Many things! Employers and graduate schools look for particular skills and qualities:

• Communication skills, both verbal and written
• Information literacy
• Critical thinking
• Self-direction
• Creativity and flexibility

These are all skills that you will develop as an individualized major.

Graduates of the program have noted that employers and graduate schools have been impressed that they designed their own major. In a recent survey of IMJR Program graduates, one alumnus noted, “The IMJR program is a great talking point in job interviews. Many employers like to see candidates take a more active role in their undergraduate studies.” Another agreed, “I’ve found that people foremost are genuinely interested in how an Individualized Major program works. People ask a lot of questions and like the varied coursework on my transcript. The major shows one’s ambition, curiosity, and creativity and employers like that.”

No, an individualized major requires the same number of 2000-level or higher credits as a traditional major and its related courses (36 credits). But remember, you do need to apply to the program in your sophomore or early junior year if you want to be reasonably certain that you can complete your plan of study by the end of the fourth year.

Diplomas will say that you have earned a B.A. or B.S. from the College in which you are enrolled and the title of your major will be listed. An individualized major in Global Studies, for example, would be listed on the diploma as “Individualized: Global Studies.” This is also true of the transcript.

There are a number of steps to becoming an individualized major. The first is to meet with an advisor to discuss your ideas for a major. The second is to take our "gateway" course, UNIV 2600, which will help you to prepare your proposal. The third is to find three faculty advisors with expertise relevant to your major theme.

Once you have completed the steps above, you may apply to the Individualized Major Program by submitting an application through the online Quest Portal. Admissions decisions are made by the Individualized Major Advisory and Admissions Committee, which meets several times during the Fall and Spring semesters to review applications.

You may submit a proposal if you are either in your third semester or if you have completed 30 credits toward graduation. You must apply before you register for your last 30 credits. Typically, this means that you must apply by February of your Junior year.

Advisors in the Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program, as well as faculty advisors, will help you develop your plan of study.

You begin by preparing a a proposal in consultation with an academic advisor in IISP. Then you identify three faculty members, from departments relevant to your major, who can further assist you with developing the proposal.

Three. You will have a primary advisor from a department in the college granting the major, an associate faculty advisor, and the Individualized Major Director.

Yes, we highly recommend that you include an internship or field experience in your plan of study. An internship or field experience offers insight into a particular career path and provides practical work experience. It is an opportunity for you to network with other people who share your interests. The knowledge, skills, and connections that you acquire will be a key asset as you seek employment or apply to graduate or professional schools.

Identifying an appropriate internship is time consuming! You will need to begin the process 6-9 months in advance. A good place to start is the Center for Career Development, located in Wilbur Cross 202. A section of its website is focused exclusively on internships (www.internships.uconn.edu).

Yes, study abroad is an important part of many individualized majors’ plans of study. It can help you build academic and personal strength; test your skills and adaptability in a new environment; and see the world from new and varied perspectives.

Identifying a program where you can pursue your particular interests may take some time. Plan ahead! Begin doing research on programs at least 12-18 months before planning to travel. The Education Abroad office is located in Rowe 117 and online at www.abroad.uconn.edu.

Yes, you can include courses from other schools or colleges such as the School of Business, the School of Fine Arts , and the Neag School of Education, but some schools or colleges may impose restrictions. A minimum of 18 credits of the 36 2000-level or higher credits in your individualized major must be courses of the College (CLAS or CAHNR) granting your degree.

Yes, you can earn a double major with an individualized major and a traditional major within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) or the College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). A double major worksheet is available to assist your planning. If you wish to double-major in two different colleges, you must opt for an additional degree. Talk to an IISP advisor about additional degree requirements.

Yes, you must complete the B.S. general education requirements and have 24 credits of science courses in your individualized major plan of study. These science courses must be from CLAS departments that offer B.S. degrees.

Yes, you are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements for the college in which you are enrolled.