Planned Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Jerald Mirskin, Associate Professor and Coordinator

The planned studies major is designed for students whose interest or learning goals do not coincide with departmental majors as presently defined and whose interests may cross disciplinary fields. The emphasis in the planned studies major is placed first on the development of an educational goal, and then on the selection of the form and content of courses leading to that goal. The student will be encouraged to seek out relevant College resources and to supplement regular coursework with independent study, internships, or tutorials if appropriate. The planned studies coordinator will aid the student in obtaining admission to courses that are contained in the student's final plan, subject to departmental limitations.

To major in planned studies, a student must file an application with the coordinator of planned studies. Applications are available from the coordinator. Before submitting the final application, students must discuss their ideas with the coordinator of planned studies and the chairs/dean of each of the units involved in their plan. Criteria related to acceptance of a student's plan may be the availability of space in certain courses and the cumulative GPA of the student, as well as approval by the chairs/dean of the units involved. Students who matriculate at Ithaca College as freshmen may begin the application process in their second semester, but must have completed two semesters before being admitted into the planned studies major. The application process for the major should begin no later than the start of the second semester of the junior year. The latest a student may be admitted into the planned studies major is in time to register for and complete two regular semesters of study in the major. Planned studies majors must fulfill the humanities and sciences general education requirement.

Total credits required for degree

120

Requirements for Honors in Planned Studies

Students may achieve departmental honors in planned studies by producing excellent work in the context of their own interdisciplinary program. Guidelines are available from the coordinator of planned studies.

Students wishing to pursue honors in planned studies should have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. Honors may be awarded upon successful completion of a senior honors project related to the major area of study. The project must include original work or be presented in an original format. The honors project will be conducted under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and reviewed by a faculty committee and the coordinator. The honors project proposal must be submitted to the coordinator no later than the end of the second week of the student's final semester before he or she expects to graduate.

393-39700, 393-49700 Planned Studies Internship      U NLA

Together with a faculty sponsor, students develop an interdisciplinary work-study project that combines an academic core with responsibilities in a professional setting. A design statement must be developed and approved in advance. Application forms and guidelines are available in the office of the dean. Prerequisites: Students should have completed most of a major that prepares them for the work experience. The signatures of the chairs of the departments and the deans of the schools will be needed to indicate that they have reviewed the project. See information on internships, p. 115. Maximum of 12 internship credits may be counted toward a degree. Advance approval by the provost is required for the 7th to 12th credits. Variable credit.

393-29900, 393-39900, 393-49900 Planned Studies Independent Study      U LA

 Students may register for independent study in areas that have cross-disciplinary aspects or that are not available elsewhere in the College. Those interested should obtain the independent study application form and guidelines from the office of the dean and develop a project in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Approval of the student's adviser is required. The signatures of the chairs of the departments and the deans of the schools involved will be needed to indicate that they have reviewed the project. Offered on demand only. 1-4 credits.

393-29910, 393-39910, 393-49910 Planned Studies Independent Study      U NLA

 Students may register for independent study in non-liberal arts areas that have cross-disciplinary aspects or that are not available elsewhere in the College. Those interested should obtain the independent study application form and guidelines from the office of the dean and develop a project in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Approval of the student's adviser is required. The signatures of the chairs of the departments and the deans of the schools involved will be needed to indicate that they have reviewed the project. Offered on demand only. 1-4 credits.