Planned studies is a unique program that gives you the opportunity to design your own interdisciplinary major by choosing courses from two or more departments. If you have a strong sense of what you want to achieve in college and feel that your academic or career goals cannot be met by traditional majors, you may propose your own course of study tailored to your specific needs and goals. Planned studies encourages students to take control of their education and to think seriously about what they want to learn. 

For the serious, highly motivated student, planned studies may provide a better fit than a traditional major. The program is a good choice for self-confident students who have a clear sense of their academic goals, are intellectually curious, enjoy a challenge, and want to derive the most from their college experience.

In order to pursue a planned studies major, you must be enrolled in the School of Humanities and Sciences; however, your planned studies degree may, after appropriate review and approval, include courses from any of Ithaca College’s five schools. As a student in the School of Humanities and Sciences, you will take a range of courses, in addition to those included in your self-designed major, that will provide you with a solid liberal arts education.

Acceptance into the planned studies program depends on the quality and coherence of your proposal. In addition, you must meet any entrance requirements set by departments whose courses are included in your self-designed major.