Majors
Concentration in an area of inquiry assures that the student becomes knowledgeable in at least one specialized field. This area of concentrated study is known as the major. Undergraduate students are expected to complete no less than one quarter of their academic work in their major. The specific requirements for each major in the College are found under the individual program headings.

Second Majors and Minors
Students who wish to complete the degree requirements of two departments may do so with permission, so long as they are able to fulfill General Education requirements and the requirements of both majors. Students may also have a second major in a department not located in the College. A College student, for instance, might have a second major in the School of Business, School of Education, School of Social Work, or Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies. That student can, however, be a candidate for only one degree. Most departments in the College of Arts and Sciences offer a series of courses (18 to 24 credits) that constitute a minor. In consultation with a faculty adviser in that department, the student is able to pursue a minor to complement the major field of study.

Interdisciplinary Major
A student may design and complete an individualized major course of study involving two or more departments. Such study is carefully guided and supervised by a faculty committee and represents an exceptional opportunity for the student whose academic interests are better served by a multi-disciplinary design. See the Interdisciplinary Programs section for more information.

Pre-Professional Preparation
A strong liberal arts and sciences education is the best preparation for professional careers, including law and medicine. Students contemplating or planning to pursue careers in law and medicine can receive guidance from preprofessional councils established for this purpose. Please refer to Pre-Professional Preparation section of the Bulletin for more information.

Independent Study
Independent study is open to juniors and seniors only and no student may take more than 12 credits of independent study. Students should consult with their academic adviser about the regulations governing this program. Permission forms for Independent Study are available from the Office of the Dean of the College.

Waiver of Academic Regulations
Petition forms to request waivers from the College of Arts and Sciences regulations are available in the Office of the Dean of the College and, after completion, are submitted to that office for the consideration of the Academic Standards Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Graduate Degree Requirements
The College of Arts and Sciences offers Graduate Programs in studio art, biology, creative writing, emergency management, environmental studies, and physics.  For specific graduate degree requirements, please consult individual departments.