The document discusses integrative studies and the author's educational journey. It defines integrative studies as making connections among ideas and applying learning to new situations. The author studied art and computers before pursuing a degree in Business Management Information Systems to blend business and technology. This enabled connections between the author's experiences and prepared them for a career in IT security, where complex problems require considering multiple perspectives. Upon graduation, the author plans to work for USAA, applying their knowledge and continuing to develop skills through education.

1. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 1
What is Integrative Studies
Michael Punzo
Texas Tech University
INTS 2310 - 001

2. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 2
DEFINITION
According the AAC&U, integrated learning is defined as “an understanding and
disposition that a student builds across the curriculum and co-curriculum, from making simple
connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new,
complex situations within and beyond campus” (Rhodes, 2010). It is evident that students at
Texas Tech University (possibly other universities as well) arrive on campus with basic
understanding of what the next four years will hold. Truth be known, they are in for a rude
awakening. Veronica Boix-Mansilla states that integrated learning is “when [students] can bring
together concepts, methods, or languages from two or more disciplines or established areas of
expertise in order to explain a phenomenon, solve a problem, create a product, or raise a new
question” (Tanner, p.3). Additionally, my definition of integrative learning, would also include
life's learning experiences on multiple levels. Take for instance my three and a half year old.
The result of his learning is monumental to him. However, to me as an adult, those same results
would be taken for granted. As someone who has lived and worked in different states, different
environments and different cultures, integrative learning was beneficial for me through
experiencing being taken out of my comfort zone [shelter] and then applying my knowledge of
those experiences of brand new sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and even touch (the sensory touch,
as well as the touch that impacts my life). This enabled me to solve issues that arose in my new
and ever-changing environment that surrounded me.
EDUCATION
Early in my college career I was aspiring to be an artist. Like every young aspiring artist,
still green to the real world, I had hopes of one day working for Marvel or DC comics. Much to
my dismay, my idea of an art degree was completely different from the school’s plan. I could not

3. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 3
be Superman and a commercial art student at the same time. Computers [software] were just
beginning to replace freehanded artists.
This led me to my next train stop in life - computers. Kolb's experiential learning theory
shows four stages that we must go through to learn. Stage one is diverging, meaning concrete
experience. Stage two is assimilating or reflective observation. Stage three is convergent, which
is concluding learning. Stage four is accommodative, which is active experimentation (Tanner,
27). I found myself in stage one. This would be me learning a new skill - computers. I took a
different approach than most and dove in feet first; I took a hands-on approach to learning. I first
learned how to operate the computer then how to build/rebuild one. In the beginning I thought I
was going to be a PC Support Specialist [a.k.a. computer geek].
Often we take side roads and find ourselves in a different theater doing a completely
different act than what we thought we would be doing. After working in the IT sector for some
time, I grew tired of it and tired of the stereotype [computer geek] so I ventured out to find a new
career. This led me to the business world of Chicago. I always had an interest in the business
world so I explored my options and fell into an opportunity to become licensed and bonded by
the Chicago Board of Trade to sell and buy bonds. Even though my computer skills had taken a
back seat, they once again resurfaced and my skills were used to develop my company’s website.
This ignited a desire to blend the business world with my computer skills, which led me to return
to school to pursue this career.
Jumping forward to present time, I enrolled in the Rawls School of Business seeking a
degree in Business Management Information Systems. This seemed like a happy marriage
between business [a passion] and computers [a hobby]. While working for the Chicago Board of
Trade and working with computers I realized the sensitivity of the information that is being

4. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 4
transferred from one computer to the next or from one network to another - unlike the former
secretary of state. One thing I have learned in all my experiences is that all you have in this
world is your name and your credit. Without a good character your name holds no merit and
without good credit then you lose privileges such as buying a house, a car or the possibility of a
good job. These two things nowadays are directly tied to computers. Computers hold all this
information and supposedly keep it safe. From here I want to take my education [training] and go
to work for an IT securities firm.
COMPLEX PROBLEM
As I previously stated, people and several organizations have become fully dependent on
technology. The problem we face is the safety of our personal identity or that of a company.
Security is vital issue of concern in our ever-changing world of technology. The problem is that
everyday there is a growing threat to security and privacy online. Computer viruses are some of
the common computer security threats; they can be very miniscule and they can also be big
enough to bring down an entire network like DoS (Denial of Service). DoS is an attempt to make
a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users (Webopedia). Another problem
posing a threat to the security of users, banks, or companies is phishing. Phishing is an attempt
to steal sensitive financial or personal information (McAfee).
Many of the cyber-issues we face today involve several factors like economic, political
and social. The average computer user has very little allurement [interest] to secure their
personal computers with the technology available. These cyber-issues have to be addressed, not
from just a technical standpoint but a political, social and strategic as well.
Looking at it from a consumer’s point of view one might turn to Google for the answer -
these days the phrase “Google It!” seems to be the answer to everything. YouTube would be

5. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 5
another avenue one might explore to solve a complex issue such as a security threat to the
information technology that we hold so dear. Seeking out other professionals (Geek Squad), or
networked connections in like-minded situations would also be a resource for solving complex
problems.
CONNECTION
Each step that I took, whether was in life or in the MIS program prepared me for
undertaking a career in IT Securities and the threats at various levels and complex issues that go
along with it. I know that with my background, new training and education I can be a great asset
to my future employer. With my background in Information Services I knew enough to get so far
within a corporation. However, with my new training and education I can go even further. The
thing with any career you choose there will always be more training and more to learn to stay
ahead of the curve and keep business flowing.
My knowledgebase, experiences, and skillsets are what I would consider to be assets. All
of the aforementioned are things that I have collected throughout my lifetime. Each one of these
have a value that you could put a price tag on. Invaluable experience was gained no matter the
job and allows you as the employee to prove your worth. My plan upon graduation is to be
employed by USAA (United Services Automobile Association) as a Systems Analyst. USAA is a
Texas-based Fortune 500 diversified financial services group of companies (USAA). At USAA I
have the opportunity for advancement. I can take charge of the direction of my professional
career at USAA and move upwards into a managerial position. I like the fit of this of this
company because of the flexibility they offer. They encourage growth, furthering your education
and strongly involved in the community.

6. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 6
My areas of concentration in business administration, information systems (database
management, business intelligence, networking) and Information Systems Project Management
have a strong role to play, as previously stated, in my future career.
Sometimes what we learn along the way without formal education can take us far, but
after a while we realize, that in an economy that changes more often than we change socks, we
need to increase our bottom dollar through education to do more than keep our head above water.
Obviously, if you continue to improve on your skills and knowledge you will be a not only is an
asset to your company, but also a valuable resource to your community.

7. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 7
References
Beal, V. (n.d.). DDoS attack - Distributed Denial of Service. Retrieved February 11, 2016, from
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DDoS_attack.html
McAfee Security Advice Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2016, from
http://home.mcafee.com/advicecenter/?id=ad_phishing_wipahdypy
Mission and Values | USAA Career Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2016, from
https://www.usaajobs.com/about-usaa/mission-and-values.html
Tanner, M. N. (2015). Introduction to Integrated Studies. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt.

8. WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE STUDIES 8
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)
Discusses future plans/next steps. 15
Total 100
Instructor Comments: