Design Your Own Major

Creative, independent, and interdisciplinary-focused Swarthmore students may design their own individualized major. In some areas  — astrophysics, chemical physics, language and linguistics, and neuroscience — there are already curricula in place, developed by previous students and supported by the faculty. In other cases, students, working with their faculty mentors, take the initiative to define their own distinct academic program. Examples of individualized programs of study include majors in ethnomusicology, health and social policy, medical anthropology, political sociology, technology and the human experience, and urban studies.

Like traditional majors, individualized majors typically require at least 10, and no more than 12, courses that, when considered holistically, provide the student with a rich, cohesive, and comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic. To demonstrate their mastery of the topics, all majors — including individualized majors — must fulfill a comprehensive requirement to graduate. This requirement may be fulfilled by a thesis, comprehensive examination, or other project approved by the student’s faculty adviser.

The Registrar’s Office has information about the development of and application process for individualized majors.