Interdisciplinary Studies
Individually Designed Thematic Major Option
If none of the
traditional majors or formally designed options meet your needs, you may
pursue the second interdisciplinary studies alternative: the individually designed thematic option. This option provides you with the
opportunity to complete a major that is available at other colleges or
universities, but not currently offered at Towson University. Examples of
such majors might include nature writing or recreation management.
If you are
interested in the individually designed option, you should first consult
catalogs from the universities offering the desired major to determine
whether Towson University offers the course work needed to complete the
major. You should then meet with one or more professors who have
expertise in your proposed area of study. With a professor's assistance,
you will design and submit for approval a
program of study. This proposal must include a title for the program
(e.g., Nature Writing) and a description of the program's goals. It will
also list the courses you will take to complete the requirements of your
major.
An individually
designed thematic option must fulfill the following course requirements:
-
A program of study consisting of a minimum of 45 units of
courses directly related to the academic theme or area of
academic study defined in the program of study.
-
At least 21 of these units must be taken after formal approval of the program of study.
-
Courses must be
drawn from at least three departments or programs.
-
All courses must
be upper-division (300-400 level) unless the faculty adviser and
the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies approve the inclusion of
significant course work at the lower division. For example, a course
important to the student's theme might exist only at the lower division.
- Students must complete an IDIS portfolio.
All individually
designed programs must be approved by a faculty adviser and by the
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies. No unapproved program
of study may be used for graduation.
Contact the
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies for further information and
for help in finding a faculty adviser or advisers with relevant
expertise.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact:
James DiLisio, Ph.D.
Director, Interdisciplinary Studies
College of Liberal Arts
Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Linthicum Hall, Room 108
Towson University
Towson, MD 21252-0001
t. 410-704-2128
f. 410-704-6392
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