Self-Designed Interdisciplinary Major

In addition to the standard disciplinary majors, Wesleyan allows interested students to design their own interdisciplinary major. An interdisciplinary major should be planned by a student in consultation with a faculty advisor and representatives of each of the major and minor programs involved. The major should interrelate at least two (2) fields of learning, yet have a central and cohesive theme. It is reserved for students who have a strong interest in interdisciplinary studies and who have demonstrated both initiative and academic excellence. The interdisciplinary nature of the major will be indicated on the student’s transcript.

Guidelines for Proposing a Self-Designed Interdisciplinary Major:

1. The self-designed interdisciplinary major must include at least 39 semester hours, beyond the general education requirements.
2. If the major and minor programs involved have courses in methodology, these must also be included in the major.
3. A minimum of 21 of the 39 hours should be at or above the 300-level, exclusive of the senior project, honors thesis, or internship. These 21 hours should include at least three courses from each of the major and minor programs involved.
4. The interdisciplinary proposal should define the exact nature and objectives of the major and explain why it is a more appropriate alternative for the student than existing majors.

Procedures for Submission and Review of the Proposed Interdisciplinary Major:

1. The interested student chooses an advisor from one of the disciplines involved.
2. Proposals must be approved by all departments involved in the plan of study before submission for final approval by the Curriculum Committee.
3. Interdisciplinary major proposal forms (available in the Registrar’s Office) must be submitted for approval to the Curriculum Committee. The form details the information a student should include in her proposal.
4. Proposals may be submitted after a student’s first semester at Wesleyan College.
5. Proposals must be submitted before a student has earned 90 credit hours.
6. At the time the proposal is submitted, the student must have a Wesleyan College grade-point-average of 3.0 or higher.
7. The Curriculum Committee reviews proposals and makes recommendations as to the validity and viability of each proposal. Changes in the proposed plan of study must be made by the student within two weeks of the initial review. At its next regularly scheduled meeting, the Curriculum Committee reviews the final proposal and makes a decision regarding its acceptance.
8. Any unforeseen or necessary changes in the proposal can be approved by the faculty advisor, in consultation with the Curriculum Committee.