2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Individualized Degree Program [IDP]


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Old Main, Room 125
Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences
(607) 753-4314

Faculty

Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences (Coordinator)

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Degree Program
Bachelor of Science in Individualized Degree Program

Major Offered

Individualized Degree Program

Description

Students who wish to pursue baccalaureate study in areas that draw upon several fields of study or go beyond traditional academic majors may present a proposal for this specialized program, which is designed to meet individual interests and learning objectives. The area of concentration must be interdisciplinary and coherent, with course work which defines a conceptual theme. A traditional minor is also required. The degree plan is formulated in consultation with a faculty mentor. The program is open to all full-time and part-time students at SUNY Cortland who have been admitted to degree status.

Students who want to propose an individualized degree program should contact the program coordinator to discuss their interests and the procedures governing the application process.

Special Features

  • Opportunity to design individual major program in combination with traditional minor
  • Emphasis on student responsibility and motivation
  • Ability to combine internships with course work

Requirements

  1. Degree Requirements listed here apply.
  2. Liberal Arts Requirements: B.A. – 90 credit hours; B.S. – 75 credit hours

Major in Individualized Degree Program [IDP]

The Individualized Degree Program combines a traditional minor with an interdisciplinary concentration which is designed to meet the unique needs of the student. Hands-on experience is often part of the concentration.

Career Potential

The program offers a vast variety of opportunities for careers, depending upon the interests of each student. Past examples include:

  • Technical theatre production
  • Entertainment
  • Adolescent health issues
  • Music industry

A. Required Courses: 24 credit hours minimum in concentration


B. Other: 15-24 credit hours in traditional minor


C. At least half of the area of concentration and minor taken in residence at SUNY Cortland


D. At least 45 credit hours at the 300-level or above


E. Six credit hours of WI courses required, at least three of which are in the concentration


Individualized Degree Program Policies


  1. Proposals are due to the Individualized Degree Program Committee by the time a student has completed 78 credit hours toward graduation. (Exceptions are possible for junior-level transfer students.)
  2. Deadlines for submission of proposals to committee members for review are Oct. 15, Feb. 15 and June 15 of each academic year. Students must meet with the program coordinator prior to the deadline dates.
  3. The maximum number of credits of completed course work which may apply to a student’s area of concentration is nine.
  4. Individualized Degree Program students may qualify for cooperative education academic field experiences if two grade point averages are met: 2.5 grade point average in the area of concentration and 2.3 cumulative grade point average. 
  5. Requests for alterations in a student’s degree plan must be made through the advisor-mentor and approved by the program coordinator.

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 124


Example of the B.A. in Individualized Degree Program over four years


First Year


Fall Total credit hours: 16-17


  • Two GE courses
  • Foreign language
  • Elective

Spring Total credit hours: 15-16


  • Two GE courses
  • Foreign language
  • LAS elective

Second Year


Fall Total credit hours: 18


  • Two GE courses
  • Foreign language
  • All-College requirements
  • Two LAS electives

Spring Total credit hours: 18


  • Two GE courses
  • Foreign language
  • All-college requirements
  • LAS elective

Third Year


Fall Total credit hours: 15


  • GE course
  • Two courses in minor
  • Concentration
  • Concentration (WI)

Spring Total credit hours: 15


  • Two courses in concentration
  • Two courses in minor
  • Elective

Fourth Year


Fall Total credit hours: 15


  • Concentration
  • Concentration
  • Two courses in minor
  • WI course

Spring Total credit hours: 15


  • Two courses in concentration
  • Two courses in minor
  • LAS elective

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