A. Characteristics of the Self-Designed Major
- It must be multidisciplinary (from more than one department or school).
- It must have the same academic quality as existing CGS majors.
- It must be unique and differ significantly from standard CGS majors.
B. Faculty Sponsorship and Advisor Responsibilities
a. The major will be designed in consultation with one or more University of Pittsburgh faculty members.
b. In special cases where the student has research interests for which there are few available courses, the faculty member(s) may agree to serve on a continuing basis in an advisory capacity, directing independent study or an undergraduate thesis. Faculty sponsorship is terminated when the student changes to another major or completes requirements for graduation.
c. CGS advisors will monitor the progress toward the degree for the student.
C. Student Contract
a. After consulting with a CGS advisor, the student will identify a faculty sponsor
to provide advice on the academic plan of study. A student who requests guidance in identifying a sponsor (and those students pursuing option "b" above) will be assisted by the CGS faculty committee.
b. The student must submit a written proposal to the CGS faculty committee outlining the purpose, rationale, and courses in the Self-Designed major.
D. Written Proposal
Title Page
- Title of proposed major and degree sought (B.A., B.S.).
- Student contact information.
- Name, department(s), and contact information for faculty sponsor(s).
- Signature of approval by faculty member(s).
- A clear statement(s) of the purpose(s) and rationale for the major must be made. Include the scope of the program of studies and relevance of the courses proposed.
- List the courses, course numbers, titles, and number of credits.
- A minimum of 36 credits (12 courses) in the central theme is required, with 18 of the 36 approved credits at the 1000 level.
E. Final Approval
The CGS Faculty Committee grants final approval of the major in a letter to the faculty sponsor, the Dean of CGS, and the student. Any changes to the major must have approval from the Associate Dean.
For course schedule and descriptions
For most undergraduate classes offered by the School of Arts and Sciences, College of General Studies, and College of Business Administration, visit:
http://www.courses.as.pitt.edu/
Requirements subject to change. Check with an academic consultant before registering.
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