Custom-Designed Major

Bachelor of Science Degree: 180.0 quarter credits

Incoming Students, 2011/2012

The Custom-Designed Major enables students to pursue an individualized course of study at Drexel University not readily available through an existing major, or a combination of existing majors and/or minors. The program is designed for highly motivated students whose interdisciplinary curiosity and career ambitions cannot be satisfied by a traditional major.

The major offers students an opportunity for an early intensive research experience; incorporates cooperative education as part of its degree requirements; and culminates in an original, interdisciplinary senior-year project.

Admission
Admission to the Custom-Designed Major will be determined on the basis of an application portfolio. In addition to the standard Admissions application, the portfolio will contain:

• a vision statement describing in detail what the student hopes to accomplish during his or her time in the program, as well as explaining why the student's educational goals cannot be met by pursuing a regular Drexel major, a double major, or a major combined with minors. The vision statement should also contain a plausible plan of study for achieving the student's aims by drawing upon two or more existing Drexel programs.
• student transcript
• SAT scores
• two letters of support from individuals who can speak to the student's desire and ability to embark on an unconventional, individualized course of study.
• examples of projects completed independently by the student, in either a school or an extracurricular setting.

Each student accepted into the program will be advised by the Program Director and closely mentored by one or more Drexel faculty members expert in at least one of the disciplines comprising the student's proposed course of study. Students may be admitted as entering freshmen or by transfer. For additional information about applying to this program, contact the Program Director or the The Pennoni Honors College.

Co-Op and Career Services
Students in the program have the option of two co-op cycles: one is a 5-year program with 3 co-op cycles (5COP), and the second option is 4-year program with one co-op cycle (4COP). Students will meet with their career services adviser during their time in the program to closely match career objectives with curriculum design and co-op/research opportunities.

Degree Requirements

Foundation requirements
CSDN 101	Introduction to Multi-Disciplinary Methods		1.0
CSDN 102	Knowledge By Design Seminar		1.0
COOP 101	Career Management/Professional Development		0.0
HNRS 200	Introduction to Honors Program		1.0
UNIV 101	The Drexel Experience		1.0
	Humanities courses		9.0
	Social science courses		9.0
	Mathematics courses		6.0
	Science courses		8.0
Written evaluation
At the conclusion of the spring term of the freshman year (or after 3 terms of study for transfers) the student will receive a written evaluation and personal consultation regarding his or her progress. At this point each student will either be allowed to continue in the Custom-Designed Major or will be advised to transfer to another major at Drexel University.
Additional program requirements
CSDN 203	Custom-Designed Major Seminar*		2.0
	Three 300- or 400-level courses in each discipline comprising a significant component of the custom-designed curriculum**		var.
CSDN 304	Custom-Designed Major Project		3.0
CSDN 305	Custom-Designed Major Project		3.0
CSDN 306	Custom-Designed Major Project		3.0
*Taken for one credit each in the sophomore and junior years. **All prerequisite courses for these selected courses must also be satisfied.
Guided course selection
Students will complete the courses in their agreed-upon customized programs of study under the guidance of the Program Director and other faculty as appropriate. Each student will receive sustained guidance on course selection and sequencing. In addition, at the completion of each academic year, each student will meet with the Program Director to refine and update their vision statement as needed.