Individualized Major
The individually-designed major (IDM) is an interdisciplinary major that responds to a student whose educational goal cannot be met through an existing academic program. The major
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is designed by you, the student, in cooperation with an advisor and is based on personal and/or career goals.
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requires 54-57 semester credits.
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includes a minimum of three areas of study (disciplines).
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must have a purpose, a theme, a rationale.
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may include past learning and new learning.
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must be initiated when you have accumulated 40 credits.
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must include a supportive statement which expands on the rational for the purpose of the major.
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must be approved by the advisor, faculty panel members, the Director of the Distance Learning Center, and the UW-Superior Credits Committee.
The major may take several drafts before it is finally approved.
The following is an example of how the individualized major will be stated on your transcript following graduation:
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE AWARDED MAY 19, 2004
MAJOR: INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED -- HUMAN SERVICES
CURRIC: LIBERAL ARTS
Sample--Gerontology-related ID Major
Sample -- Human Services-related ID Major
(below)
Summary of Purpose of Major: Human services
Purpose of Major: An individualized major with areas of study in social work, psychology, and communicating arts, will provide me with additional knowledge and skills necessary to assist clients in the field of human services. The social work component will provide a theoretical foundation of social work practice. Psychology will give me an understanding of human behavior and development, and the area of study in communicating arts will enhance my communication skills as a facilitator in terms of effectively empowering clients. This major will allow me to more effectively assist persons in need and will allow for future advancement within the field of human services.
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Discipline |
Course No |
Course title |
Credits |
|
|
Social Work |
SocW 121 |
Introduction to Social Work |
3 |
A |
|
Psychology |
Psyc 260 |
Personality |
3 |
T |
|
Communicating Arts |
Comm 211 |
Interpersonal Communication . |
3 |
B |
|
Upper Division Credits Included in Major: 48
|
Social Work
|
|
|
|
Example of a strong supporting statement to accompany the sample Individualized
Major:
I have chosen the Distance Learning Center at UW-Superior as a means to earn my undergraduate degree for three reasons: 1) it is a quality program from a quality institution, 2) it meets my needs in terms of designing my own major, and 3) it is the only option available to me at this time. I am a single parent of 3 children who is firmly entrenched in my career. I am not able to attend an on-campus program due to my family commitments, geographic location, and career responsibilities.
My career is in the field of human services and I have been in my current position for twelve years. Due to changes within the organization, it is now strongly recommended that an employee earn a bachelor's degree in order to receive a promotion. Therefore, my educational objectives are to develop an individualized major that will complement my practical experience.
I have chosen the areas of social work, health promotion, and communicating arts to accomplish this goal. The social work component will provide me with a theoretical aspect of social work practice that will enhance my practical knowledge. The component in health promotion will provide me with knowledge of current health issues that may affect my clients and prevent them self-empowerment. The third component, communicating arts, will provide me will knowledge and skills to more effectively communicate with others -- both clients and co-workers. These three disciplines are cohesive and, when used together in this individualized major, will provide me with the knowledge and skills to better serve my clients.
A new focus of the individually-designed major (IDM) discussed above is that of Gerontology. A sample is attached for your review.