Self-Designed Major

Before you can begin your journey as a self-designed major, you will meet with your faculty advisors and design your program.  Then you'll need to propose your program to the School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee (SASCC) for consideration and approval.

In order to have your self-designed major considered by SASCC, you must complete the following:
Consult with three faculty members (at least two of whom are full-time) from at least two different departments, including those from which courses are drawn. Signatures must be obtained from at least one faculty member in each of the departments from which courses are selected. The signatures indicate support of the proposed major. Together these faculty members will act in lieu of a regular department chairperson.

Write a carefully thought-out rationale for the self-designed major. This essay should be of sufficient length to persuade SASCC of depth and validity of the proposed program of study. Indicate the reason for including each course and how courses chosen
relate to each other. This rationale must be signed by each of the faculty members acting in lieu of a single major department chair.
Provide a list of all courses that will be used toward the self-designed major, including a senior evaluation. (Most self-designed majors require at least 12 courses.) Again, the list must be signed by each of the faculty members acting in lieu of a single major department chair.

Students are encouraged to discuss their plans for a self-designed major as early as possible with the chair of SASCC and the faculty members who support the plan.
Self-Designed Minors are also possible, and require the support of two faculty members, a rationale, and a list of courses.

Click here for more instructions and to fill out the form for a self-designed major or minor. All materials should be submitted to the chair of SASCC