Students planning a self-designed interdisciplinary major (SDIM) consult appropriate academic and department advisors in developing a rationale and course of action for the major.  The primary consideration for approval of an SDIM is that the proposal demonstrates respect for the depth that the major traditionally provides in the liberal arts curriculum.  The SDIM major encompasses work from at least three departments and consists of no fewer than 40 or more than 60 hours, with a limit of 30 hours in any one department.  In addition, an SDIM proposal should make provision for an appropriate seminar or “capstone” experience.  The application process for an SDIM may begin as early as the sophomore year but must be completed no later than the end of the first semester of the junior year.  To propose an SDIM, a student submits a written proposal to the Provost for consideration by the Curriculum Committee. The proposal shall include: (1) a statement of intended career or plans for graduate or professional study after graduation; (2) reasons why an SDIM is preferable to an established major; (3) an overview of the program of study thus far; (4) a proposed program or focus of study that lists courses by departments; (5) a proposed class schedule for the remaining semesters at Muskingum which has been reviewed by the Registrar; (6) an unofficial transcript of all Muskingum transfer courses; (7) signed statements of endorsement of the proposal by advisor(s) and chairs of the respective departments in which the proposed courses comprising the SDIM would be taken.

SDIMs are noted on the transcript as interdisciplinary and self-designed, together with identification of the three principal disciplines as degined in the approval proposal. e.g. IDIS (self designed); ART-PSYC-EDUC.  Copies of the approved program will be kept on file by advisor (s), the Registrar, and the Provost or the VPGCS as appropriate.  The Registrar will consider receipt of a copy of an approved SDIM to be an official declaration of major.