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Bachelor of Arts - Self-Designed Major

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School of Society & Culture Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts

Program Title

Bachelor of Arts - Self-Designed Major

Program Type

Major

Program Description

The Self-Designed major is a student-designed, integrated course of study that allows students to examine in depth a field of study not covered by an established major. While the Self-Designed major provides students with some flexibility regarding their plan of study, this plan must be developed in the context of some nationally or internationally recognized area of inquiry. Students interested in a Self-Designed major must write a proposal that documents a carefully thought out academic plan, taking into account not only an array of courses but also the sequence and integration of those courses in an overall course of study. The proposal must articulate how the Self-Designed major will enhance a student's academic experience and further their educational goals, and explain why their educational objectives cannot be fulfilled in the conventional manner with an established major. The Self-Designed major may not be used to avoid the requirements of an established major or to abbreviate the requirements of a double major.

The Self-Designed major is the first and primary major and should be unrelated to any second major. The Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC) recommends that in those cases where students create a Self-Designed major that stems from an established major or program of study, students should not retain the latter as a second major. Students may choose to add established minors to their program. Established majors and programs of study are those that appear in the college catalogue.

Self-Designed Major Procedure
Prior to writing the proposal for a Self-Designed major a student will identify and consult with a primary faculty advisor. This advisor will guide the student through the process of writing the proposal, help the student incorporate any changes recommended by the Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee (CEPC), and serve as the student's Academic Advisor if the proposal is accepted. The student will submit the proposal and supporting materials to the Dean of the College for review by the CEPC no later than March 1st of the sophomore year. Proposals that are not successful may be re-submitted up until October 1 of the student's junior year. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for a student who wants to propose a Self-Designed major. The number of courses in the major is limited to 9-11, as is the case for established majors. Consideration for additional courses will be given for self-designed majors in interdisciplinary fields. The CEPC will take prior course work into account.

Program Level

Undergraduate

Saint Michael’s is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The College is a member of the College Board, Vermont Higher Education Council, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Vermont Campus Compact, and Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. Saint Michael’s College is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. It does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment, on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical characteristics. Members of the College are encouraged to communicate in a gender-neutral manner. The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the College. The College reserves the right to change its policies without prior notice.

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