To satisfy graduation requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences, a student must declare and complete a major program of study. If none of the formally organized major programs can be arranged to accommodate a particular combination of interests, a student may apply for a special major that brings together related coursework in two or more University departments or programs. A successful special major application should include a coherent and interdisciplinary selection of courses, require the close mentorship of the special major advisor and perhaps other faculty members, and culminate in a synthetic capstone project or senior honors thesis.

Students interested in this program must meet with Ann Torrusio, Assistant Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences, before submitting an application to the Special Major and Minor Committee. The committee consists of 3 faculty members—from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities—and a College Office representative.