Beginning in your sophomore year, you may propose an individual major on a subject that permits coherent, in-depth, interdisciplinary study using resources available through the college and that does not duplicate any existing program at the college. It must include an integrative senior project, a web portfolio, and at least 10 courses inclusive of IS 392 (the course unit devoted to the senior project in the spring of your senior year).
Typical First-Year Schedule
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- World Language
- OLE Core/Elective
- OLE Core/Elective
january term
- OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- World Language
- OLE Core/Elective
- OLE Core/Elective
Additional Information
The Individual Major Program (IM) is the academic home for students who choose to pursue a self-designed, integrative Individual Major. Students propose a sequence of courses, seminars, independent studies, or experiential learning as the means of pursuing an Individual Major. Proposals must include:
- A description of the proposed area or topic of study.
- A list of at least 10 courses organized in 3 areas, with an explanation of how each area and course contributes to the major. The 10 courses can include the senior capstone course.
- A set of key questions that will guide studies in the major, including broader questions in the disciplines supporting the major and specific questions related to narrower topics of the major.
- Initial plans for at least 2 potential senior projects.
- A summary of the student’s preparation to carry out the proposed major, and a justification of the major as a coherent, integrative academic plan.
Each proposal must have the support of a faculty academic advisor. The coherence, depth, and feasibility of each proposal are evaluated in a Final Review Consultation (FRC), after which the student is allowed to declare the Individual Major. At the end of the senior year, the student’s work in the major is publicly presented to the IM faculty and certified by the IM Director. Proposals for Individual Majors may be submitted any time during the sophomore year and the first part of the junior year. The deadline for final approval of an Individual Major is Dec. 1 in the fourth semester prior to the student’s graduation. Should a student be planning to graduate mid-year, the deadline for final approval will be moved up one semester to May 1.
Most students pursuing an Individual Major have only one major, and none can have more than two majors total. Pre-existing concentrations at the college cannot be expanded into an Individual Major nor can a concentration serve as the base for Individual Major coursework. Should a student have another major or a concentration, no more than three courses that count toward those areas may be used toward the 10 required for the Individual Major. Study abroad/away can be used to count toward the 10 course total.
Explore current and recent Individual Majors here.
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS COURSEWORK
Nothing at this time.
Placement
Not applicable.
Informational Events
Nothing at this time.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Individual Major Program: imp@stolaf.edu