Chowan University will launch two new degrees fall of 2018. In an effort to provide additional structure to an already existing interdisciplinary studies degree, Chowan will launch integrative studies and general studies Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. The integrative studies program will replace the interdisciplinary studies program.

Both integrative studies and general studies will allow students the option of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on multiple disciplines with a more structured path. Each will allow the student to customize his or her own degree program. This student-friendly approach provides a platform for students to create their own cross-discipline program of study.

The programs are similar to a double major, but differ in the course load. Students only need 120 hours to graduate, but will study two or more subject matters with 36 credit hours split equally among each program. The integrative studies route combines two or more subjects, while students select three of four specific areas for the general studies degree. Both programs require an internship or Capstone project.

The programs offer more flexibility than a second major or a minor because students choose their courses. However, they retain the option to declare a minor along with this program. Since the degree is a standard 120 credit program it can help students graduate on-time and avoid additional debt from an extended college stay while exploring multiple areas of interest.

Upon completion of 30 credit hours (the equivalent of one year), students take a cornerstone class to better understand their degree program and gain resources for success. The cornerstone class can help students find relationships in fields that might seem unrelated at first. Each student has a unique advisory team comprised of the program chair and faculty from each discipline. The student and advisory team will meet throughout the college experience to assure the student stays on track and manages the program well.

Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. John Pond said, “I see education like a diamond, multifaceted. With this new degree program, we are moving away from specialized degrees where a student will gain knowledge in one particular program, to allowing students to diversify their experiences and knowledge base.” With an increase in employers seeking staff who have broad-based knowledge, the integrative studies program should see growth in interest, as it provides just that for students. Although the program is in its first semester there are already several students enrolled and Dr. Pond said he continues to receive more interest from students.

Dr. Pond is in his second year of work with the integrative studies program. Although he is a religion and missions professor he has been involved with interdisciplinary studies for eight years, and says he loves it. Prior to his employment at Chowan, Dr. Pond served in Africa as a missionary and had to be a jack-of-all-trades while there. “I would have loved to have had the opportunity to earn an integrative studies degree in the 1970s when I was a student,” he said.

Dr. Pond adheres to the wisdom of French philosopher, Jacques Derrida who says we are all translators and every translation is a transformation. “I love the mission and ministry of Chowan University that values its students as individual translators who are given the exciting opportunity to be transformed by its diverse and contemporary program and Christian framework,” Dr. Pond explained. Students are able to combine two or more unique disciplines and transform them into a third, even better, option.

For more information on the integrative studies program at Chowan University, please contact Dr. John Pond at (252) 398-6293 or pondj@chowan.edu.