1. MadisonArbuckle-Burns
Integrative studies are metaphorically like an ice cream sundae. To better explain ice
cream represents the basic idea of knowledge it is the core of it all, it is what everything is placed
under, or in the idea of a sundae on top of. Then all the toppings of the sundae are all the various
disciplines, like English, history, etc. Just like a sundae every person have a unique idea of what
make a perfect sundae, just like for all interested in interdisciplinary all have an idea of what
disciplines they like best to make their very own perfect combination. To me it means being able
to make my own plan that fits my ideas and my future. It means getting the chance to explore all
areas of interest without having to change my degree a thousand times just to learn everything I
want to know. Its beneficial time wise and money wise for me, I have big dreams and big goals
and the more time I’m in college the less time I have to just live out my dreams. It is also
beneficial to me because I get to study everything I enjoy not just one thing. Also for me
growing up I have not really been good with decisions so this is allowing me to not stress about
making a decision and I get to graduate earlier than I expected. All around integrative studies is a
blessing and in my mind should be more advertised to all students.
My three area of concentration are business leadership, mass communication and exercise
sports science. I decided on these three for a few reasons, one these were the three that would
allow me to graduate fast, two I have always been invested in those areas since I was back in
middle school, and lastly these are the three I felt would most likely support my future career
path. On the subject of career path mine is actually that I want to open my nutrition club/gym
combination. So with this degree plan I see these three concentrations connecting together
greatly. With business leadership and mass communication I can be able to learn how to run a
business and how to communicate as a leader and to other people such as clients and customers.

2. MadisonArbuckle-Burns
Business leadership and exercise sports science connect because leadership is needed in anything
and everything and with the exercise sports science it will help me be a better coach for others
holding the leadership role needed. Exercise sports science and mass communication connect
because communication is needed in everything so therefore to work with clients that want
coaching I am going to need to be able to communicate with them. Then with all three of the
concentration together I will be able to run a successful business. I will take my communication
skills from my mass communication classes to help me advertise my business. I will take my
business leadership skills to run a team of workers properly and be a great leader. And lastly with
the exercise sports science I will be apply to apply my knowledge of such things as work outs,
how to be a coach and even some nutrition that I can tech my clients.
A complex problem I would love to study is child obesity. This problem is
complex because there is no one reason for why it is because therefore the solution will not be
easy to discover either. The problem needs to be analyzed, researched and even evaluated. Other
perspectives I would need to research would be areas such as nutrition to better understand what
is properly needed for a healthy diet and be able to research kids’ current diets. Another area
would maybe even be like child psychology to see if maybe something triggers eating habits in
certain kids. And lastly an area would be something on family studies to maybe see if something
that goes on in the family or household may even cause child obesity.
My future plans are to one day own my own gym/ nutrition club in Brownwood. And
then later on in my life I want to open up a place that is an after school program for children that
promotes a healthy, safe and fun active lifestyle. All my concentration connects to my future

3. MadisonArbuckle-Burns
almost perfectly. Business leadership allows me to be a business leader and even be a leader in
the community I am trying to help. Exercise sports science gives me the knowledge needed to
run a gym and later on the active after school program for kids to help keep people active and
healthy. Lastly mass communication will be used to help reach other throughout the community
through advertising and even public relations. After graduation I am hoping to have saved up
enough money to start the build out for my gym and go straight to doing that.
What is Integrative Studies? Grading Rubric
Criteria
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
General
Paper adheres to APA formatting (title page, citations, references
page, etc.). This rubric pasted at the end of the assignment.
15
Writing is clear with appropriate grammar, spelling, and
punctuation. Headings are appropriately labeled
10
Definition (250 words)
Defines Integrative Studies in a personal way. Definition is clearly
derived from course definition.
10
Student discusses how Integrative Studies is beneficial. 10
Education (500 words)
Discusses 3 areas of concentration and connections. Also discusses
the specialized nature of degree program.
20
Complex Problem (250 words)
Identifies a complex problem and perspectives (outside 3 areas) that
might be used to research problem.
20
Connection (250 words)

4. MadisonArbuckle-Burns
Discusses future plans/next steps. 15
Total 100
Instructor Comments: