"Elevator Speech"

Integrative studies is a degree that gives you the basic liberal arts background and then allows you to focus on one specific area, your concentration. It is probably one of the most flexible and rewarding degrees you could get at George Mason. Integrative studies allows you to take courses in many subject areas; from dance to math to religion. Integrative Studies degrees include 9 competencies (communication, group interaction, etc.) and the time you spend in the program you beocme more fluent in those nine areas; which give you a better perspective about yourslef as well as the world around you. It gives students a chance to experience a little bit of every thing in school. The classes within the program are team/group based and there is always some type of group work assigned. It is difficult at first but beneficial in the end. Integrative Studies also requires you to complete a number of experiential learning credits where you are put in a work place related to your class. For example; in NCLC 394 Facilitating Literacy you get to observe in a classroom and interact with students, helping them with school work. Each course that has EL credit gives you a chance to step into the real world and experience what a job in the field is like. To some it may seem weird that we get to be hands on with our learning as well as in the classroom, but to those who get this degree really appreciate their college experiences by the time they graduate.