The Major

Building upon the foundation of the LAS program’s common structure, students become reflective inquirers in their chosen fields of study. The major, the student’s chosen program of study, provides a focus and concentration of energies in a disciplined investigation that achieves a depth of understanding or skill in that program. The major is chosen after the student and his/her faculty advisor explore the options that are most valuable for the student’s educational goals. With faculty guidance and approval, students may complete double majors or design individualized programs of study. The major that is ultimately chosen may prepare a student for a professional career, advanced graduate studies and/or personal fulfillment.  The major consists of a minimum of 28 credit hours, of which a minimum of 12 credit hours must be upper division credit taken in residence.

The goal of a major is to assist students to research and organize content in that area, create and articulate original views, integrate knowledge and solve problems. To achieve this goal, students are guided into a balanced major area in which assignments and activities are presented to foster intellectual and personal growth.

The university is responsible for the validity and relevance of the academic degrees it awards.  Therefore, students returning after an absence of five years will be required to complete the requirements for their major under the current catalog year in which they return.