Requirements

The only requirement of all Self-Designed Majors is that they culminate their studies (meet the Senior Studies requirement of the General Education Curriculum) in a senior thesis or a research project: the senior thesis is strongly encouraged.  In other words, there is no senior seminar in the Self-Designed Major, and students may not propose to complete their senior studies requirement with a seminar in any regularly-offered major. Self-Designed Majors must complete their senior studies requirement with a substantial piece of independent work.

In addition, the College’s general limitation on the number of Independent Studies (Tutorials) and Internships is waived for Self-Designed Majors.  If a student, her advisor in the major, and the Self-Designed Major Committee deem it important to serious study in the major, a Self-Designed Major may complete any number of such courses, although identification of tutorials  should be judicious, with a clear rationale for their inclusion.

Because the Self-Designed Major requires initiative, responsibility, and a substantial independent essay or creative work, students should consider carefully their interests, talents, and work ethics before applying to the program. They should consult with their advisors, their friends, their parents, and a member of the Self-Designed Major Committee before applying to the program.

The Self-Designed Major is compatible with a student’s pursuit of a second major, and can be an avenue for studying one of the College’s interdisciplinary minors (such as Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, Cinema Studies, Legal Studies, etc.) in greater depth than the minor will allow.

Application Requirements:

Applicants to the Self-Designed Major Program should consult with the Chair of the Self-Designed Major Program Committee or any Committee member before making their official applications to the program.

Once a student, in consultation with a member of the Program Committee, decides to pursue a Self-Designed Major, he or she must submit a proposal to the Chair of the Self-Designed Major Committee.

Applicants are encouraged to work with the Chair of the Self-Designed Major Committee as they prepare their proposals. Once the Chair and the applicant believe the proposal is ready, the Chair will submit it to the Self-Designed Major Committee for approval. The Committee may reject the proposal, or withhold their approval pending revision. This will be communicated to the applicant by the Chair.

Once a student’s proposal has been approved by the Self-Designed Major Committee, the Chair will inform the student and the registrar, officially declaring the student’s Self-Designed major. It will appear on student’s transcript with the title he or she has given it in his or her proposal.

After Declaration of the Self-Designed Major:

Each student is personally responsible for completing his or her academic plan.  To insure that all graduation requirements in the major are met, however, the Chair will solicit an informal report from each Self-Designed Major’s academic advisor each spring semester.  The report will include an update on the progress toward the major and any changes in the student’s plans.