Dec 11, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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 FAIR 303a, Concentration Seminar course. The Concentration Proposal rationale statement and accompanying Concentration course list form the plan of study for the Interdisciplinary Concentration major, after approval by the student’s Concentration Committee and filed in the Fairhaven College Records Office. As part of this plan of study, a minimum of three quarters of coursework, completing a minimum of 36 credits is required AFTER the concentration filing quarter.

At the conclusion of the degree 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. The Fairhaven College office can provide further information pertaining to the concentration, its possibilities and prospects.

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
Suzanne E. Baker
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, 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

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.

Fairhaven Core Curriculum


Exploratory Studies (Stage One)


Concentrated Studies (Stage Two)


Additional Requirements - Advanced Studies (Stage Three)


Fairhaven Graduation Requirements


Fairhaven Core Curriculum  
Completion of at least 25 credits at Fairhaven and 50 credits outside Fairhaven
180 Minimum Total Credits 
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits 
Residency Requirement  
Final Quarter Requirement 
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)