Interdisciplinary Concentration, BA

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Introduction

Interdisciplinary Concentration – the Individually Designed Major. The Fairhaven College Interdisciplinary Concentration provides an opportunity for developing an individually designed major for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts in Education degrees. It allows maximal flexibility in formulating a program to meet personal and career goals, bringing together each student’s vital interests from more than one discipline into a cohesive whole.

The self-designed concentration process allows students to work with a faculty committee to articulate a sound rationale for their area of study and to develop a plan including courses, independent study projects, senior projects and, where applicable, internships and apprenticeships. Students are assisted in completing the concentration by faculty and other advisors and by the Concentration Seminar course. At the conclusion of the program, a senior project and a concentration summary and evaluation help each graduate to evaluate her or his own work and to look toward the future.

Concentrations have been developed in a wide range of areas not available through traditional majors. Further information pertaining to the concentration, its possibilities and prospects, may be found in the Student Guide to Fairhaven College.

Why Consider an Interdisciplinary Concentration at Fairhaven College?

Fairhaven College offers a unique opportunity for students wanting to be fully engaged in the process of designing their college education.

Contact Information

Fairhaven College Admissions Coordinator Sara Purington 360-650-2976 Fairhaven.Admissions@wwu.edu

Fairhaven College Advising Coordinator Jackie McClure 360-650-3682 Jackie.McClure@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

With an interdisciplinary degree the options are wide-ranging. Examples of careers of Fairhaven alumni include: university professor, award-winning independent filmmaker, corporate executive, writer, tribal government leader, social entrepreneur, visual artist, medical doctor, organic agriculture entrepreneur, human resource professional, non-profit leader, social worker and community activist.

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies has selective admission and enrolls first-year students, transfer students, and students from other WWU programs fall, winter, spring and summer quarters. New applicants to Fairhaven and to the University complete the WWU Undergraduate Application (available online or in print form). Indicate interest in Fairhaven College in your application. Send the standard application, transcripts, and required test scores to: Office of Admissions, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9009.

In addition to the WWU application, Fairhaven requests a personal statement, two letters of recommendation and an interview (in person or by telephone). For more information or to make an appointment, please call 360-650-6680.

Students currently enrolled in other University programs may apply to transfer to Fairhaven’s program by the quarterly application deadlines. Current WWU students applying to Fairhaven do not need to submit transcript test scores or the WWU Undergraduate Application.

Visitors are welcome and with advance notice, appointments can be arranged with Fairhaven advising and admissions staff, students or other WWU staff.

Grade Requirements

A grade of ‘S’ in Fairhaven courses or C- or better in courses in other departments is required for this degree.