Individualized Study, General Studies Major, B.S.

Program Description

The Individualized Study, B.S. 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:

• identify a combination of subjects that allow them to pursue an academic plan tailored to their individual interests.
• become familiar with methods of inquiry that inform ways of knowing in more than one traditional academic discipline.
• demonstrate growth in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and intellectual independence.
• 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.

Admissions

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 Requirements

Degree and Major Requirements

Degree Requirements	Credit Hours
General Education courses 1	41
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education courses) 2	3
Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education courses) 2	3-4
Major requirements	42-48
University electives	24-31
Total	120

¹

The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some requirements may be fulfilled by courses within the major.

²

Some requirements may be fulfilled by courses within the major.

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
IDLS 200	Interdisciplinary Scholarship	3
IDLS 300	Individualized Major Workshop	3
Senior Project
Students must take 6 credits from the following options:		6
IDLS 486	Internship and Field Experience
IDLS 498	Interdisciplinary Senior Project
Interest Area Requirements
Students must select two or three interest areas with approval from the advisor. See below for details.		30-36
Total Credits		42-48

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 credits in each interest area, 3 credits of which must be at the 300-level or above.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 total credits in the interest areas if they select two interest areas; they must complete a minimum of 36 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 30-36 credits in the interest areas, a minimum of 15 credits must be at the 300-level or above.