Individualized Major

The Individualized Major in Interdisciplinary Studies offers sophomore and junior students the opportunity to develop and complete a personally designed, interdisciplinary major that is grounded in the liberal arts. The course of study culminates in a senior thesis or capstone.

Successful applicants to this program will typically have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher, although in exceptional cases, they may demonstrate their potential in other ways.

Interest in an individualized major usually emerges through conversations with faculty members. Students interested in pursuing this major will form a faculty committee with representation from at least two relevant academic disciplines. In consultation with the committee members and with the Dean of the College of Liberal Studies, the student will develop a proposal that includes the following elements:

  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.
  2. A Program of Study
    The student describes how the learning objectives will be met through coursework, independent study, study away, internships, and/or other means.
  3. A Schedule of Courses
    The student prepares a complete schedule of courses that includes the terms and years when each course will be taken or was taken.
  4. Context and Background
    The student is encouraged to provide any additional context for their proposal, which may include previous academic courses, life experience, or professional work experience.
  5. Name(s) of Preferred Faculty Advisor(s)
    The student identifies one faculty member who will serve as their primary advisor and one or more additional faculty members to serve as supporting advisors on the committee.

Students usually propose individualized majors in the second half of their sophomore year or during their junior year. The proposal must outline a complete schedule for major courses through degree completion.

All subsequent changes to the program of study must be submitted in writing and approved by the committee of faculty members and the Dean of the College of Liberal Studies. Any change to the senior thesis/capstone plan must also be approved by the Dean of Assessment and Core Curriculum.

Completion of the Individualized Major in Interdisciplinary Studies and completion of all other university requirements leads to the conferral of the B.A. degree.