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What are the advantages of creating my own degree program?
The greatest advantage is that, with the help of a degree committee, you can design your own program to fit your unique academic interests.
What are some more examples of students creating their own focuses academic concentrations?
One student combined his background in public administration with research writing and depth psychology for his degree. For his senior synthesis project, he wrote a research paper on the employee interactions in the workplace from a depth psychology perspective.
Another student combined her experience in performance art with Native American studies and social justice courses. For her senior synthesis project, she performed a dance that told the story of a young girl growing up in her tribe.
Yet, another student combined his knowledge and experience in ocean navigation and his love of painting with a study of cultures that have historically lived by the sea. For his senior synthesis project, he painted a series of pictures that illustrated how one coastal culture evolved over the course of a thousand years as explorers and new settlers merged with this culture.
As you can see, the options are limitless.
Is the degree process the same if I create my own academic concentration rather than enroll in one of the structured concentrations?
The degree process varies a little between the structured concentrations and creating your own academic concentration. You still need to complete at least 45 credits in your area of concentration and you also still create a portfolio of your work.
However, in creating your own academic concentration, you develop your curriculum with the help of your faculty adviser and two self-chosen field advisers. This team is called your degree committee. They act as mentors and guides for your degree program.
Can I complete more than one academic concentration if I choose to create my own academic concentration?
Because of the variety of interests you might like to incorporate as you create your own academic concentration, you may find it desirable to complete a second area of concentration. If so, only 35 credits are required as a minimum for the additional area. A few examples of adding a second area of concentration are: depth psychology and herbalism, public administration and journalism, poetry and social activism, historical perspectives of spirituality and human resources management.
Will it take more time to complete my degree if I choose to create my own area of concentration?
No, however it depends on how you choose to design your program. Some students choose to create their own because they have many upper division college credits that can be applied to their degree and only need 36 credits to graduate. Other students who choose to explore their areas of interest with great depth take two or more years to finish their degree. It is up to your academic needs and goals.
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