New Century College

• Introduction
• Administration
• Faculty
• Centers
• Course Work
• Undergraduate Programs
  • Integrative Studies, B.A., B.S.
    • Admission Requirements
    • Degree Requirements
    • Curriculum Requirements
    • Transfer Students
  • Interdisciplinary Minor in Multimedia
  • Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.
  • Individualized Study, B.I.S.
  • Social Work, B.S.
  • Minor in Social Work
  • Certificate in Child Welfare

As an integral part of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), New Century College (NCC) offers students a small college interdisciplinary education within the context of a large state university. Using a cohesive interdisciplinary faculty and borrowing faculty members from other disciplines, NCC provides a learning environment that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge with workplace and lifelong learning skills. In keeping with the goals of CAS, NCC has a strong commitment to enhancing technology skills, improving student writing, and ensuring academic rigor in its course work.

NCC meets this challenge by having students interact closely with faculty; engage in critical thinking, problem solving, creative activity, and leadership development; and participate in experiential education in the form of internships, co-ops, service learning, or study abroad. NCC educates students to develop original ideas, engage in active and reflective learning, master competency areas, and conduct independent inquiry with high ethical standards. Both the structure and curriculum of NCC respond to the needs of civic and corporate communities and provide instruction for a rapidly changing society.

There are five degree programs housed in NCC: Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies, Bachelor of Individualized Study, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

Administration

Faculty

Centers

Center for Field Studies Luther Brown, Director
Kristy Jones, Assistant Director


Center for Service and Leadership Lynn Leavitt, Director of Service and Leadership
Heather Hare, Assistant Director


Center for Child Welfare Nilsa M. Burgos, Acting Director

Course Work

Undergraduate Programs

Integrative Studies, B.A., B.S.

In the first year, students take one highly focused, interdisciplinary course (eight credits) at a time. They "learn to learn" how to make distinctions, to appreciate different perspectives, and to find connections in what they learn. After the first year, the curriculum offers various learning communities that feature experiential learning and faculty-student research that address fundamental questions. Students complete their degree programs with an interdisciplinary concentration that they develop with their advisors. Pre-professional majors can develop a program of study best suited to their particular goals. The program requires mastery of essential competencies (communication, valuing, global perspectives, problem solving, group interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic response, critical thinking, and information technology) assessed through freshman and graduation portfolios.

Admission Requirements
A student who meets George Mason University's general admissions requirements may apply for the integrative studies program. Admission to the program is based on the student's academic objectives and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the curriculum. Each student works with an advisor from the college's advising staff.

Degree Requirements
Students must complete an equivalent of 120 credits of course work with at least 24 credits in learning communities, 12 credits of experiential learning (see Curriculum Requirements), and 32 credits in general education. A student's concentration usually consists of 30 credits, which may draw from learning communities, experiential learning, independent study, and traditional university courses. Students must present a final, cumulative portfolio and a College Senior Exposition.

Curriculum Requirements
The integrative studies curriculum has three major components. Division I is the first year of common courses, experiences, and integrated learning. Thereafter, students pursue their academic and career goals through learning communities (Division II) and courses for their concentration (Division III). A student may join learning communities or take courses in other academic units in the university any time after Division I.

General education requirements are met in Divisions I and II. Six credits of humanities, six credits of social science, and six credits of natural and mathematical sciences are met through completion of Division I. The six-credit English composition requirement is met through completion of Division I and II. Students majoring in integrative studies fulfill the university writing-intensive requirement by completing their major program. All 300-level courses, including English 302 and above, include at least one writing assignment that requires revision. The graduation portfolio demonstrates competency in communication.

Division I, the first year. Division I is a four-unit common curriculum. Units 1 through 4 are each six weeks long and are separated by two-week interims or a winter intersession. The units meet Monday through Thursday and may include lectures and exams, but emphasize seminar discussions, collaborative assignments, problem-centered projects, and self-paced learning.

Unit 1 emphasizes composition and communication, computer applications, and analytical reasoning; Unit 2 studies the natural world and develops computational skills; Unit 3 studies the socially constructed world; and Unit 4 studies the relationship between the individual and society. The intercessions are built into the curriculum to allow co-curricular activities, such as community service learning, leadership training, or specialized workshop courses, or to allow students to complete their work at their own pace. The winter intersession also allows for intensive short courses, study abroad, individualized projects, research, or experiential learning outside the college.

Division II, learning communities. Division II is constructed of learning communities, each of which combines subjects usually taught in several separate courses into a single course of study. Learning communities offer the equivalent of between 3 and 15 credits of undergraduate work and replace the often fragmented classroom experience many students encounter in a series of unconnected course offerings. In interdisciplinary learning communities, faculty and students explore various ways to understand a topic. Learning communities also offer a greater sense of identity with an academic community, especially in the nonresidential college environment typical of a regional state university. Several learning communities are scheduled to make attendance easier for part-time students. Team teaching, collaborative projects, emphasis on writing and critical thinking, opportunity for independent study, and integrative, experiential learning are all important components of learning communities. A minimum of 24 credits in learning communities are required for graduation.

Division III, a concentration. Many learning communities have experiential learning attached either as a part of the class or as an option for students to take. The concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students can complete an interdisciplinary concentration within the integrative studies curriculum or they can create, with faculty advice, a unique program of study to fit their particular interests and needs. The concentration comprises traditional courses, learning communities, independent study, seminars, guided research, and experiential learning. Students must present a portfolio of their work as part of a culminating College Senior Exposition. This is done through NCLC 491 Senior Capstone, which students are required to take two semesters prior to their graduation.

Experiential learning requirement. All students are required to participate in at least 12 credits of experiential learning. A portion of the credits can be earned in various learning communities. Students also may meet this requirement through internships, study abroad, and experiential learning courses. This requirement reflects the college's commitment to provide educational experiences that will prepare its graduates for the workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. The faculty's goal is twofold: to engage the workplace as a site of instruction and expose students to the variety of skills needed to succeed, and to combine work experience with academic study so that each will enrich the other. A maximum of 24 credits of experiential learning (or its equivalent) may be applied toward the B.A. or B.S. degree.

Experiential learning may include course field trips and off-campus learning experiences. Students may be responsible for their own transportation, including bus, subway, and carpooling. Student liability insurance for the experiential learning internship is provided by the university. Each student is responsible for his or her own health care, including emergency care. New Century College assumes no financial responsibility for the health care of students. An accident and health insurance plan is available through the university.

Interdisciplinary Minor in Multimedia

Certificate in Leadership Studies

The certificate in leadership studies provides students with a broad understanding of leadership in contemporary times. To understand current issues, students in the courses examine historical perspectives and theories of leadership. Students gain an understanding of leadership concepts and behaviors, civic responsibility, creativity, communication, and change. In addition, students have the opportunity to practice and enhance their skills.

For more information, please contact the Center for Service and Leadership at (703) 993-2900, or New Century College at (703) 993-1436.

Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.

Eligibility
Applicants to the program must be rising juniors who have accumulated at least 45 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.300. The GPA is determined by review of all George Mason University and previous academic work. At least 15 of the 45 credits must have been completed at George Mason. Freshmen and sophomores, and those in the process of fulfilling the minimum eligibility requirements, may be declared as pre-interdisciplinary studies.

Application of Acceptance
Students who meet eligibility requirements may complete an application to the program after an information/advising session with a counselor. Appointments for these sessions may be made by calling (703) 993-1436. Students may be recommended by faculty or administrators or may nominate themselves.

The application includes a written statement of academic objectives and an interdisciplinary program proposal. Acceptance is based on assessment of the interdisciplinary nature of the program of study, the availability of courses relevant to the proposed program of study, the availability of faculty advisors, the student's GPA, and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the proposed program of study. Students should be able to show a high degree of academic achievement in the various disciplines that they incorporate into the interdisciplinary program of study.

Acceptance into the program is conditional until students have a two- or three-member faculty committee and an approved educational contract on file. Although staff members can assist, it is the student's responsibility to organize the committee. The committee comprises professors, at least one from the senior ranks, in areas of study contributing to the student's field of study. Wherever possible, Robinson Professors, outstanding scholars who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching and whose teaching and scholarship concern broad and fundamental intellectual issues, are members of the student's committee. By a mutual decision of the student and committee, one member is chair of the committee, taking primary responsibility for contract development and changes. The director must approve educational contracts and changes in contracts.

Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work. At least 30 credits must be completed at George Mason. A minimum of 45 credits must be in upper-level courses (numbered at the 300 and 400 level), including at least 12 credits of George Mason course work in the field of study.

In addition to fulfilling 62 credits of general education requirements, students must complete at least 36 credits in their interdisciplinary area of study. The upper-level requirement for the interdisciplinary area of study is a minimum of 24 credits. Courses in the area of study may be applied to the degree only if passed with a grade of C or better. Students who are pursuing the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies as a second degree must present 36 George Mason University credits beyond those required by the first degree.

As part of the BAIS core concentration, the student completes four courses: BAIS 300 (three credit hours), BAIS 390 (three credit hours), BAIS 490 (three credit hours) and BAIS 491 (one credit hour). BAIS 300 and BAIS 390 are required reading and research courses to assist the student in developing his/her core concentrations. BAIS 300 and BAIS 390 must be completed prior to registration in BAIS 490 and BAIS 491. The student also completes a three-credit senior thesis (BAIS 490) and a one-credit corequisite project presentation (BAIS 491). BAIS 490 and BAIS 491 are taken when no more than two courses remain in the core concentration. A student may include up to three credit hours of BAIS 489 Directed Readings as part of his/her core concentration. The senior thesis is evaluated by the student's faculty committee and usually is completed during the final semester of study (see BAIS Program guidelines). BAIS 490 fulfills the university's requirement that all students successfully complete at least one course designated as "writing intensive" at the 300 level or above.

Once admitted to the program, students become Interdisciplinary Scholars, entitling them to many of the services of the University Scholars Program. The Interdisciplinary Scholars, along with the University Scholars, form a dynamic learning community that serves to enhance the intellectual and personal growth of its members. Interdisciplinary scholars have priority registration and 24-hour access to the University Scholars Center study lounge and computer resource lab.

Individualized Study, B.I.S.

Adult students have entered this individualized study program for many different reasons. Some are pursuing the B.I.S. degree as preparation for graduate and professional programs. Others see the B.I.S. degree as a gateway for professional advancement or career transition and validation. Still others want to complete their undergraduate degree through the B.I.S. program for personal fulfillment.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants to the B.I.S. program must be admitted to George Mason University, have completed high school at least eight years before admission, and have accumulated at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000. At least 15 of the 30 credits required for B.I.S. program acceptance must have been earned through conventional classroom instruction.

Application/Acceptance Process
Students who meet the eligibility requirements must first attend a B.I.S. information session. Reservations for these sessions may be made by calling (703) 993-1436. While a person may attend an information session before applying to the university, the B.I.S. application is considered only after admission to the university. Acceptance into the program is conditional until the student obtains a faculty advisor and has an approved educational contract on file.

Acceptance decisions are based on assessment of the individualized, nontraditional nature of the program of study proposed by the applicant, the availability of courses relevant to the proposed program of study, the availability of faculty advisors in the field, the student's GPA, and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the proposed program of study. In general, a nontraditional, individualized program of study is defined as one not offered through a traditional department or academic unit within the university.

Reapplication to the B.I.S. program is required of students who have been inactive for two years or more or who wish to change their individualized programs of study.

B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia
The B.I.S. program draws upon the educational resources of Northern Virginia, including George Mason University (which awards the B.I.S. degree), Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College, Strayer University (Northern Virginia campuses), and the Northern Virginia Center of the University of Virginia. Approved courses completed at any of the above institutions count toward the 30-credit B.I.S. residence requirement, at least 12 credits of which must be upper-division course work (300 or above) in the B.I.S. program of study.

Program Requirements
B.I.S. students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work. At least 45 credits must be in upper-level courses (numbered at the 300 and 400 level), and at least 30 credits must be completed at George Mason University or at other designated Northern Virginia institutions (see B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia).

The 30-credit general education requirement includes 6 credits in English Composition (ENGL 101 or 100, and 302, or equivalent). The remaining 24 credits must be distributed among the following academic areas: (1) humanities, (2) social science, and (3) science/analytical reasoning. To fill in gaps in the B.I.S. student's general education, six or nine credits are required in appropriate areas from the above categories.

In conjunction with an advisor from the full-time or adjunct faculty of the university, a B.I.S. student also designs and completes an individualized program of study relevant to his or her nontraditional educational interest. The program of study is entered on an educational contract that must be approved by the director. The student is encouraged to obtain a faculty advisor and submit an educational contract as early as possible in the program. Although B.I.S. staff members can assist B.I.S. students in the process, students are responsible for finding a faculty advisor. A minimum of 24 credits of course work must be completed after an approved contract is on file. Written permission must be obtained from the director for B.I.S. students to take courses at other institutions.

The individualized study core is 33 to 45 credits. At least 18 credits of the core must be upper-division course work (300 and 400 levels), 12 of which must be completed at a B.I.S. residence institution. No more than six credits of D grades may be included in the core. Courses in the core may not be counted toward general education requirements.

As part of the B.I.S. core concentration, students complete four courses: BIS 300 Understanding the Research Process (three credits), BIS 390 The Research Process (three credits), BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project (three credits), and BIS 491 Senior Project Presentation (one credit). A student also may include BIS 489 Directed Readings in the core concentration.

BIS 300 and BIS 390 must be completed prior to registration in BIS 490 and BIS 491. BIS 490 and BIS 491 are taken when no more than two courses remain in the core concentration. The type of final project conducted in BIS 490 varies according to the student's program. It may be a research paper, a participatory project, or a creative project, but it must be appropriate to the student's core concentration. A grade of C or better in BIS 490 is required to graduate with a B.I.S. degree. A committee consisting of the student's academic advisor and at least one other faculty member or qualified professional evaluates the project.

Following is a sampling of the more than 1,500 previous individualized B.I.S programs of study, which have been designed by B.I.S. students in conjunction with faculty advisors:

Art, dance, or music therapy
Children's literature and illustration
Computer information systems management
Convention management and planning
Corporate/community relations
Ecological tourism marketing
Electronic publishing
Environmental writing
Federal government taxation policy
Fire science administration
Health care administration
Historical writing
Human resources management
Information and network systems
Information systems management
International public relations
Legal studies
Multicultural learning
Multimedia design technology
Nutrition and fitness management
Performing arts management
Political and social advocacy
Procurement and contract management
Therapeutic recreation
Women's studies

Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. B.I.S. students fulfill this requirement by successfully completing BIS 490.

Credit for Nontraditional Modes of Learning
The B.I.S. program applies fewer restrictions to the transfer of credits earned through traditional course work at accredited institutions. It also allows B.I.S. students to receive college credit for learning acquired through a variety of nontraditional methods:

• Nontraditional modes of learning certified by regionally accredited institutions of higher learning
• Technical courses, as well as certain recognized certificate programs, related to the B.I.S. core concentration
• A maximum of 30 credits through examination (CLEP, DANTES, departmental, etc.)
• A maximum of 30 training credits (private industry, government, military) if indexed and recommended as college-level credit by the American Council on Education
• A maximum of 30 credits for experiential learning demonstrated by portfolios equated as college-level credit by approved educational institutions

BIS 489 Directed Readings and Research can be undertaken by B.I.S. students for specialized readings/research in their individualized B.I.S. programs of study. BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project (see program requirements) can vary according to the B.I.S. student's program of study.

Social Work, B.S.

To receive a B.S. in Social Work, the student must successfully complete requirements for the bachelor of science degree, including the following:

1. First-year general education requirements. An entering freshman should register for the New Century College Integrative Studies first-year sequence (NCLC 110 Community of Learners, NCLC 120 The Natural World, NCLC 130 The Socially Constructed World, and NCLC 140 Self as Citizen) for a total of 32 credits. A transfer student fulfills these requirements by presenting the following courses or their equivalents: ARIN 101, BIOL 103, CS 103, ENGL 101, SOCI 101, and ENGL 201; three credits in American History; MATH 106 or above, and three credits in philosophy or religious studies.
2. COMM 100; three additional credits in literature at the 200-level or higher.
3. Three credits in economics, GOVT 204, and PSYC 100.
4. BIOL 104, and either PSYC 300 or SOCI 313.
5. ENGL 302.
6. Forty-four credits in social work, including SOCW 300, 301, 323, 324, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 453, 454 or 455, 471, and two 400- or 500-level social work electives. A grade of C or better must be obtained in all these courses with the exception of the social work electives. The Senior Practicum (SOCW 453-454 and 455) is graded on a satisfactory/no-credit basis (Pass/Fail).
7. Satisfactory completion of junior-level field experience (100 hours) for two semesters in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301 and SOCW 359.
8. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 450 hours in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 453-454 or 455 (Senior Practicum). The practicum requires that students are available two days per week (Monday through Friday for one academic year) during daytime hours.
9. Additional credits to total 120.

To be admitted to the social work program, a student must have

1. completed at least 45 credits with a GPA of 2.500;
2. satisfactorily completed the NCLC first-year sequence or BIOL 103, BIOL 104, ENGL 101, SOCI 101, and PSYC 100;
3. earned at least a C in SOCW 301 and SOCW 351;
4. satisfactorily completed at least 60 hours in one semester in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301; and
5. submitted an application for the social work major to the director of social work admissions. Sophomores should file this application between January 1 and March 15, juniors between September 1 and November 1. The student's application for admission to the social work major is reviewed for action by social work faculty members. A personal interview may be required.

There is no admission to the social work program in the summer. A student who has not met all criteria for admission to the major (including completion of junior field practica) by May 30 will not be considered for admission until the fall semester.

The social work faculty evaluate the student's performance periodically and may require a student to withdraw from the program when, in their judgment, performance is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and field performance as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has the right to appeal.

Note: For social work majors, BIOL 103 and BIOL 104 are required for graduation.

SOCW 323, 351, and 357 are sequenced courses offered only during the fall semester. The second part, SOCW 324, 352, and 358/359, are only offered during the spring semester, and can only be taken upon successful completion of the first part (a grade of C or better). Graduation will be delayed if courses are not taken in proper sequence.

Students who wish to register for Block Placement (SOCW 455, 10 credits) must meet specific requirements and be advised by the director of field instruction. This course is offered in the spring semester only.

Students must have completed six credits of psychology before registering for PSYC 300.

Minor in Social Work

Certificate in Child Welfare

Immunization and Fees
All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 301, 359, 453-454, or 455) must have an annual tuberculosis screening (PPD). In addition, students must complete the entire hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. The cost of immunizations is the responsibility of the student. Some agencies used for field placements require fingerprinting, a criminal background check, and/or a child protective services check. Any cost related to this requirement is the responsibility of the student.

Insurance Coverage for Students Enrolled in SOCW 301, 359, 453, 454, and 455
Students who participate in internships are covered for liability under Virginia's Self-Insured General Liability Insurance Plan and for medical malpractice under the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan established by the Department of General Services, Division of Risk Management. These plans cover activities that the instructor has determined to be part of the student's course work. Activities that are not part of the course practicum are not covered. (Exclusions in the plan are listed in Section VII.)

A copy of the Self-Insured Liability Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia is available in the office of the director of field instruction.

George Mason University and the social work program are an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution and the program is committed to the principle that access to study or employment opportunities afforded by the university and program, including all benefits and privileges, be accorded to each person—student, faculty, or staff—on the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual or political orientation, sex, or age (except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification).