A self-designed major is an opportunity to create an individualized course of study around a guiding question, theme, or problem that cannot be fully explored within a single existing major. Instead of following a preset list of requirements, students draw on courses from multiple departments to build a coherent and intentional academic pathway.
Examples of self-designed majors include:
Students who pursue a self-designed major gain a high level of ownership over their education. They learn to ask focused questions, map out long-term academic goals, and choose courses that achieve those goals. Students work with faculty mentors to refine their programs over time, developing skills in planning, self-direction, communication, and collaboration.
A self-designed pathway is especially rewarding for students whose interests span several fields or who are drawn to emerging areas not captured by a single traditional major. This kind of interdisciplinary work prepares graduates to approach complex real-world issues from multiple angles, adapt to changing career landscapes, and explain how their education connects to internships, community engagement, graduate study, and a wide range of careers.
At Beloit College, you can choose from two paths to create your own major. Through Interdisciplinary Studies, you can design a major from the ground up, selecting each course to follow a question or theme you care about. Through the Center for Integrative Learning, you can build a self-designed major from Blocks, sets of four related courses that give you clear starting points and room to shape your own path.
Throughout this process, you are not on your own. You will work closely with faculty advisors and staff who help you shape your ideas, connect courses across departments, and link your plan to experiences such as research, internships, and community-based projects. If you are curious, self-directed, and interested in more than one field, Beloit College gives you the support and structure to turn that mix of interests into a focused, meaningful degree.
Students in self-designed majors complete an approved plan of study that weaves together courses from multiple departments around a central question or theme.
A self-designed major from Beloit College strengthens your ability to break boundaries, plan complex work, and connect academic learning to real-world questions. Graduates develop a clear narrative about what they studied, why it matters, and how it prepares them for future opportunities.
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