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We know you have questions, and we're here to help!

  • For an overview of the B. S. in Integrated Studies major, start with our recorded Info Session (5:36).
  • Attend a change of major session to ask any additional questions. Current UH students seeking a change of major into Integrated Studies are strongly recommended to attend a Change of Major Information Session BEFORE completing the change of major request form. Sign up for a change of major session in the Navigate app: Academic Advising > Undergraduate Student Success Advising > Integrated Studies Change of Major Information Session.
  • Email specific questions: intstud@central.uh.edu 
  • Phone our office: 832-842-2100
  • Current UH students: stop by our Virtual Help Desk (staffed by undergraduate Peer Assistants): in MS Teams, JOIN CODE 57foi73
  • For additional answers, review our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Integrated Studies Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Integrated Studies and Exploratory Studies?

  • Integrated Studies is a 4-year major that provides flexibility to combine multiple interests and content areas into one degree. You may remain in the Integrated Studies major through to graduation, OR choose to change majors to another major to complete your degree. 
  • Exploratory Studies is a short-term preparatory major that allows you to ponder your interests, consider your options, and complete your prerequisite preparation for the major of your choice. You cannot graduate as an Exploratory Studies major. Beginning in 2024, new students will be admitted to Integrated Studies rather than Exploratory Studies. Students wishing to change majors will have the opportunity to change majors outside of Undergraduate Student Success after the first semester, or may change majors to Exploratory Studies as a temporary option to preprare for a later major change to a final graduating major.

If I am currently an Exploratory Studies major, will my major change?

  • It’s up to you whether you want to change your major to Integrated Studies. If you are preparing to change your major to a major in another college, then you can stay in Exploratory Studies until you make the next major change. If you are interested in graduating with a B. S. in Integrated Studies, then you may request to change majors at any time. See your advisor for more information.

If I am currently a UH student in another major, how do I change my major?

  • First, attend a change of major session to ask any additional questions. Current UH students seeking a change of major into Integrated Studies are strongly recommended to attend a Change of Major Information Session BEFORE completing the change of major request form. Sign up in the Navigate app: Academic Advising > Undergraduate Student Success Advising > Integrated Studies Change of Major Information Session.
  • Then, request a major change by completing the major change form.

How long can I remain in the Integrated Studies major?

  • Integrated Studies is a 4-year major, and you may remain in the Integrated Studies major through to graduation.

What are the admission requirements for Integrated Studies?

  • Freshman Admission Requirements: All applicants accepted to the University of Houston as freshmen are eligible to declare this major. See UH Freshman admission requirements.
  • Transfer Admission Requirements: All applicants accepted to the University of Houston as transfer students are eligible to declare this major. See UH Transfer admission requirements.
  • Major Change Requirements: There is no minimum GPA requirement to change to this major, and any UH undergraduate may change to this major at any time.
  • Readmission Requirements: All former UH undergraduate students are eligible to reapply to this major. See UH Readmission for Former UH Students requirements.

How much will it cost me to finish this degree?

  • The goal of the Integrated Studies major is to allow you the flexibility to attain your degree while limiting unnecessary credit hours. Calculate your tuition and fees to have a better understanding of your financial obligations.

What are the Concentration Areas?

  • You will choose two (18-hour) or three (12-hour) Concentration Areas from the approved list.
    • Arts, Architecture and Design.
    • Business and Consumer Sciences
    • Education
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Liberal Arts
    • Science, Health Sciences, and Math
    • Social Sciences
  • See course prefixes associated with each Concentration Area

I have enough hours for a minor. Can I use a minor for one of my Concentration Areas?

  • Yes, you may petition to use a completed minor in place of a Concentration Area. In this case, you must complete all requirements for the chosen Minor, including the required GPA. If a minor is used in this way, the remaining Concentration Area(s) must include coursework sufficient to meet the 36 major hours and advanced coursework requirements.

I have coursework that doesn’t fit neatly into the Concentration Areas. What should I do?

  • You may propose a customized degree plan with a logical justification for career applicability for approval by the Office of the Provost. See your advisor for more information.

What if I begin as B. S. in Integrated Studies and later change my mind?

  • If you are eligible for another major, you can follow that major’s change-of-major requirements. See your Integrated Studies advisor to be sure you understand the change-of-major requirements for the major in which you are interested.

What kind of jobs will I be able to find with a B. S. in Integrated Studies degree?

  • To meet the employment growth expected in Texas and beyond, employers across multiple industries are looking for transferable skills gained through a completed bachelor’s degree, including critical thinking, problem-solving, oral and written communication skills, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, multicultural and diversity competencies, adaptability, and work ethic. Integrated Studies graduates will be marketable across diverse industries and professions, such as management, education, healthcare, technical occupations, and business and financial operations. Integrated Studies collaborates closely with the University Career Services to be sure students are on an intentional career path.

I can only take online classes because of my job. Can I complete the degree online?

  • While there are some classes at UH offered online, the degree is not yet designed to be completed completely online.