Program Description

Student-Designed majors provide an opportunity for students who have a particular interest to design a major that crosses the boundaries of disciplinary majors.

Entering and Completing the Major

• To be admitted to a Student-Designed major, you must apply for it no later than one year before your intended quarter of graduation.
• All standards governing a major as described elsewhere in the Undergraduate Catalog (e.g., minimum number of upper-division credits in the major, minimum cumulative GPA for acceptance into the major) will apply to Student-Designed programs.
• You must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA in all SPU classes to apply for a Student-Designed major.
• Once you have discussed a possible special major with a faculty advisor, you should submit the Student-Designed Major application form (PDF), and include the following:
  • The proposed title and list of courses
  • A statement of purpose and rationale
  • Evidence of an advisor’s and school’s approval to the Curriculum Committee
  • Your proposal should include evidence that you have considered courses or learning experiences, such as Internships or Independent Study, which will provide an opportunity to integrate content and skills from the various disciplines in your program.
• The Curriculum Committee may suggest changes, but once the proposal has been approved by the committee, a contract will be drawn up to be placed in your file in the Office of the Registrar.
• The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
• To advance in your program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
• You must complete the major requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major.

Student-Designed (BA) or (BS)

• The major must include at least 45 credits.
• A minimum of 23 upper-division credits must be earned in the major.
• A minimum of 15 upper-division credits must be earned at SPU.
• Courses must consist of at least two disciplines.
• All majors must include a clearly identifiable capstone course.