Students whose interests cross traditional disciplinary and departmental lines, and who are not interested in the possibility of a dual major, may design their own major under the direction of two faculty advisors (Online students should contact the Director of Academic Operations). The student may earn either a B.A. or a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. A student who undertakes this challenge prepares a proposed study plan that includes the major’s relevance to the student’s academic goals and career interests. (NOTE: Because of accreditation and other issues, interdisciplinary majors may not be suitable in certain combinations of disciplines.) Plans for interdisciplinary majors must be approved by two faculty advisors in the disciplines of the proposed degree and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Online students should receive approval from the Vice President of Graduate and Online Programs). Approved plans reflect the coherence and depth of a traditional major. Other degree requirements, such as Core Curriculum, remain in effect for students pursuing interdisciplinary majors. Students may apply for an interdisciplinary major any time after completion of the first semester of work at the College and not later than the beginning of the junior year. A GPA of at least 2.5 is required for approval. Interested students should consult with their academic advisors or the appropriate Vice President as early as possible in their Newberry College careers.
The requirements listed below are in addition to core curriculum requirements.