Program Contact: Hillary Haldane 203-582-3822
While housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the individualized major is open to any undergraduate student regardless of school. In this program, students will design a unique major to fit their individual goals. The student is responsible for proposing and planning the course of study. The proposal must contain suitable justification and a coherent curricular plan. The full proposal must be submitted to the Individualized Major/Minor advisor for approval by no later than the first semester of the junior year and also must have the approval of a three-member faculty committee, chosen by the student, which works with the student to plan and carry out the program. Program proposals will be accepted before March 1 for review in the spring semester, and before October 15 for review in the fall semester.
The individualized major is designed for any undergraduate student who would like to focus their attention in a specific area of study not currently offered by the university. A student, in consultation with faculty, will design a unique major that furthers the education of the student. Therefore, the curriculum for this major will vary by student. All individualized majors must meet the following criteria:
- The major must consist of a minimum of 30 credits (may include some courses already completed).
- Seven of the 10 courses must be at the 200 level.
- Each student will have the support of an academic adviser with expertise in the field of interest and two additional committee members. This committee must approve the proposed major.
- Each student will submit a final project or thesis to complete the requirements for the program. This project or thesis will be submitted to and evaluated by their faculty committee in the final semester of their education.
- All University Curriculum requirements must be completed outside the major.
- Students in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the modern language requirement.
- Any minor requirements must be completed outside the major.
Student Learning Outcomes
With an individually designed curriculum, specific student learning outcomes vary. Every student works toward the following outcomes through the proposal process alone.
- Effective Communication: Communicate effectively in speaking and in writing.
- Social Intelligence: Engage collaboratively and responsibly; interact attentively and appropriately with others.
- Cognitive Complexity: Evaluate multiple perspectives on an issue, acknowledging the potential for complexity and ambiguity.
- Critical and Creative Thinking: Think independently and creatively from an informed understanding.
- Analysis: Demonstrate competency in evaluating and constructing arguments based on logic and evidence.