Self-Designed Interdisciplinary Major (BA)

This program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences/History, Politics and International Relations Department and is only available at the St. Louis main campus.

Program Description

Any St. Louis-based Webster University student may pursue a self-designed major (SIM), combining coursework from multiple departments and academic subject areas. The SIM fulfills the requirement for in-depth study just as a traditional major does. Written by the student, the SIM proposal must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty SIM Committee. The SIM student receives their BA from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Degree Requirements

For information on the general requirements for a degree, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements under the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog.

Students must meet all Webster University graduation requirements, including applicable University Global Citizenship Program courses. Any SIM, like all majors at Webster University, must meet the residency requirement of successful completion of at least 30 of the final 36 credit hours registered for and earned directly from Webster University. Any undergraduate degree-seeking student at Webster University with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 is eligible to petition for a SIM.

Curriculum

Self-designed interdisciplinary majors include:

• 36 to 64 hours of coursework with a minimum of 12 credits completed at the 3000-level or 4000-level
• Courses drawn from at least two distinct academic departments or interdisciplinary programs and at least three different disciplines
• 15 hours of the major core taken after the SIM proposal is approved
• A senior overview project
• Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours

Interested students must submit a SIM proposal by the beginning of their senior year. For forms and more information, contact simmajor@webster.edu.