By Rachel, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor
One of the most significant decisions a student makes is choosing a college major. While many colleges in the U.S. and abroad offer popular majors like business management, computer science, and psychology, some schools also allow students to design their major based on individual interests. So, what should a current or prospective student consider when deciding if creating a major is right for them?
Students who don’t see their interests reflected in course and departmental descriptions at most schools might consider colleges and universities that offer individualized programs of study. Some colleges and universities have systems for creating custom majors — in fact, their entire educational philosophy may be built on this practice. If you want to design your own course of study, consider looking at schools that champion this approach and have resources and advisors available to guide the process.
Even at schools with more traditional programming, students may have the flexibility to create their own majors by combining existing courses of study. For instance, a student interested in the intersection of environmental studies and public health could design a major in environmental health by merging relevant coursework from both disciplines. This may offer the ideal foundation for your specific career goals.
If the idea of designing your own major appeals to you, here are a few schools you might want to consider for your college list:
It’s essential to carefully consider how a student-led major differs from a traditional major or minor, as well as the potential implications for future academic and career pursuits. Be prepared to justify your choice to design your major. What are you going to do within your work that isn’t already offered?
If your school doesn’t specialize in unique courses of study, creating your own major is likely to require additional effort and coordination. You’ll need to work closely with academic advisors, navigate departmental requirements, and potentially lobby for the inclusion of certain courses.
Additionally, departments may reserve seats for majors only, particularly in upper-level seminars. While it may be possible to get the instructor’s permission, this extra workload can be challenging, especially when balancing academic responsibilities with other commitments.
Without the framework of a traditional major, you may wonder how your custom program will be perceived by graduate schools and employers. Will your major be named on your diploma, or will you graduate with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies? You’ll have the opportunity to share details on a resume or application, but it’s worth considering how your work will be represented in the future.
Choosing to design your major requires careful consideration, thorough planning, and a willingness to navigate potential challenges. However, for students with unique interests and a desire for a personalized educational experience, the opportunity to craft their own major can be incredibly rewarding.
By researching colleges with supportive structures in place and working closely with advisors, students can create a curriculum that reflects their interests. The opportunity to study exactly what you’re passionate about is the most compelling advantage of creating your own major.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to designing your own major. Here at IvyWise, our college admissions experts have helped thousands of students identify their best-fit colleges so they can pursue their passions. Wherever you are in the college prep process, we can help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about our college admissions counseling services.
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