The College of New Jersey

Programme overview

The Self-Designed Major enables a student to propose and pursue a tailored curriculum that integrates coursework from two or more departments into a single, coherent plan of study. Students work with faculty advisers and an approval committee to define learning outcomes, a core set of courses, and a capstone experience that demonstrates mastery across the chosen areas.

What you'll study

Course selection is individualized but should form a clear, integrated program with intellectual coherence and demonstrable rigor. Typical elements include:

• A defined set of foundational courses from each contributing discipline.
• Intermediate and advanced coursework that develops depth in the primary focus area.
• A capstone project, thesis, or practicum that synthesizes content and methods from the combined fields.
• Electives chosen to support the major’s objectives and career relevance.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Self-Designed Major requires a formal proposal outlining the planned curriculum, learning objectives, and a list of proposed courses, plus endorsement from a faculty sponsor and advisers. Students typically submit their proposal early in the undergraduate career to ensure the plan fits graduation requirements and major credit distribution.

Career prospects

Outcomes depend on the focus students build into the plan. Well-constructed self-designed programs can prepare graduates for interdisciplinary careers, professional schools, niche industry roles, or further academic study by aligning coursework and capstone work with employer or graduate program expectations.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students in self-designed programmes are eligible for institution-wide scholarships and financial aid, and can pursue departmental awards or external funding tied to their chosen disciplines. Securing faculty mentorship and a strong capstone proposal strengthens applications for competitive grants and fellowships.