Self-Designed Studies Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Self-Designed Studies major, interdisciplinary in nature, consists of at least 27 hours. The student will have the option of designing his or her own program after developing a rationale and purpose with two faculty mentors. The course of study will be approved by the Self- Designed Studies Committee. The Self-Designed option should normally be adopted by the end of sophomore year. The Self-Designed Studies major is an ideal companion for any other major and/or minor(s), and second majors will be recommended. No more than two courses may fulfill requirements for each major and/or minor.

A Self-Designed major will enable the student to:

develop critical thinking skills by noticing similarities, differences and relationships between disciplines
synthesize theory, knowledge and experience from at least 3 prefixes
demonstrate speaking and writing skills
develop an understanding of personal strengths and combine them creatively
value the quest for purpose, integrity and spiritual growth in them creatively

Major Requirements (27 semester hours):

One course in:

SDN 370 - Internship 0-6 Credit Hour(s) (3-6 sem. hrs.)
SDN 371 - Independent Research Project 3 Credit Hour(s) (3 sem. hrs.) or
SDN 372 - Study Abroad or Study Away 1 Credit Hour(s) (1 sem. hr.)
SDN 400 - Portfolio 1 Credit Hour(s) (Senior Capstone Requirement)

Self- Designed Coursework

Self- Designed Coursework is to be determined by the student and two mentors, with approval of the Self-Designed Studies Committee. Fifteen hours of the selected courses for the major must be at the 300+ level. Plan should demonstrate a vertical progression to higher level courses. One course should cover research methods or applied methods in preparation for the JWO and capstone experiences. Self-Designed Studies majors will complete one Undergraduate Academic Foundation Requirement.

Requirements to Apply and Maintain Major:

Any highly motivated student with specific career and/or academic goals that cannot be met by enrolling in another established major at Heidelberg may apply for Self-Designed Studies. Incoming freshmen may apply by August 15. Others may apply by October 15 or March 1 of each year. Application includes an essay explaining the student’s goals and how her/his self-designed major will help achieve them. Also included should be a letter of reference from both faculty mentors. A student must maintain a 3.0 to remain in the Self-Designed Studies major. Student progress will be monitored by the Self-Designed Studies Committee. A student who does not meet that GPA will be advised to switch to another major after a semester grace period.