IDM-BA-Major - Independently Designed Major, Major

Academic Programs Website: Academic Programs

Advisor: STOLLER 

Students who wish to pursue a major other than an existing disciplinary or interdisciplinary major may propose an Independently Designed Major (IDM). The IDM enables intellectually curious and self-directed students to create a coherent, integrated course of study that addresses their specific academic interests when traditional majors cannot meet their goals. The IDM is fundamentally interdisciplinary, synthesizing diverse perspectives to illuminate complex questions rather than simply combining courses from different departments. All IDM students complete a thesis or capstone project that integrates the major’s interdisciplinary perspectives. IDM students demonstrate initiative, strong organizational skills, and the ability to make meaningful connections across boundaries.

IDM policies

• All IDMs must be approved by the IDM review committee

• Students must apply to the IDM no later than block 7 during their sophomore year.

• The Registrar will designate courses on the student’s transcript that constitute the independently designed major.

• IDM students may double major but are required to follow CC guidelines , which include the following: the IDM director must approve the option; in no case may more than three courses within the two majors overlap; the IDM thesis may not be combined with the second major; the student must have one advisor in the traditional major and two in the IDM.

• IDM students may petition to have one IDM co-advisor be a CC staff member in the event that staff member has content expertise related to the student's IDM topic.

IDM students are required to meet once per academic year with the IDM director to ensure they are making adequate progress toward the degree. It is also expected that the student will meet frequently with both IDM co-advisors, particularly as they approach the thesis.