Students with interdisciplinary academic interests linking at least three disciplines may design degree programs that reflect those interests. Individualized Majors must be designed in conjunction with the student’s academic adviser in each of the chosen disciplines (the IM committee) with the approval of the chair of the department in which each discipline falls. After departmental approval, students must submit their proposal to the Associate Provost for Student Success for review/approval. The Associate Provost will submit the proposal for approval to the Curricular Programs Committee. Students must complete the design and approval process prior to the end of the sophomore year. NOTE: The student should contact the Associate Provost for Student Success to discuss logistics, expectations, and requirements before proceeding further.
This program is designed for highly motivated students. Each IM proposal must show a clear theme that justifies granting an exception to single or dual major programs and must provide a list of proposed courses linked by that theme. The Curriculum Committee must approve any subsequent changes in the approved list of courses. All students choosing the IM option must complete:
- All GEP requirements;
- At least sixteen major courses (minimum of five courses in each of three disciplines), including a seminar-level course in at least two different disciplines;
- A capstone project linking all disciplinary areas of the IM, designed by the student with the approval of the faculty adviser in each area. The capstone project is a separate requirement, and not related to the requirements within the two seminar- level courses the student must complete. A written proposal for the capstone project must be submitted to the student’s IM committee by April 15th of the junior year to receive formal approval of the project. The student should also register for a special 3-credit course related to the IM capstone project. A presentation of the project will be scheduled during the Spring Term of the senior year, with all members of the University community invited to attend. Four weeks before the formal public presentation the student must provide appropriate documentation to the IM committee for comment and feedback. The student’s IM committee will evaluate the public presentation and award a grade of high pass, pass, or fail, with “pass” or better required for graduation.
IM students will be encouraged to incorporate collaborative undergraduate research and Honors work in their course of study.
Due to the number of requirements involved, students completing degrees in professional programs (BM, BFA) will not be able to complete an IM. However, students may combine areas of music or art in IM programs aiming at completion of a BA degree, with the approval of the Director of the Carroll McDaniel Petrie School of Music (for Music) or the Chairperson of the Department of Art and Design (for Art).