose one course from the list below.
Political Science Electives
Choose three PLSC courses not taken in Policy and Law Electives, American Politics Electives, Global Politics Electives, or Political Philosophy Electives.
Psychology Concentration
Survey Courses
Choose two courses from the list below.
Survey and Research Courses
Choose three courses from the list below.
Spanish Concentration*
| SPAN-2310 | Spanish III | 3 |
| SPAN-2320 | Spanish IV | 3 |
| SPAN-2330 | Intermediate Spanish Conversation | 3 |
| SPAN-2360 | Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Composition | 3 |
| SPAN-3360 | Advanced Spanish Conversation | 3 |
| SPAN-3365 | Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition | 3 |
SPAN-
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
SPAN (Elective): Students choose any SPAN course at or above SPAN-3300 in order to fulfill this requirement.
Sport Management Concentration
Prerequisite:
Required Courses
Sport Management Electives
Choose two courses from the list below.
| 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 | Theatre Practicum I | 1 |
| THTR-1300 | Engaging the Arts Through Theatre | 3 |
| THTR-1320 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR-1345 | Design and Production | 3 |
-
| Any other THTR or THED course | 10 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
THTR-1100: 1 credit course taken 2 times.
Any other THTR or THED course: 6 credits must be 3000 level or above.