About The Program
A student who has discovered a well-defined problem area or theme that cannot be addressed through Virginia Wesleyan’s established major programs may develop an individualized major. Because this type of study requires considerable initiative and imagination, students pursuing this option must demonstrate preparedness by having completed at least 32 credit hours of college work with an overall GPA of at least 2.7. At least 16 semester hours must have been completed in residence.
Eligible students must identify an advisory board consisting of a faculty sponsor and two additional faculty members. The members of the advisory board must be familiar with the student’s academic work or have expertise in the proposed area of study. In consultation with these faculty, the student will develop a comprehensive academic plan of study, to include coursework in at least two different departments/programs. The major must reflect between 40 and 48 semester hours of approved coursework, with at least 20 hours at the 300/400 level, including a senior thesis or capstone project. No more than two courses may count toward both the major and General Education requirements.
The proposal must be completed and submitted to the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval before the student has completed 64 semester hours, which is typically before the end of the student’s sophomore year. In unusual cases where a student can show progress already made toward the proposed major, the student may submit
a proposal during the subsequent semester, but in no cases after the student has completed 80 or more semester hours. The deadline for the proposal is April 15 for a spring semester submission and November 15 for a fall semester submission. If the proposal is approved and completed, the student’s transcript will describe the major as “Individualized Studies.” The application form for the Individualized Studies Major can be found in the Registrar’s Office.