97 INTEGRATIVE STUDIES INTEGRATING A NEW DEGREE The Integrative Studies major grows in its second year as students seek to combine courses from multiple disciplines. When a traditional degree did not adequately match the dreams and goals of many Harding students, assistant professor of English Heath Carpenter and Dean of University Studies Kevin Kehl collaborated to create a more specific degree path suited for students’ strengths and interests. In fall 2019, Carpenter announced that students could declare integrative studies as their academic major. “We attract highly motivated students who don’t fit neatly into an existing Harding major,” Carpenter said. Students who declared themselves as integrative studies majors were encouraged to study the Harding catalog and research how to make their concentrations fit together in a cohesive manner. They chose their concentrations, filled out an academic degree plan and requested its approval by Kehl. “If you have a vision and you are passionate about your specific interests, you can really put together something super cool,” senior integrative studies major Kelsey Smith said. One of the first students to declare as an integrative studies major was senior Easton Davis. He began as a molecular and cellular biology major, but found a passion for public health during his sophomore year. Davis noticed the University’s lack of a Public Health major and created a major combining molecular and cellular biology, cultural studies and ministry. Allowing students to hand-pick their classes to fit their career goals was a big motivator to making the switch, said Davis. “The freedom that this major provides is really nice because you get to take the classes you don’t just need, but also the ones that you are more likely to be interested in,” Davis said. His goals included law school and a master’s of public health to advocate for better community health. In fall 2020, the department had 40 students who declared themselves integrative studies majors. With more awareness, they hoped to increase that number. Senior integrative studies major Faith Smith joined the department to create a major that would prepare her for a physician’s assisant program and give her training to become a medical missionary. “I feel very confident leaving Harding and pursuing a graduate degree and future job,” Smith said. I know employers will see my degree and think that this person is unique, creative and driven, and it will show them I can fill many different facets.” story by Britty Gist Senior Faith Smith, Dr. Heath Carpenter and senior Easton Davis are members of the first Integrative Studies department. These individuals got creative to realize, and help others realize, their career goals. | photo by Stanley Morales
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