The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree (recently consolidated with the
BS in Liberal Studies) is an interdisciplinary degree program with instruction offered
on the MTSU campus as well as online. This degree is extremely flexible and is an
excellent option for students seeking a broad-based educational experience or wanting
to custom-design a degree program. Those seeking this accelerated path to graduation
choose two areas of emphasis (12 hours each) to meet personal and professional goals.
Sample study subjects include child and family studies, communication studies, criminal
justice, cultural studies, English or writing, event planning, hospitality management,
health, human sciences, information technology, journalism or public relations, leadership
studies, nutrition, office management, political science, psychology, sociology, teaching
and learning, and women’s studies.
The Applied Leadership Program is a popular option for Integrated Studies majors. This specialized curriculum is for adult learners employed in business and industry
and provides up to four individual undergraduate certificates covering topics needed
in today’s business environment. Each certificate consists of two 7-week online courses and an onsite intensive training with some additional online
coursework. The on-site portion of the intensives are typically offered as a five-day Monday - Friday session or two consecutive weekend sessions.
The Public Safety Concentration will allow public safety professionals to advance in their careers.
In the program, public safety officials will have the opportunity to develop important
knowledge and skills in crisis response, diversity, communication, and leadership.
MTSU standard admission requirements apply. The B.S. Integrated Studies, Public Safety concentration will be an interdisciplinary program utilizing courses from five academic departments
within the concentration. The program officially begins in the 2022 Fall Semester.
Some pre-planned areas of emphasis are offered in Communication Studies, Health and
Human Performance, and Leadership Studies (click Degrees tab for more information).
Students who have accumulated a variety of course credits that are not easily applied
to a particular degree program often find that they can be used in this program, allowing
them to graduate earlier.
As part of the student learning outcomes of the program, the student will be able
to identify and evaluate insights from multiple disciplines by applying the interdisciplinary
research process and synthesize connections between experiences outside the classroom
and academic study. Finally, successful students will develop information literacy
and accurately locate, evaluate, and synthesize information sources.
Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) is an agreement between MTSU and Air University (CCAF). Eligible students
who have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree from CCAF can transfer credit
from their prior learning to earn a bachelor’s degree from MTSU in less time.
Elective course requirements for adult learners are often fulfilled through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, which evaluates college-level learning you may have gained through
work, training, certifications, licensure, military, and other programs. Details about
the program should be discussed with your advisor.
Integrated Studies Brochure
Applying what you're learning immediately
Chuck is enrolled at MTSU and finishing up his bachelor’s degree after spending more than 18 years at Nissan North America and the eight years before
that as a technician for a Nissan dealership. Until enrolling at MTSU in 2019, Chuck
had not taken a college course since 1992. He says going back to school as an adult comes with its challenges, but the biggest
‘win’ for him is applying what he is learning in class immediately when he gets to
work. “Instead of not having a lot of experience and then thinking I can use this
in the future I can put this in the application right now,” he said. He said he was
relieved to find other adults at similar points in their professional lives going
back to school. “When you are put in the situations in class to come up with solutions
or you are working on case studies there are a variety of solutions from everyone
because their backgrounds are so different. And all those different potential solutions...they
all work!”
Graduating with honors after 18-year college journey
Ashley Pearson (Bachelor of Integrated Studies, 2019) started her college career immediately after she graduated high school in 2000. She
finished her freshman year, but then moved to a different state and began a successful
career. After working for several years, she says she started to lose passion for
her work. She nearly completed her associate degree in 2010 at a community college
in Texas. She went back in 2014 for one more semester before moving to Tennessee and
enrolling at MTSU. “My journey at MTSU has been incredible. I started simply wanting my degree,” Pearson
said. “I am confident that this degree was no less than perfect for me. It has flung doors
wide open to new opportunities and allowed me to explore paths I would have not otherwise
taken.”
Related Media
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MTSU Adult Degree Profiles: Ashley Pearson
-
Integrated Studies - Applied Leadership | "Why I Chose MTSU"
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
-
Integrated Studies | "Why I Chose MTSU"
-
Integrated Studies | "Why I Chose MTSU"
Career possibilities are almost endless with the Bachelor of Science in Integrated
Studies. Here are some potential occupational pathways, which include some positions
held by MTSU graduates with this degree:
- Aircraft quality engineer
- Analyst for Homeland Security
- Bank vice president
- Child protective services investigator
- Contract specialist
- Corporate trainer
- Customer service specialist
- High school achievement gap intervention specialist
- High school teacher
- Lawyer
- Lead patient service representative
- Manager
- Marketing manager
- National Guard helicopter pilot
- Newspaper sports editor
- Nuclear safety engineer
- Sales representative
- Social services worker
- Software quality engineer
- Support staffer
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- American Red Cross
- Boeing Corp.
- Caterpillar
- Deloitte & Touche
- Delta Air Lines
- Federal Express
- GMAC Mortgage
- LifeWay Christian Resources
- Makita USA
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
- National Park Service / U.S. Department of the Interior
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Pinnacle Bank
- Princeton Review
- State Farm Insurance Co.
- Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
- United Parcel Service
- Western Kentucky University
- Williamson County Board of Education
The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies (B.S.) is an interdisciplinary degree
offered through MTSU's University College. Students may choose from several pre-planned
Areas of Emphasis through partnership with other university departments or design
their own in consultation with an advisor. Two concentrations in Applied Leadership
and Public Safety are also available.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Required courses for every student in the Integrated Studies program are Senior Career
Development Seminar PRST 3030; Interdisciplinary Research and Problem Solving PRST
3995; and Culminating Project PRST 4995. Students pursuing the Applied Leadership
concentration have different course requirements (see Requirements tab).
Students choosing this degree option may also select a minor and/or other course work
to support their area of emphasis. The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies has
several areas of emphasis that are preplanned and students may design their own in
consultation with an advisor.
The University College also offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with
concentrations in Health Administration, Information Technology, Organizational Leadership,
and International Organizational Leadership.
Integrated Studies, B.S.
Integrated Studies, B.S.
University Studies
615-494-7714
Dianna Rust, program coordinator
Dianna.Rust@mtsu.edu
The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree is an interdisciplinary degree program with instruction offered on the MTSU campus as well as online. This degree is extremely flexible and is an excellent option for students seeking a broad-based educational experience or wanting to custom-design a degree program. Those seeking this accelerated path to graduation choose two areas of emphasis (12 hours each) to meet personal and professional goals. Sample study subjects include child and family studies, communication studies, criminal justice, cultural studies, English or writing, health, human sciences, information technology, journalism or public relations, leadership studies, nutrition, office management, political science, psychology, sociology, teaching and learning, and women's studies.
Students who have accumulated a variety of course credits that are not easily applied to a particular degree program often find that they can be used in this program, allowing them to graduate earlier. Elective course requirements for adult learners are often fulfilled through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, which evaluates college-level learning gained through work, training, certifications, licensure, military, and other programs. Details about the program should be discussed with student's advisor.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Integrated Studies, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 33 hours |
| Area of Support/Minor | 15-18 hours |
| Electives | 28-31 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
Major Requirements (33 hours)
- First area of emphasis 12 credit hours
- Second area of emphasis 12 credit hours
PRST 3995 - Interdisciplinary Research and Problem Solving
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; B.S. in Integrated Studies and Professional Studies majors only. Offers preparation for the senior capstone (PRST 4995) or practicum (PRST 4997). Explores and applies interdisciplinary research theory and processes. Emphasis on identifying interdisciplinary research problems, determining relevant disciplines, conducting a literature search, evaluating research, properly citing sources in writing, integrating disciplinary insights, and developing research proposal.
PRST 3010 - Prior Learning Assessment
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalent; permission of instructor. Students will be required to prepare a portfolio of their college-level experiential learning for credit assessment; participate in a formal assessment process, and pass course PRST 3010. Students should consult their advisors to determine if experiential learning credit might be an option for them. Prior-Learning Assessed credit may be applied to the B.S. in Integrated Studies, Professional Studies, and Liberal Studies. PLA credit may also be applied to other degree programs. Check with your college advisor.
PRST 3500 - Integrated Studies Career Development Seminar
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Explores the career acquisition and development process. Topics include career exploration through assessments, resumes, cover letters, informational interviewing, mock interviewing, networking, business etiquette, and career planning. Emphasis placed on effective written and verbal communications.
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
Area of Support/Minor (15-18 hours)
Electives (28-31 hours)
- UNIV 1010 recommended 3 credit hours
- General electives 25-28 credit hours (discuss with advisor)
Curriculum: Integrated Studies
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Electives 6 credit hours (UNIV 1010 for freshmen or UNIV 2020 for transfer students recommended)
- Area of emphasis 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Sophomore
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
Choose 6 hours from:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Area of emphasis 3 credit hours
- Area of support/minor 3 credit hours
- Electives 6 credit hours
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Junior
PRST 3010 - Prior Learning Assessment
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalent; permission of instructor. Students will be required to prepare a portfolio of their college-level experiential learning for credit assessment; participate in a formal assessment process, and pass course PRST 3010. Students should consult their advisors to determine if experiential learning credit might be an option for them. Prior-Learning Assessed credit may be applied to the B.S. in Integrated Studies, Professional Studies, and Liberal Studies. PLA credit may also be applied to other degree programs. Check with your college advisor.
PRST 3500 - Integrated Studies Career Development Seminar
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Explores the career acquisition and development process. Topics include career exploration through assessments, resumes, cover letters, informational interviewing, mock interviewing, networking, business etiquette, and career planning. Emphasis placed on effective written and verbal communications.
PRST 3995 - Interdisciplinary Research and Problem Solving
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; B.S. in Integrated Studies and Professional Studies majors only. Offers preparation for the senior capstone (PRST 4995) or practicum (PRST 4997). Explores and applies interdisciplinary research theory and processes. Emphasis on identifying interdisciplinary research problems, determining relevant disciplines, conducting a literature search, evaluating research, properly citing sources in writing, integrating disciplinary insights, and developing research proposal.
- Area of emphasis 6 credit hours
- Area of emphasis (UD) 6 credit hours
- Area of support/minor 6 credit hours
- Upper-division electives 6 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Senior
- Area of emphasis (UD) 6 credit hours
- Area of support/minor 9 credit hours
- Upper-division electives 9 credit hours
- Elective 1 credit hours
PRST 4995 - Senior Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the program of study. The student will conduct and present academic research on an interdisciplinary topic and complete an ePortfolio which should demonstrate synthesis of a student's coursework.
PRST 4997 - Practicum for Integrated and Professional Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; permission of practicum coordinator; for juniors and seniors who are Professional Studies and Integrated Studies majors. Provides students with practical work experience in their areas of study. (A minimum of 90 hours is required.) Students will also research a problem and create an ePortfolio as a synthesis of their program of study. Application for the practicum must be made and approved the preceding semester.
Subtotal: 28 Hours
Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership Concentration, B.S.
Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership Concentration, B.S.
University Studies
615-494-7714
Dianna Rust, program coordinator
Dianna.Rust@mtsu.edu
The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree with a concentration in Applied Leadership is an interdisciplinary program and includes courses from the following departments: Communication Studies, Management, Military Science, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, and University Studies. The University works with corporate partners that make available to their employees this Applied Leadership focus on building greater depth in leadership.
The Applied Leadership concentration provides students with undergraduate certificates of 10 credit hours each covering topics needed in today's business environment.
- Certificate in Leadership Theory
- Certificate in Communication and Problem-Solving
- Certificate in Leading Teams
- Certificate in Leading People and Managing Change
Each certificate consists of two seven-week online courses and a 40-hour onsite intensive training with additional online coursework. Completion of the Certificate in Leadership Theory, two additional certificates, and PRST 4999 will fulfill the major requirements of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership concentration. Students must also meet all general education and other MTSU degree requirements. Elective course requirements for adult learners are often fulfilled through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, which evaluates college-level learning gained through work, training, certifications, licensure, military, and other programs. Details about the program should be discussed with student's advisor.
This specialized curriculum is for adult learners employed in business and industry.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 31 hours |
| Electives | 48 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
Major Requirements (31 hours)
Required
PRST 4999 - Applied Leadership Capstone
1 credit hour
Prerequisites: Permission of department; completion of LEAD 3000; co-requisite or prerequisite of COMM 4800; MS 4520; and MGMT 4600 SOC 4600. A final course for the Applied Leadership concentration. Students will update their Leadership Development plans which culminates in developing an action plan for continual leadership development. Students will also create an ePortfolio presentation documenting a synthesis of their coursework and experiences gained through their Applied Leadership program of study.
NOTE: Must be taken in final semester. Prerequisites: LEAD 3000 and MS 4520 or COMM 4260/COMM 4800 or MGMT 4600/SPED 4600.
Leadership Theory (10 hours)
LEAD 3000 - Leadership Tools and Self-Assessment
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Introduces leadership theory and practice using self-assessments and current leadership books. Students develop a practical understanding of the value of good leadership for successful team development and completion of quality work. Self-assessments will help identify students' approach to leadership and provide guidance for best practices. (One week intensive.)
MGMT 3940 - Ethical Leadership in Business
3 credit hours
LEAD 3000 is a co-requisite or prerequisite)(LEAD 3000 is a co-requisite or prerequisite)
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title:LEAD 3000 is a co-requisite or prerequisite)
(LEAD 3000 is a co-requisite or prerequisite)
MGMT 3940 - Ethical Leadership in Business
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the College of Business. Focuses on individual actions required of ethical organization members and how a leader can use organizational factors to lead an ethical organization. Goal is to sharpen skills in areas including values alignment, ethical decision making, creating an ethical organizational culture, developing a strategic approach to social responsibility, and leading with empathy by considering different perspectives of right/wrong and the impact business decisions have on various stakeholders through the lens of current events.
LEAD 3010 - Leadership Skills and Development
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission into the College of Business. Focuses on individual leadership development. Emphasis on leadership practices and skill development.
MGMT 4200 - Leadership in Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission to the College of Business. Explores the entire leadership process through comprehensive considerations of key leader, follower, and contextual factors. Topics include individual leader traits and behaviors, the leader-follower relationship, leaders' roles in shaping organizational culture, and ethical leadership. Encourages students to be reflective of their current leadership capabilities and of opportunities for growth.
(LEAD 3000 is a co-requisite or prerequisite)
Select two of the following certificates:
Communication/Problem Solving (10 hours)
COMM 3220 - Small Group Communication
3 credit hours
Exploration and application of pertinent concepts and theories of group dynamics, decision-making procedures, problem solving, and leadership.
COMM 3500 - Communication for Organizational Effectiveness
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2100 and COMM 2140. Organizational communication and its relationship to employees, leadership, corporate culture, diversity, change, and innovation. Possible topics include work-life balance and organizational identity.
COMM 4260 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit required)(1 credit hour required)
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title:(1 credit required)
(1 credit hour required)
COMM 4260 - Independent Study
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of department. Intensive study of a specific area of communication; topic is chosen in instructor-student conference. May include a major research project, applied communication project, or applied debate practicum. Maybe repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
COMM 4800 - Topics in Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Rotating topics in communication. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.
Leading People/Managing Change (10 hours)
MGMT 3800 - Managing Change and Conflict in Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission to the Jones College of Business. Examines contemporary thought on managerial roles in identifying, fostering, and implementing change in complex environments. Study of current developments in leading groups through change and managing conflict in organizations by use of competencies related to negotiation and mediation.
SOC 3300 - Diversity in the Workplace
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SOC 1010, SOC 2010, or permission of department. Covers various aspects of organizational diversity, focusing primarily on the United States. Explores current patterns of social inequality in the workplace with a specific emphasis on gender, race/ethnicity, age, and family arrangements. Focuses on the link between these social patterns and workforce diversity.
MGMT 4600 - Strategies for Collaboration in Diverse Organizations
4 credit hours
(Same as SOC 4600.) Prerequisites: Junior standing; SOC 3300 and MGMT 3800. Case studies and application discussions of the impact of diversity in the workplace, particularly related to organizational change and conflict/negotiation.
SOC 4600 - Strategies for Collaboration in Diverse Organizations
4 credit hours
(Same as MGMT 4600.) Prerequisites: SOC 3300 and MGMT 3800. Case studies and application discussions of the impact of diversity in the workplace, particularly related to organizational change and conflict/negotiation.
Prerequisite of LEAD 3000; MGMT 3800 and SOC 3300 are prerequisites or corequisites
Leading Teams (10 hours)
PRST 4520 - Leading and Developing Teams
4 credit hours
(Same as MS 4520.) Introduces students to the military definition of leadership and provides knowledge on how to design and implement training strategies to continuously improve their team's performance.
MS 4520 - Leading and Developing Teams
4 credit hours
(Same as PRST 4520.) Introduces students to the military definition of leadership and provides knowledge on how to design and implement training strategies to continuously improve their team's performance.
Choose two:
MGMT 4680 - Organization Behavior
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: MGMT 3610 and admission to the College of Business. Human behavior in organizations. Emphasis on motivation, leadership, communication, group processes, and methods for managing change. Understanding human behavior allows student to learn better employee utilization strategies resulting in a more effective and efficient organization.
PRST 4510 - Using Teams to Facilitate Organizational Development
3 credit hours
Studies organizations as systems and how teams can help facilitate change in organizations.
PSY 4810 - Teams in Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: For students in the Bridgestone program pursuing the Leading Teams certificate. Online course that examines factors contributing to effective work team performance in organizational settings. Includes conditions for team effectiveness, group structure, performance-related emergent cognitive states, group processes supporting team effectiveness, teamwork, organizational supports for teams, and team leadership.
Electives (48 hours)
- 4000-level electives 12 credit hours
- Unrestricted electives 36 credit hours
Curriculum: Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Electives 8 credit hours
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
- SPCH 1010 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3 credit hours (Comm)
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
Choose 6 hours from:
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- English literature 3 credit hours (Hum/FA)
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Electives 9 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 2 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Junior
LEAD 3000 - Leadership Tools and Self-Assessment
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Introduces leadership theory and practice using self-assessments and current leadership books. Students develop a practical understanding of the value of good leadership for successful team development and completion of quality work. Self-assessments will help identify students' approach to leadership and provide guidance for best practices. (One week intensive.)
MGMT 3940 - Ethical Leadership in Business
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the College of Business. Focuses on individual actions required of ethical organization members and how a leader can use organizational factors to lead an ethical organization. Goal is to sharpen skills in areas including values alignment, ethical decision making, creating an ethical organizational culture, developing a strategic approach to social responsibility, and leading with empathy by considering different perspectives of right/wrong and the impact business decisions have on various stakeholders through the lens of current events.
- Electives 10 credit hours
- Intensive 10 credit hours
LEAD 3010 - Leadership Skills and Development
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission into the College of Business. Focuses on individual leadership development. Emphasis on leadership practices and skill development.
MGMT 4200 - Leadership in Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission to the College of Business. Explores the entire leadership process through comprehensive considerations of key leader, follower, and contextual factors. Topics include individual leader traits and behaviors, the leader-follower relationship, leaders' roles in shaping organizational culture, and ethical leadership. Encourages students to be reflective of their current leadership capabilities and of opportunities for growth.
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Senior
PRST 4999 - Applied Leadership Capstone
1 credit hour
Prerequisites: Permission of department; completion of LEAD 3000; co-requisite or prerequisite of COMM 4800; MS 4520; and MGMT 4600 SOC 4600. A final course for the Applied Leadership concentration. Students will update their Leadership Development plans which culminates in developing an action plan for continual leadership development. Students will also create an ePortfolio presentation documenting a synthesis of their coursework and experiences gained through their Applied Leadership program of study.
- Intensive 10 credit hours
- Electives 17 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 2 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Integrated Studies, Public Safety Concentration, B.S.
Integrated Studies, Public Safety Concentration, B.S.
University Studies
615-494-7714
Dianna Rust, program coordinator
Dianna.Rust@mtsu.edu
The interdisciplinary Public Safety concentration will provide an adult degree completion program to public safety professionals and will provide them with the opportunity to develop important knowledge and skills in crisis response, diversity, communication, and leadership.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Integrated Studies, Public Safety, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 31 hours |
| Electives | 48 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
Major Requirements (31 hours)
Required (16 hours)
COMM 3590 - Organizational Crisis Communication
3 credit hours
Focuses on communication theory, practice, and innovative approaches for handling organizational crisis. Highlights successes and failures for dealing with crisis leadership, managing uncertainty, communicating effectively, understanding risk, promoting communication ethics, and enabling organizational learning across a variety of organizations and crisis.
LEAD 3010 - Leadership Skills and Development
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission into the College of Business. Focuses on individual leadership development. Emphasis on leadership practices and skill development.
MGMT 3940 - Ethical Leadership in Business
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the College of Business. Focuses on individual actions required of ethical organization members and how a leader can use organizational factors to lead an ethical organization. Goal is to sharpen skills in areas including values alignment, ethical decision making, creating an ethical organizational culture, developing a strategic approach to social responsibility, and leading with empathy by considering different perspectives of right/wrong and the impact business decisions have on various stakeholders through the lens of current events.
PRST 3995 - Interdisciplinary Research and Problem Solving
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; B.S. in Integrated Studies and Professional Studies majors only. Offers preparation for the senior capstone (PRST 4995) or practicum (PRST 4997). Explores and applies interdisciplinary research theory and processes. Emphasis on identifying interdisciplinary research problems, determining relevant disciplines, conducting a literature search, evaluating research, properly citing sources in writing, integrating disciplinary insights, and developing research proposal.
PRST 4000 - Public Safety Capstone
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the Public Safety concentration program of study (crisis response, diversity, communication, and leadership).
SOC 3300 - Diversity in the Workplace
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SOC 1010, SOC 2010, or permission of department. Covers various aspects of organizational diversity, focusing primarily on the United States. Explores current patterns of social inequality in the workplace with a specific emphasis on gender, race/ethnicity, age, and family arrangements. Focuses on the link between these social patterns and workforce diversity.
Public Safety Concentration Electives (15 hours)
COMM 3220 - Small Group Communication
3 credit hours
Exploration and application of pertinent concepts and theories of group dynamics, decision-making procedures, problem solving, and leadership.
COMM 3500 - Communication for Organizational Effectiveness
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2100 and COMM 2140. Organizational communication and its relationship to employees, leadership, corporate culture, diversity, change, and innovation. Possible topics include work-life balance and organizational identity.
COMM 3650 - Conflict in Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2300; sophomore standing. Explores the role of communication in conflict management/resolution between or among individuals and groups. Also examines third party interventions (such as mediation and negotiation) and workplace policies (such as theft and employee assistance programs).
HLTH 3300 - First Aid and Safety Education
3 credit hours
(Same as PHED 3300.) Deals with first aid measures, accident prevention, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Addresses issues related to drug use/abuse and related acts of violence. Satisfactory completion of the course qualifies the student for Emergency Care and Safety Institute Standard First Aid and CPR certificates. NOTE: If taking online, student must take skills test with instructor in order to receive certification.
HLTH 4340 - Fitness Education for the Adult
3 credit hours
(Same as PHED 4340/REC 4340.) Planning, teaching, and participating in individual and group fitness programs for the adult. Offers preparation for administering and interpreting assessments of related components with understanding of physiological principles related to exercise in the adult. Major lifetime wellness activities covered.
HLTH 4400 - Drugs and Violence in Health Education
3 credit hours
Offers an understanding of the nature of drugs, relationships people form with drugs, and consequences of those relationships. Relationship of drugs to acts of violence considered as well as educational programs addressing issues related to drug use/abuse and acts of violence.
MGMT 3800 - Managing Change and Conflict in Organizations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission to the Jones College of Business. Examines contemporary thought on managerial roles in identifying, fostering, and implementing change in complex environments. Study of current developments in leading groups through change and managing conflict in organizations by use of competencies related to negotiation and mediation.
PRST 3010 - Prior Learning Assessment
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalent; permission of instructor. Students will be required to prepare a portfolio of their college-level experiential learning for credit assessment; participate in a formal assessment process, and pass course PRST 3010. Students should consult their advisors to determine if experiential learning credit might be an option for them. Prior-Learning Assessed credit may be applied to the B.S. in Integrated Studies, Professional Studies, and Liberal Studies. PLA credit may also be applied to other degree programs. Check with your college advisor.
PRST 4510 - Using Teams to Facilitate Organizational Development
3 credit hours
Studies organizations as systems and how teams can help facilitate change in organizations.
SAFE 4320 - Principles of Accident Control
3 credit hours
Basic course on principles, concepts, and methodology of the safety movement. Introductory experiences dealing with accident prevention and control efforts recommended for various social institutions and agencies.
SOC 4152 - Topics in Criminology
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of a special topic in criminology. Interested students should contact the instructor for specifics.
SOC 4160 - Sociology of Gangs
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SOC 1010. History of gangs in the United States, the factors that account for their formation and perpetuation, and current empirical data on gang composition, demographics, and culture. Policy strategies for prevention, law enforcement, and nonlegal intervention assessed.
SOC 4400 - Sex Trafficking
3 credit hours
(Same as ANTH 4400.) Provides an in-depth analysis of the causes, experiences, and implications of global sex trafficking through a social science and feminist perspective. Utilizes various multimedia methods to examine sex trafficking both globally and locally; includes both an anthropological and sociological perspective, incorporating statistical analysis of-and individual narratives from-the transnational sex industry.
THM 4300 - Issues and Trends in Tourism and Hospitality Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THM 3100. Examines current critical issues facing the hospitality and tourism industry. Through examination, students will assess the implications and impacts of these trends and issues as well as develop an understanding for how to manage, utilize, mitigate, and develop their outcomes.
Electives (48 hours)
- 3000 to 4000-level electives 5 credit hours
- Unrestricted electives 43 credit hours
Curriculum: Integrated Studies, Public Safety
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman Fall
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
UNIV 1010 - University Seminar
3 credit hours
Provides information to ease the transition to college during the first semester on campus. Helps student develop strategies for a successful college career.
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Freshman Spring
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 16 Hours
Sophomore Fall
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
SOC 3300 - Diversity in the Workplace
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SOC 1010, SOC 2010, or permission of department. Covers various aspects of organizational diversity, focusing primarily on the United States. Explores current patterns of social inequality in the workplace with a specific emphasis on gender, race/ethnicity, age, and family arrangements. Focuses on the link between these social patterns and workforce diversity.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Sophomore Spring
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
LEAD 3010 - Leadership Skills and Development
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; admission into the College of Business. Focuses on individual leadership development. Emphasis on leadership practices and skill development.
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 16 Hours
Junior Fall
COMM 3590 - Organizational Crisis Communication
3 credit hours
Focuses on communication theory, practice, and innovative approaches for handling organizational crisis. Highlights successes and failures for dealing with crisis leadership, managing uncertainty, communicating effectively, understanding risk, promoting communication ethics, and enabling organizational learning across a variety of organizations and crisis.
MGMT 3940 - Ethical Leadership in Business
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and admission to the College of Business. Focuses on individual actions required of ethical organization members and how a leader can use organizational factors to lead an ethical organization. Goal is to sharpen skills in areas including values alignment, ethical decision making, creating an ethical organizational culture, developing a strategic approach to social responsibility, and leading with empathy by considering different perspectives of right/wrong and the impact business decisions have on various stakeholders through the lens of current events.
PRST 3995 - Interdisciplinary Research and Problem Solving
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; B.S. in Integrated Studies and Professional Studies majors only. Offers preparation for the senior capstone (PRST 4995) or practicum (PRST 4997). Explores and applies interdisciplinary research theory and processes. Emphasis on identifying interdisciplinary research problems, determining relevant disciplines, conducting a literature search, evaluating research, properly citing sources in writing, integrating disciplinary insights, and developing research proposal.
- Upper-division electives 6 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Junior Spring
- Directed electives 12 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Senior Fall
- Upper-division electives/minor 12 credit hours
- Directed elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Senior Spring
PRST 4000 - Public Safety Capstone
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: PRST 3995; senior standing. A capstone course in which students demonstrate skills and knowledge from the Public Safety concentration program of study (crisis response, diversity, communication, and leadership).
- Upper-division electives/minor 6 credit hours
- Upper-division elective 3 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 13 Hours
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
The multidisciplinary nature of this degree program allows students, in consultation
with their academic advisors, to choose courses from a variety of disciplines to fit
their individualized academic plans. Click on the REQUIREMENTS tab to see a framework
for planning and course selection to meet degree requirements; however, the academic
map does not replace working with an academic advisor.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available fully online.
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
