Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of degree is integrative studies?
What makes this program different from other programs at GMU?
If I choose another major at Mason, will my credits go with me?
What kind of student will excel in this program?
Do I have a choice of what to take my first year?
Will I be with the same people in all the first year classes?
Will I take only integrative studies courses or will I be able to take other GMU courses?
What happens to my AP or IB credits?
What is experiential learning?
What are competencies and why does NCC use them?
What is the purpose of putting together a graduation portfolio?
How are NCC students assessed?
What is New Century College?
New Century College (NCC) is the GMU college that offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Integrative Studies. We also offer exciting opportunities for undergraduates to extend their studies through leadership development, field studies, community-based service learning, and minors in Multimedia and Nonprofit Studies and Leadership Studies.
What kind of degree is Integrative Studies?
The degree represents connected learning among the "traditional" disciplines. The degree incorporates the strength of the disciplines with the acute need for interdisciplinary and integrative approaches in today's work environment. We help students connect and make sense of increasingly dispersed knowledge to address complex problems. Students choose a concentration track, earning either a B.A.I.N. or B.S.I.N. degree.
What makes this program different from other programs at GMU?
Many things make the integrative studies degree program unique:
- Classes are small, even first-year courses!
- Classes explore active collaborative learning, group work and projects, as well as case study analysis, portfolios, and research papers.
- The degree incorporates real world application of knowledge with credit-earning internships, study abroad, and service learning experiences.
- Students don't just fulfill credit hours for graduation; they develop competency in communication, critical thinking, strategic problem solving, valuing, group interaction, global understanding, effective citizenship, aesthetic awareness, and information technology.
If choose another major at Mason, will my credits go with me?
Your credits are GMU credits and will count toward your GMU degree. Exactly what requirements they will fulfill will depend on the major you choose. If you were part of the Cornerstone program, these courses will fulfill the majority of your university-wide general education requirements.
What kind of student will excel in this program?
If you are motivated, like to work with others, are committed to your studies, and plan to get involved, you will succeed.
Do I have a choice of what to take my first year?
The College believes in the philosophy of a core of common and shared knowledge and the building of an intellectual community. So, everyone takes the same four courses in their first year. Faculty build from these shared experiences in subsequent years. You can take an additional course each semester as a part of the regular student load, and this course is yours to choose.
Will I be with the same people in all the first year classes?
The entering first year class is about 160 students. You will be part of this community and placed in a minimum of 4 different seminars and discussion groups throughout the year with different students from the larger cohort. We intentionally work to ensure students have the opportunity to interact and learn with as many different students as possible. Experience has shown that being with a cohort this size will not bore you; you will have the opportunity to meet and become friends with a diverse group of people.
The first year sounds pretty structured. Will I be able to fit an extra music class, ROTC or sports into my schedule?
Yes. Several of our students want to keep up on their dance, music and language skills. Your advisor will help you choose the appropriate section and course for your interests and schedule.
Will I take only integrative studies courses or will I be able to take other GMU courses?
After the first year, you will have about an equal mix of integrative studies courses and specific discipline courses to construct your concentration. The college offers interdisciplinary concentrations such as conservation studies, information & society, organizational administration, chilt & family studies, pre-medical studies, and education to name a few. We can also develop an individualized concentration tailored to your career and life goals.
What happens to my AP or IB credits?
Your credit is evaluated according to the same George Mason University procedures followed by all the other GMU Colleges. If credits are brought into Mason, they will be listed on your transcript and will count toward your degree requirements.
What is experiential learning?
The College motto is "Connecting the Classroom to the World" and experiential learning is just one way that happens. We require outside-the-classroom learning experiences in the form of internships, co-ops, study abroad, short courses, service learning, and others to strengthen and apply classroom instruction without classroom learning.
What are competencies and why does NCC use them?
We believe education is more than taking classes and tests. We believe in a concurrent focus on skills such as communication, critical thinking, information technology, problem solving, valuing, aesthetic response, social interaction, effective citizenship, and creating global perspectives.
What is the purpose of putting together a graduation portfolio?
At the time you are ready to graduate, we celebrate your accomplishments through the creation of your learning portfolio. You will have been working toward this culminating project throughout your education. The portfolio is a reflective look at what you have accomplished, starting with your introductory statement, a demonstration of learned competencies along with a copy of your resume. The Senior Capstone course will help prepare you for the world ahead as well as help you in the development of your portfolio.
How are NCC students assessed?
NCC courses emphasize experiential and holistic learning by employing a variety of assessment tools. Many courses require end-of-term essays or portfolios. Group projects, presentations, reflective essays and tests are all instruments used to ensure that students develop integrative and comprehensive learning.
