School of Integrative Studies

The School of Integrative Studies (SoIS) is home to many of Edgewood College’s interdisciplinary, experiential and community-based academic programs. In all its programs, SoIS seeks to develop creative, intellectually engaged, and ethical problem solvers through inquiry and action for social justice and the public good. Considering issues from multiple perspectives, learning to thrive in cross-cultural contexts, and linking ideas and action to important issues facing our world today are among the experiences and skills that students can expect from SoIS programs. The School of Integrative Studies offers a variety of programs aimed at providing relevant and rigorous academic experiences for students.

Currently, SoIS offers majors and minors in five different undergraduate areas: Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Global Studies, Latin American Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. In addition to these options for students, a number of other SoIS programs exist that enrich students’ education. The COR Program (a component of the General Education Curriculum), the Honors Program, Study Abroad, student research opportunities, a number of civic leadership programs, the Writing Center, and institutional courses (IC), all represent pathways that students choose to deepen and personalize their college education.

Employers and experts agree- success in the future will require the ability to integrate and synthesize ideas from different perspectives; to identify and clarify real problems and questions; and to engage with and appreciate differences among others. Majors, minor, and experiences in SoIS programs offer students numerous opportunities to develop and apply those abilities essential to meaningful personal and professional lives: critical thinking, ethical reasoning, problem-solving, interdisciplinary analysis, communication, reflective practice, and leadership and community engagement.