A student whose needs are not met by other major programs may develop an individualized major. This type of study requires considerable initiative and imagination. A student contemplating this alternative should work out a proposal in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Two additional faculty members are added to create a review committee, after which the proposal is submitted to the dean of the College for final approval. This process must be completed at least three semesters before graduation, summer not counting as a semester.
- The major shall have a core component of integrated courses deemed necessary to meet the student’s educational objectives. This core shall contain no fewer than 30 semester hours beyond those offered in fulfillment of general studies introductory-level requirements.
- At least 21 semester hours of the core must consist of 300/400-level courses and six of these 21 hours must be in cross-disciplinary, independent research.
- Because of the independent research requirement, the student must have achieved at least a 2.5 overall average, with a minimum of 45 semester hours, before the proposal can be approved.
- The major must include at least six semester hours in each of the three divisions beyond those offered in fulfillment of general studies requirements. At least nine of these 18 semester hours must be at 300/400 level and outside the major core.