Independent Majors
Students who can demonstrate that none of the established major programs in the College of Arts and Sciences provide preparation for their academic or professional goals may petition to design an independent major. The independent major is expected to be interdisciplinary in nature, crossing two or more disciplines and making clear how the student will explore the linkages among the disciplines involved in the proposed program. All independent majors must also include a major research effort.
Students interested in pursuing an independent major should come to the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in 1 Nightengale. The Program Coordinator for the Center will provide specific guidelines for writing an independent major proposal and may be able to suggest faculty advisors for the new major. Students who pursue an independent major must arrange to work with a small faculty advisory committee that will guide the student in preparing the major proposal and provide academic advice as the student progresses in the major. Students must submit a detailed proposal, with a statement of support from their faculty advisor(s), to the College Curriculum Committee through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. The Committee will then approve, deny, or ask for revisions to the proposal.