Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BAIS)

Northern's Integrated Studies BA is an interdisciplinary major that provides a broad-based education in the liberal arts and social sciences. The program is focused on creating a learning community through dialogue-style classes. These classes integrate student learning by reading original texts and engaging essential questions that give rise to thoughtful discussion and critical inquiry. Students in the program choose one of five emphases, in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Media & Art, Humanities, or Self-design.

The Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies (BAIS) is a unique program relevant to students' personal and professional needs by developing critical thinking skills and fostering self-transformation into focused, organized, empowered, and independent lifelong learners.

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More about the BAIS program

According to the Center for Integrated Studies, integrating is “to blend into a whole.” All learning is integrative since it combines old and new experiences, information, and perspectives.

Students who study these methods can be intentional and reflective in synthesizing their diverse educational experiences into pursuing personal and career goals.

Integrated studies is a degree program that will prepare students for careers requiring reliable and flexible thinking and communication, such as counseling agencies, local and state government, law enforcement, and public service. It will also provide a solid basis for those wishing to pursue advanced degrees in various fields, including social work, addiction recovery, psychology, law, and cultural anthropology.

The Core BAIS Courses

The Core of the program consists of six courses that are designed to help you ask basic questions about the human being from many different perspectives.

In a series of Integrating Seminars, students are introduced to the interdisciplinary work that is at the heart of the program.

In a second series of seminars, known as The Dialogues, students are introduced to the important works from cultures and traditions throughout the world.

Learn more about the BAIS Core & Dialog courses >

The Five BAIS Emphases

Psychology

The word "Psychology" comes from the Greek meaning "breath," "spirit," and "soul." The psychology emphasis builds on our General Psychology AA and explores various facets of the field, such as personality, abnormality, counseling, family systems, and development, from a critical, culturally diverse, and humanistic perspective. In their senior year, students will conduct qualitative research on a topic of interest.

Crime & Justice Studies

Crime & Justice Studies opens many career and field possibilities that make a positive impact on society. The coursework draws upon a wide variety of disciplines like sociology, psychology, law and forensics, giving students multiple perspectives to critically analyze crime and justice and develop an understanding of the courts and corrections systems in the US. It gives them practical, insightful and adaptable knowledge, along with the tools and skills to tackle complex, real-world issues related to the criminal justice system.

Media & Art

Media & Art fosters new ways of seeing, thinking, and creating. At the intersection of traditional visual arts and digital media arts, students are trained as fine artists and professionals with the skills to pursue careers in art, film, video production, photography, and digital media, as well as careers outside the arts. In studio courses, students produce creative and technical projects in the disciplines of painting, drawing, video, sound, and photography. Students study film history, media psychology, and screenwriting to further their knowledge and understanding of the impact of intersectional arts. The art facilities are located in the Center for the Arts building.

Humanities

Humanities offers interdisciplinary courses in history, philosophy, religion, language, art and cultural studies. Coursework enhances curiosity and creativity, combined with research, writing, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Humanities help us navigate through the complexities of life, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition to become genuine citizens of the world. A well-rounded education guides students in discovering their interests and exploring future career opportunities in varied fields such as education, government policy making, business, social work, and journalism.

Self-Design

Self-Design is for students who have earned a number of credits across a variety of programs and interests. The program guides students to combine their wide ranging studies into a focused plan of study to create a meaningful bachelor of arts degree. It is particularly welcoming of transfer students and returning students seeking a path to a BA degree. Students can apply to receive credit for significant, relevant work experience to help amass the necessary 120 credits needed for this four-year BAIS degree.