Individualized Major

Individualized Major in Interdisciplinary Studies

This program offers students the opportunity to develop and complete personally designed, interdisciplinary majors that are grounded in the liberal arts and build connections with professional programs.

Students are encouraged to apply for the Individualized Major in Interdisciplinary Studies prior to beginning their senior year. All students seeking an Individualized Major in Interdisciplinary Studies work with a faculty advisor from the most relevant discipline to develop a proposal that includes the following:

1. 1. Statement of Objectives
      The student describes the major’s learning objectives and why an individualized course of study is more appropriate than a traditional degree program. Students are encouraged to discuss vocational or career aspirations and how this course of study speaks to those goals. Applicants are encouraged to develop this statement in conversation with the faculty advisor.
   2. A Program of Study
      The student describes how the learning objectives will be attained through coursework, independent study, study away, internships, and/or other means. This proposal must outline a complete schedule of courses during the terms remaining until the granting of a degree. The program of study must include the following elements:
      1. At least 36 semester hours
      2. At least 12 semester hours of upper division courses, not including a capstone
      3. Courses from at least two different programs; and at least 8 credit hours each from at least two different disciplines;
      4. No more than two courses should “double-dip” with another major or minor
   3. A Schedule of Courses
      The student prepares a schedule of courses that includes when each course will be taken or has already been taken. Departments must be consulted for future courses to ensure that they will be offered.
   4. Context and Background
      The student is encouraged to provide any additional context for their proposal. This may include discussion of previous academic courses, life experience, professional work experience, or other information relevant to this choice of major.
   5. Name of Preferred Faculty Advisor(s)
      The student should identify one faculty member who may serve as their primary advisor. Students may also identify one or more additional faculty members who may serve as supporting advisors.

Upon receipt of the proposal, the program director will invite faculty advisors to complete a Faculty Recommendation Form, indicating their assessment of the student’s ability to meet the learning goals and their willingness to support the student as a primary or secondary advisor. The student will be notified if the proposal has been approved or if further revisions are necessary, most often within two weeks of submission. All subsequent changes in the study plan must be submitted in writing and approved by the program director in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor(s).

When completed, this approved course of study leads to the conferral of the B.A. degree with an individualized major in Interdisciplinary Studies.