The Self-Designed Studies major allows you to “create their own future” by constructing a curriculum that fits your career goals. You'll work with two faculty mentors to design the major and coursework that will need to be approved by the Provost. Self-Designed Studies majors will also complete either the General Education Requirements or the Honors Curriculum.
- Develop critical thinking skills by noticing similarities, differences and relationships between disciplines
- Synthesize theory, knowledge and experience from at least 3 prefixes
- Demonstrate speaking and writing skills
- Develop an understanding of personal strengths and combine them creatively
- Value the quest for purpose, integrity and spiritual growth
Any highly motivated student with specific career and/or academic goals that cannot be met by enrolling in another established major at Heidelberg may apply for Self-Designed Studies. Incoming freshmen may apply by August 15. Others may apply by October 15 or March 1 of each year. Application includes an essay explaining the student’s goals and how her/his self-designed major will help achieve them. Also included should be a letter of reference from both faculty mentors. A student must maintain a 3.0 to remain in the Self-Designed Studies major. Student progress will be monitored by the Self-Designed Studies Committee. A student who does not meet that GPA will be advised to switch to another major after a semester grace period.