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Nov 21, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Individualized Study, B.A. with a major in General Studies
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 Return to: Programs of Study
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Program Description
The Individualized Study, B.A. with major in General Studies is a self-designed major where students combine coursework from at least two thematic areas to tailor their course of study to their unique interests.
General studies provides students with a flexible plan of study that meets the student’s personal, academic and professional goals. It is intended for students whose interests differ from established majors, and who want to focus their studies across courses and departments to better meet their career goals or preparation for further education.
The core curriculum provides students with common experiences where students:
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identify a combination of subjects that allow them to pursue an academic plan tailored to their individual interests.
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become familiar with methods of inquiry that inform ways of knowing in more than one traditional academic discipline.
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demonstrate growth in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and intellectual independence.
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complete a senior project that synthesizes information and skills from the student’s coursework into a scholarly product.
Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of major requirements at the 300-level or higher. Courses may be double-counted between the major and degree requirements or general education requirements. In this case, the student will take additional university electives to reach a total of 120 credits.
Admission requirements for the general studies major include:
- Students must have successfully completed of a minimum of 75 credit hours
- Students must meet with a General Studies advisor to discuss (and agree upon) a plan of study that aligns with the student’s goals
- Students can have no other declared majors
- Approval by the IdLS academic unit head must be granted
Degree and Major Requirements
| Degree Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| General Education courses 1 |
41 |
| Foreign language courses (intermediate level required) 2 |
0-14 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) 3 |
3 |
| Major requirements |
42-48 |
University Electives
Total
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14-34
120
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Footnotes
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student’s chosen language (typically 232), or by placing out of that language through the Department of World Languages and Cultures’ placement test.
Core Requirements Total: 12 Credit Hours
Interest Area Requirements
- Students must select either two or three interest areas (each interest area requires approval from the advisor).
- Students must complete a minimum of 12.00 credits in each interest area, 3.00 credits of which must be at the 300-level or above.
- Students must complete a minimum of 30.00 total credits in the interest areas if they select two interest areas; they must complete a minimum of 36.00 credits in the interest areas if they select three interest areas.
- Students selecting two interest areas must complete 18 credits in one area and 12 credits in the other or 15 credits in each of the two interest areas.
- Students selecting three interest areas must complete a minimum of 12 credits in each of the interest areas.
- Within the 30.00-36.00 credits in the interest areas, a minimum of 15 credits must be at the 300-level or above.
Interest Area Requirements Total: 30-36 Credit Hours
University Electives: 14-34 Credit Hours
Recommended Schedule for Majors
Program of study will be developed by students in close consultation with an advisor, on a case-by-case basis.
Program Total: 120 Credit Hours
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Return to: Programs of Study
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