Individualized Study, B.S. with a major in Independent Scholars

Program Description

Individualized curricula using existing courses across participating JMU units will be constructed with faculty oversight to help students pursue their own inquiry goals. Each student’s curriculum will include:

• a cross-disciplinary exploration course (IDLS 200 )
• at least 36 credit hours of course work beyond General Education  requirements
• three credits of skill-enhancing workshops (IDLS 300 )
• a six-credit hour senior project (IDLS 499A , IDLS 499B , IDLS 499C )
• the plans for relevant field experiences, internships and/or study abroad programs.

For students in the honors program, the IS senior project will fulfill the senior honors project requirement.

Admission to the Major

• Acceptance into the IS major is based on successful completion of the IDLS 200  introductory course.
• Interested students will meet with IS faculty to discuss enrolling in the IS introductory course (IDLS 200 ), which is taught each semester.
• Decisions about acceptance into IS will be made by the IS faculty. Successful applicants will develop a convincing inquiry proposal and feasible curriculum, that clearly outlines a topic of inquiry, and demonstrates exceptional intellectual curiosity, communication ability, and independent research potential.
• Students not accepted into IS at the end of IDLS 200  will be carefully advised into other majors and can use the three IDLS credits as electives.

Degree and Major Requirements