The Integrated Science Studies major is designed to meet a growing professional and cultural need for people whose knowledge of science is directed to its use, expression, and administration in both the private and public sectors.  Students in the major are expected not only to achieve specific competencies in the sciences but also critical understandings of the roles of the sciences in social, political, and economic contexts.

Emphasis in the major is placed on the breadth and depth of the foundational science curriculum.  Students acquire detailed knowledge of the sciences and mathematics by engaged study in a range of courses, most of which are laboratory courses—from chemistry, physics, and biology to geology, ecology, and environmental science.  The foundational courses have been selected to establish a broad base for study, while allowing flexibility and opportunities to pursue more specific interests at the upper levels.  At the upper level, students take five courses in their elected concentration:  Science, Technology and Society; Science Journalism, Business Administration, or Public Policy/Administration.  The major is completed with a capstone course on science writing, which allows the student to complete the integration of the foundational sciences with each other and with the concentration courses.

Students are encouraged to undertake internships, co-ops, and research projects (for example, by independent study or through the TAS Research Honors Program.

Students who complete the major will be competently prepared to pursue further academic work in graduate and professional schools in science, medicine/health, business, and other areas, as well as to begin careers in their chosen fields.

The School of Theoretical and Applied Science offers the major leading to a B.S. degree in Integrated Science Studies – (chosen concentration).

Goals

Goal 1: Graduates should be able to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of specific scientific principles and processes and the conceptual structure that integrates all scientific inquiry and enterprises. 

Goal 2: Graduates should be able to evaluate the integrity and authority of scientific information by assessing its originating source and the methods used to generate it.  

Goal 3: Identify the underlying scientific issues which under-gird critical policy decisions in both the public and private sectors. 

Goal 4: Graduates should be able to communicate clearly scientific and mathematical ideas and innovations not only to scientists, but to other professionals and the public at large through oral presentations or by the visual and written media. 

Outcomes

Outcome 1: Demonstrate specific knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, environmental science, and the earth sciences and of their common principles of understanding.

Outcome 2: Conduct scientific investigations by conducting experiments, forming testable propositions, evaluating evidence and data, drawing logically relevant inferences, and establishing empirical conclusions. 

Outcome 3: Conduct scientific investigations by conducting experiments, forming testable propositions, evaluating evidence and data, drawing logically relevant inferences, and establishing empirical conclusions.

Outcome 4: Design and construct a program of inquiry and research, assess data and evidence, and write an original proposal for a program in which science and mathematics are integrated into civic and private discourse. 

Outcome 5: Design and construct a program of inquiry and research, assess data and evidence, and write an original proposal – a public policy recommendation, a business report, an article for a newspaper or periodical, a grant proposal, or any other expression of such a program in which science and mathematics are integrated into civic and private discourse. 

Outcome 6:

• Science Journalism Concentration: Communicate clearly and comprehensibly about those scientific issues critical to public understanding.
• Public Policy/Administration Concentration:  Set forth that scientific knowledge which directs public policy decisions and is integrated into both public and private administration of scientific and technological enterprises.
• Business Administration Concentration:  Rely upon a fundamental understanding of science and scientific research in carrying out business initiatives and enterprises, in sales, in management, and in assessment.
• Science, Technology and Society Concentration:  Articulate the importance of and impacts of science on society and the role of society in scientific research and teaching

Outcome 7: Communicate scientific knowledge and understanding clearly, succinctly, precisely, and effectively in oral and written forms.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (five courses):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing and Studies in the Arts and Humanities the other three courses are taken in the major.
4. Students in the Science, Technology and Society concentration cannot enroll in the Science, Technology and Science minor
5. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.

INTEGRATED SCIENCE STUDIES MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of Theoretical and Applied Science Website
Faculty Profiles