Introduction
The Student/Faculty Designed Major (SFDM) is a program/major that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree granted by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The SFDM allows students, in consultation with appropriate faculty, to design individualized programs in subject-areas or with educational objectives that are not served by existing departmental majors. Programs may have either an academic or pre-professional focus. Responsibility for compliance with the policies, procedures, and intent of the SFDM is shared by the student and their individually organized Advisory Committee.
Students interested in pursuing a Student/Faculty Designed Major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree should contact the Global Humanities and Religions Department.
Student Resources
Department website: Global Humanities and Religions
Contact information:
- Program Advisor: Michael Slouber, Bond Hall 152A, 360-650-7649, sloubem@wwu.edu
- Academic Department Manager: Maureen Christman, Bond Hall 152, 360-650-3030, chris41@wwu.edu
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample careers: Varies with program of study
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Major with minimum requirements
A Student/Faculty Designed Major is available only through an application process:
- Students are required to meet with the Global Humanities and Religions Department Chair to initiate the application process after reviewing the SFDM Policies and Procedures.
- An SFDM proposal generally consists of two parts: a detailed plan of study, and a 1-2 page typed, rationale for the proposed major that includes an explanation of the specific educational goals and how the program best serves those goals.
- Students must take the initiative to form an Advisory Committee of three to four faculty to assist in the development of a curriculum (plan of study) for their SFDM. Faculty should be chosen from academic departments that represent major areas of study within the proposed program.
- Students must meet with their Advisory Committee (an in-person meeting is preferred; an online meeting is also permissible) to discuss the proposed plan of study and rationale before all the supporting documentation can be submitted to the Global Humanities and Religions Department.
- An electronic contract and supporting materials will be forwarded to the CHSS Curriculum Council after the contract has been routed and approved by the Advisory Committee and the Global Humanities and Religions Department Chair.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
