Interdisciplinary Programs and Special Major

The special major provides students with an opportunity to design unique courses of study leading to the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. When your academic or professional goals are not adequately accommodated by standard university programs, the special major can meet your needs by allowing you to specialize in a field of study which is not offered as a major program by the university.

Bachelor of Arts or Science Programs

Students interested in the special major are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Coordinator of Special Majors and with faculty members in the areas related to their interests. It is expected that for many students such discussions will lead to the identification of standard university programs which will satisfy their academic and professional goals. However, others will find it beneficial to pursue a special major that satisfies their particular needs. The special major is a rigorous interdisciplinary program that is designed to meet individual needs.

Students who wish to pursue a special major should prepare a proposal, in consultation with proposed faculty sponsors, for consideration by a university committee charged with overview of the special major program. Upon approval of the proposal, the student’s major will become special major. Students who have declared a special major are required to satisfy all requirements for the awarding of the bachelor’s degree, including the General Education requirement.

Master of Arts or Science Programs

A Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Interdisciplinary Studies are available through the Office of Graduate Programs. See the “Graduate Education” section in The University Catalog.

Career Outlook

Since special majors are unique programs structured to suit particular educational needs, the objectives of the specific programs vary considerably. The majority of students who develop a special major have definite occupational goals, while others pursue intellectual interests which have little or no direct application to occupational pursuits. The special major provides students the opportunity to secure knowledge and skills necessary in the performance of specific occupations or academic fields of study in which the university does not have an approved degree program. Through this avenue, students have the opportunity to satisfy their unique occupational and intellectual pursuits, while drawing upon the faculty and other resources of the university.