Integrative studies combines different disciplines to create a more holistic understanding of complex issues. It trains students to draw connections between past and new knowledge from various perspectives. The goal is to get students in the habit of thinking critically and solving problems by seeing issues from different points of view. Mastering integrative studies provides lifelong benefits to education, career, and personal life by allowing one to apply skills and knowledge across various areas.

1. Definition of Integrative Studies
Interdisciplinary means having more than one discipline or field of study, which is what the
University Studies degree entails. Integrative studies goes hand in hand with this degree because
it is the act of combining the different disciplines to get the most out of them. By synthesizing
the different areas of study, I will carry what I already know into new fields and make the
connection between them. In order to make connections between anything, I need to know how
to critically think outside the box, and see things from different perspectives. The goal of
integrative studies is to get students in the routine of looking at things from a different point of
view, than the “norm”, and act to solve complex problems. Integrative studies trains students to
draw similarities with past knowledge, skills, and experiences and relate them to new
information or experiences. I will hopefully be able to integrate my knowledge with my
everyday life, and therefore will be ready for any challenge that is thrown my way. It is not just a
concentration area for the University Studies degree but rather an act that will train me to
persevere through challenging problems that arise throughout my life. Being able to integrate
different disciplines is a life long skill that can be beneficial to educational, professional, as well
as personal issues. As Dr. Tanner states on his presentation, “Integrative studies prepares you to
create an integrative framework and a more holistic understanding” of complex issues (Tanner,
2013). Having a more holistic understanding will benefit my choices, careers, and way of living
my life. This will help me by see things from different perspectives, apply my knowledge and
skills, and critically thinking through complex problems.