Interdisciplinary Studies Self-Design Information

Self-Design Major Information

We love it when students are invested in their education and want to take charge of their path of study! Within the guidelines described below, we welcome you to blend coursework from multiple departments and disciplines to create a major or minor (more information about minors at the end of the page).  A self-design major can also be useful for the student who discovers that they will not be able to graduate in the current program due to GPA restrictions and opts to combine the coursework already taken into a general education package.  The self-design option provides a lot of great opportunities for students, but it does require an investment of time and planning.  If you think you might want to create a self-design program, reach out ASAP!  

Every self-design major student must set up an appointment with Amy Marshall, Director of Academic Advising. She will explain all of the degree requirements for

• the State University of New York
• the general education program (Fredonia Foundations)
• local Fredonia regulations, and
• the role of the individual departments included in the program.

The following checklist describes some of the information you will be required to develop (in consultation with Academic Advising) to be approved for a self-design major.

Check List for interdisciplinary Major Program

General Information for Degree Program

• Title of Program
• General description (at least a paragraph) of the individualized degree program, including a statement of educational and career objectives
• An explanation (at least a paragraph) explaining why these objectives cannot be met through existing interdisciplinary programs and/or traditional departmental majors, minors or concentrations
• Names of two professors in major departments who will serve as advisors and sign the student into "major only" courses

Specific Requirements for Major

• A list of required courses for your major (developed in consultation with Academic Advising)
• Must be at least 36 credits
• No more than 15 credits in one discipline
• 24 credits must be at the 300-400 level
• Internships are possible within these guidelines: Maximum of 15 credits; only 6 credits can count toward the 300-400 level coursework list

Other University Requirements for Graduation (Regardless of Major)

• Minimum of 120 credits to graduate, out of which
  • No more than 45 can be in any one discipline
  • 45 credits must be at the upper-level  (300- and 400-level courses)
• Must have a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate
• Must complete the General Education program

Self Design Minor Information

The self-design minor must contain a minimum of 18 credit hours, with no more than 9 credit hours from any one discipline. A minimum of 6 credit hours of coursework must be at the 300-400 level.  In a self-design major, students should avoid classes that "double-dip" with their major (feel free to ask for more guidance!).  The minor may include an internship, but it will not fulfill the upper level requirement for the program (ie. the internship must be in addition to the 6 credit hours at the 300-400 level).