Individualized majors and minors allow students to create an academic program that is personalized to meet their educational and career goals. Students may request an individualized undergraduate major or minor not listed in the Undergraduate Catalog, but consisting of courses offered herein. An individualized program requires thoughtful planning and collaboration with the school chair of the individualized major or minor. School chairs have the right to deny an individualized major or minor that is not based on these principles. An individualized major or minor may include coursework across various disciplines, but must satisfy all of the following:
The students’ program includes a signed statement indicating they accept full responsibility for the proposal, and understands that the individualized program may not be accepted or recognized by institutions other than UCM. Upon final approval of the individualized major or minor program, the student is notified by the Vice Provost’s Office and a copy of the approved program is filed with the Registrar’s Office.
The General Studies major is intended to serve as a degree completion program for students with advanced earned hours and is available as either a BA or BS degree. The diploma and transcript will read, for example: General Studies: Individualized Major. General Studies is not available as a double or second degree/major/minor. The following criteria must be met for a General Studies major or minor:
Only students with at least 85 earned hours will be considered for a major in General Studies. Applications for a minor in General Studies will only be considered for students pursuing majors which require a minor. The student will meet with a success advisor in the Office of Extended Studies (660-543-4984) to develop the General Studies major or minor plan. After the plan is created with a success advisor, it must also be approved by the Office of the Registrar and the Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Services (in this order).
For more information about a General Studies major or minor program, students should contact Ms. Katie Honomichl at honomichl@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8480.