Individualized Studies BA with Concentrations in Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies (BAIS) with Concentrations in Social Sciences
Have you ever wondered why the world exists as it does? Why are there nations, wars, international organizations, and borders? Where did inequality come from, and why in our era of plenty does it continue to exist? What does it mean to be healthy? Why is good governance so difficult, and has technology made leadership more complicated than less? Have you wondered what you can do to help? The Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies (BAIS) offers students the opportunity to answer these societal questions and more.
The BAIS is a flexible degree that takes advantage of our faculty’s expertise and dedication to undergraduate teaching and mentoring across the social sciences and history to equip you with the skills and abilities to tackle these and other difficult matters our global society faces. Our award-winning teachers work closely with students in and out of the classroom to help them thrive academically, grow as leaders and individuals, and prepare for the professional and civic challenges of our new millennium. Our program offers both broad training in the fields of history, geography, politics, and sociology, while also encouraging individualized study, projects, and work experiences like externships and internships.
Available Concentrations
History and Government Concentration
About the Program
The BAIS in History and Government offers the skill sets and knowledge to understand complex subjects by providing students with a guided sampling of courses in these related fields. One can think of History as the study of the past to understand why things happened using analysis, interpretation of evidence, and narrative construction. Historians are interested in the continuities and changes of the past while understanding that every new generation brings their own unique questions to its study. History compliments the study of Government (and vice versa), as both fields help us understand how societies have, and continue to, organize themselves. Political science seeks theoretical explanations for human governance, administration, relations, and law. Because human actions are fundamentally political actions, the field is broad and diverse, emphasizing evidence-based studies that are repeatable and then applicable to policy-making action.
Students choosing this BAIS concentration begin with a choice of introductory survey courses in World History, American Government and Politics, as well as Global Politics before moving towards upper-division courses in both disciplines. Students also gain hands-on experience in the gathering of knowledge through their choice in qualitative or quantitative research methods and a senior interdisciplinary capstone in the social sciences. The program encourages students to further explore opportunities outside the classroom with internships, independent studies, study abroad, and participation in Model UN.
Potential Career Paths
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, graduates with degrees in History & Politics can pursue a variety of career paths including:
- Business
- Consulting Services
- Education
- Government
- Law
- Library Archives
- Museums
- Non-Profits and NGO’s, including the United Nations
- Research and Development Services
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to comprehend and analyze social relationships within human societies with an awareness of how data is presented and to identify potential bias and ethical consequences. Students will conduct critical inquiry, analysis, and interpretation of subject materials. Students will develop the skills to become knowledgeable and participatory citizens in civil society.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to comprehend and analyze social relationships within human societies with an awareness of how data is presented and to identify potential bias and ethical consequences. Students will conduct critical inquiry, analysis, and interpretation of subject materials. Students will develop the skills to become knowledgeable and participatory citizens in civil society.
Program Learning Outcomes
- International Perspective (3 credits)
- Advanced Writing (3 credits)
- Specialization (18 credits)
- 1000-level surveys (6 credits)
- Concentration 2000-level or above (6 credits)
- Take any two courses with one each in History and Politics
- Research Methods Course (3 credits)
- Capstone Course (3 credits)
- SOCI 4500 Senior Capstone in Social Sciences
Environmental Studies Concentration
About the Program
The twenty-first century is replete with complex sustainability challenges that require an integrative, historical understanding of human and environmental phenomena. The BAIS with a concentration in Environmental Studies gives students an interdisciplinary overview of the dynamic interactions between social, political, and economic structures and Earth’s physical and biological systems. Coursework will prepare students to be active participants in the work to build a sustainable future on Earth on the basis of sound evidence.
Students begin with introductory courses in human-environment geography and environmental science. Continued study involves courses in social sciences and management, choices in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data visualization and mapping, international perspectives, and a senior interdisciplinary capstone in the social sciences, all shared with other BAIS concentrations in the social sciences (that double counts for a General Education requirement). The program encourages students to further explore opportunities outside the classroom with internships, independent studies, and study abroad.
Potential Career Paths
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, graduates with degrees in Environmental Studies can pursue a variety of paths including:
- Business (sustainable and green tech)
- Journalism
- Education
- Government
- Law
- Legal And Policy Research
- Lobbying and Advocacy
- Non-Profits and NGO’s
- Research and Development Services
- Consulting Services
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to understand and critically scrutinize relevant issues within the environmental studies literature — including scholarship in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities — and apply this understanding to novel problems and contexts. Students will develop proficiency in communicating environmental studies concepts verbally, in writing, and through data mapping and visualization. They will become proficient in applying the scientific method to generate hypotheses, collect data, design and conduct experiments, and analyze a broad range of environmental data. Students will develop the critical thinking skills necessary to debate, deliberate, and organize for change in local, regional, national, and global policies and practices.
Major Requirements (24 credits)
- International Perspective (3 credits)
- Advanced Writing (3 credits)
- Specialization (18 credits)
- 1000-level Intro Surveys (6 credits)
GEOG1102 Geography and World Issues
and either one of the following two courses:
BIOL1105/BIOL1115 The Human Environment or ENVR1001/ENVR1002 Intro to Environmental Science - Concentration 2000-level or above (6 credits)
Take any two of the following courses: - Research Methods Course (3 credits)
SOCI3500 Methods in Social Research (3 Credits) or SOCI3510 Qualitative Research Methods (3 Credits) - Capstone Course (3 credits)
SOCI4500 Senior Capstone in Social Sciences (3 credits)
- 1000-level Intro Surveys (6 credits)
Health and Society Concentration
About the Program
Health and illness are central aspects of human experience that are deeply shaped by cultural, political, and socio-economic conditions that vary over time and through different national/regional contexts. The BAIS with a concentration in Health and Society is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary overview of the complex relationship linking social forces and historic and contemporary patterns in health, disease, and healthcare provision. By exploring how different societies define what it means to be healthy or sick, why some groups suffer disproportionate burdens of disease and premature death, how culture shapes the delivery of health care, and how individuals experience illness in their everyday lives, students will gain valuable insights on how to participate effectively and ethically in the medical workforce.
Students will be introduced to the concentration through a choice between freshman surveys in Sociology and Geography and will then move towards upped division courses. The course study will include choices in qualitative and quantitative research methods and a senior interdisciplinary capstone in the social sciences, all shared with other BAIS concentrations in the area. The program encourages students to further explore opportunities outside the classroom with internships, independent studies, and study abroad.
Potential Career Paths
The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to equip students to pursue a range of career paths in an area that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is projected to grow much faster than others in the next ten years. These include:
- Medicine
- Advance nursing
- Public health
- Health policy
- Health advocacy
- Genetic counseling
- Athletic Training
- Audiologist
- Social work
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to understand and analyze human behaviors and social relationships within human society. Additionally, they will learn how to interpret information, evaluate data presentation, identify potential bias, and evaluate ethical dilemmas. They will also conduct critical inquiry, analysis, and interpretation of subject materials. Finally, students will develop the skills necessary to become knowledgeable and participatory citizens in civil society.
Major Requirements (24 credits)
- International Perspective (3 credits)
- Advanced Writing (3 credits)
- Specialization (18 credits)
- 1000-level surveys (6 credits)
GEOG1102 Geography and World Issues
SOCI1201 Intro to Sociology - Concentration 2000-level or above (6 credits)
Take any two of the following courses: - Research Methods Course (3 credits)
SOCI3500 Methods in Social Research (3 Credits) or SOCI3510 Qualitative Research Methods (3 Credits) - Capstone Course (3 credits)
SOCI4500 Senior Capstone in Social Sciences (3 credits)
- 1000-level surveys (6 credits)
Hispanic Studies Concentration
About the Program
The BAIS in Hispanic Studies is a concentration created to provide students with an understanding of Latino communities in the United States as well as the history of Latin America as a region in a way that will prepare them for their future. This concentration is led mostly by international faculty, emphasizing Latin American history, geography, literature, and sociopolitical issues. We offer courses focusing on the culture, history, politics, and identity of the Latin American experience. Students who complete this concentration will be able to participate in special academic events and have access to internships, independent studies, and study abroad.
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of Hispanic Studies programs often pursue careers in:
- Journalism
- Diplomacy
- Education
- International relations
- Business
- Law
- Museums
- Non-Profits and NGO’s
- Research and Development Services
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to comprehend and analyze the complex social, economic, cultural, and political characteristics of Latin America and the Latinx communities in the United States. Students will conduct critical inquiry, analysis, and interpretation of subject materials. Students will develop the skills to understand major historical and cultural processes that have shaped the region’s identity as well as its relationship with the United States.
Major Requirements (24 credits)
- International Perspective (3 credits)
- Advanced Writing (3 credits)
- Specialization (18 credits)
- 1000-level surveys (6 credits)
GEOG1102 Geography & World Issues
and either one of the following two:
HIST1150 World History to 1500 or HIST1151 World History since 1500 - Concentration at the 2000-level or above
Take any two courses in Hispanic Studies and see your advisor for details - Research Methods Course (3 credits)
SOCI3500 – Methods in Social Research (3 Credits) or SOCI3510 Qualitative Research Methods (3 Credits) - Capstone Course (3 credits)
SOCI4500 Senior Capstone in Social Sciences (3 credits)
- 1000-level surveys (6 credits)