Majors
Integrated studies major
The integrated studies major is intended for students whose academic interests and goals can be best met outside the structure of any single disciplinary/departmental major or combination of majors and minor(s). It is by nature interdisciplinary, while also being integrated around a basic theme or interest. An integrated studies major can serve as an excellent preparation for a variety of graduate school programs and professional careers.
Faculty
Each student will have an advising team consisting of two faculty advisors from two different departments that are part of their integrated studies major, the student’s class dean and the registrar. Collectively, this team will approve the major and any subsequent changes. Students are responsible for choosing their academic advisors and regularly collaborating with each of them throughout the proposal and approval processes.
Successful Careers
Integrated studies is a very versatile major providing students with unlimited career and graduate study opportunities after graduation from Central. Careers include:
- Youth development, Bloomington Public Schools, Bloomington, Minn.
- Registered nurse, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa
- Assistant branch manager, US Bank, Omaha, Neb.
- Corps member volunteer, AmeriCorps NCCC, Denver, Colo.
- Assistant professor, St. Ambrose University, health PE and sport science department, Davenport
- Graduate student, University of Kansas Medical Center, Lawrence, Kan.
- Bilingual environmental specialist, Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, Iowa
- Physical therapist, Sterling Physical Therapy, PC, Pella
Internships
Looking for experience? An internship might be the answer. When it comes to future employment or entrance into graduate school, students with internship experience have a proven track record in a professional environment. In today’s competitive job market, proven experience is a priceless commodity. Past internships include:
- Pella Art & Graphics, Pella
- Heartland Reformed Church, Pella
- Best Buy, Des Moines, Iowa
- Mahaska County Human Services, Oskaloosa, Iowa
- Finer Things, Urbandale, Iowa
Learn more about internships at Central.
Courses
- Choose either three or four academic disciplines, from at least two different departments (i.e. Mathematics and Computer Science count as two disciplines and one department). In order to count as a chosen discipline, a student must complete at least 6 semester hours and at least 3 semester hours at the 200 level or above in that discipline.
- Complete at least 45 semester hours in the chosen disciplines.
- Complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of 300/400-level from at least two disciplines, with a maximum of three semester hours of internship, practicum, private music lessons (MUSL), directed study, independent study, or directed research. With permission of the advising team, three semester hours of LAS-410 may count toward this requirement when it fits into the student’s area of focus.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours at the 100-level may be used toward the 45 semester hours required for the major.
- Complete a 3-6 semester hour integrated capstone senior thesis or project. The capstone is not included in the 12 semester hours of 3/400-level required above. The capstone must be approved by the student’s advising team, supervised by the major advisors, and may be a senior honors project, independent study, directed research, theatre production, art show, or other culminating project. Students may not use transfer credit to satisfy the capstone requirement.
Facilities
Central College is one of the most beautiful college campuses you'll find. A perfect mix of old and new, our buildings reflect our history and our future. Our state-of-the-art facilities include:
- Vermeer Science Center — $20-million renovation and addition completed fall 2003 earned Iowa’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating, a silver medal, from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- New apartment-style residence hall opened fall 2003, with new wing completed in 2005, earned Central’s second LEED rating, a gold medal.
- New education and psychology building to open fall 2009.
- Weller Center for Business and International Studies.
- Central Market, Iowa’s most original dining hall with
unique European market place design.
- Geisler Library with 230,000 volumes and worldwide
electronic access.
- Café@Geisler offers espresso, coffee, snacks and
wireless Internet.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Courses taken abroad can be included in an integrated studies major. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
