Self-Designed, B.A./B.S.

The Self-Designed Major allows York College students to construct an individualized program of study using existing courses offered by one or more academic departments. A student interested in pursuing such an option must have a 3.0 or higher grade point average, and two faculty members representing the disciplines included in the proposed major must agree to serve as self-designed major advisors. Finally, students must prepare a proposal for their plan of study that defines the title of their intended major, lists the courses which he or she plans to include in their program, and provides a rationale for the development of their self-designed major.

Since the early planning stages of the Self-Designed Major are especially important for both the student and advisor, students should be encouraged to construct a plan as early in their academic careers as possible. The proposal for the Self-Designed Major must be approved by both advisors. Then, at any time prior to the completion of 59 credits, the student must submit the proposal to the Academic Programs Committee for review and action. Changes in approved Self-Designed Major programs must be endorsed by both advisors and approved by the Academic Programs Committee. Under normal circumstances, courses used to construct a self-designed major may not be simultaneously used to complete other college majors or minors.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in a Self-Designed major must complete a minimum of 120 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete a First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation.  Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.

Required Courses for Self-Designed Major:

The required courses for each student’s self-designed major must be approved by the Academic Programs Committee following endorsement by the student’s advisors. A minimum of 39 credits within the major selected from at least two academic disciplines must be included. This coursework must include a minimum of 18 credits at the 300 level or above, and at least 15 credits of coursework must be completed in each discipline represented in the major. No more than six credits of independent study or internship may be completed as part of the requirements for the major.