Individualized Studies

Lytton Smith, CIL
(Doty 303)
www.geneseo.edu/cil

HEGIS Code: 4901.00

What is an Individualized Studies Major?

An interdisciplinary, student-designed program of study, resulting in a B.A. or B.S. degree and devised in consultation with faculty members and approved by relevant Department Chairs, supported by the Director of the Center for Integrative Learning. It includes courses from two or more disciplines with a central focus on a subject, topic, or theme that is not covered in existing majors or combinations of academic programs.

What are the Requirements for an Individualized Studies Major?

A concise, specific unifying focus that markedly differs from existing majors and minors.
Minimum of 36 credits, including a student-designed, 3-credit integrative learning Capstone (linked to a 1-credit course bringing different individualized studies major students together).
Courses in two or more disciplines, with one discipline as the “home” discipline
18 credits or more from the “home” discipline (typically from a single prefix e.g ANTH, GSCI).
9 credits or more from the “second” discipline (a different prefix).
24 credits at the upper division level, at least 9 from the “home” discipline.
A maximum of 7 credits of Directed Study/Internships, including the 3-credit Capstone.
All courses must demonstrably connect to the Individualized Studies Major’s interdisciplinary focus.

Who can Undertake an Individualized Studies Major?

Any student who has accumulated 30 credit hours, at least 21 at SUNY Geneseo
AND who has completed at least 9 credit hours in their “home” major
N.B. a transfer student admitted with 60 credits or more may file an Individualized Plan before completing a year of study at Geneseo.
Limits on application: a student cannot apply if they have met both 85% of their degree requirements and 105 credits have been completed or if they have already met more than 30 of the ISM credits. A student must have a 2.0 GPA overall and a 2.7 GPA in the home major to apply.

Who can Undertake an Individualized Studies Major?

1. Student meets with Director for Center of Integrative Learning to understand the requirements and process and to ensure no existing program of study meets the student’s needs.
2. Student writes an Individualized Plan that consists of 36 credits and that reflectively explains the major’s focus and rational; identifies specific courses (including multiple courses that would fulfil
requirements); potential faculty advisor(s); potential post-graduate pathways; concrete plans for navigating pre-requisites or other enrollment requirements.
3. Student approaches one or two faculty advisors, one from the “home” discipline and one from the second discipline indicated in the draft Individualized Plan.
4. Student submits the Individualized Plan for review and approval signature to:

the (two) Faculty Advisor(s) plus Department Chairs of the home and second
departments and any Department Chair necessarily involved in prerequisite waiver
discussions;

Director of the Center for Integrative Learning, who consults with the Dean of
Academic Planning and Advising, Assistant Provost for Curriculum and Assessment,
and the Registrar, as well as informing the student of approval, revisions required, or
rejection.

Revisions to the Individualized Studies Major must be done through a Revision of Individualized Plan Form signed by the Faculty Advisor(s), Dept. Chairs, and the Director of the Center for Integrative Learning.

Individualized Studies Major Capstone: Students must complete a Capstone Proposal no later than the midpoint of the third-to-last semester of their study (Oct 15th, March 15th) and submit to their Faculty Advisors and the Director of the Center for Integrative Learning. The capstone must exemplify the Individualized Studies Major’s focus, involve the home and secondary disciplines, and include applied learning.