Student Designed Majors


Under special circumstances, students may design their own majors. This option is offered for highly motivated and self-disciplined students who seek a course of study that is not available through existing programs at the University. It allows students, with the close supervision of faculty members, to cross department and college lines and to create educational experiences on and off campus as part of individual programs of study.

Student-designed majors are administered by a committee of elected faculty that operates through the Office of the Provost and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Students who want to design their own majors are required to give the committee evidence of careful thought and planning in a proposal.

Proposals are only reviewed once a semester. Fall submissions are due by October 15 of the student's junior year. Spring submissions are due by February 25. The committee will convene soon after the deadline to review the proposals. Under no circumstances will the committee consider a senior year proposal.

Proposal guidelines are available in the Office of the Provost.

The College of Professional Studies-Online, offers several bachelor's degree programs in Individualized Studies within designated areas. Individualized Studies majors develop an approved program of study leading to a specific educational or professional goal. Students interested in the Individualized Studies major should contact their academic advisor. The student will work with their advisor and the Director of Liberal Arts to determine if an Individualized Studies degree is feasible. Once the student’s degree plan has been researched and finalized, the student must submit a proposal to Academic Affairs for approval.