Student-designed Area of Concentration, Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences, B.S.

The bachelor of science (B.S.) in a student-designed area of concentration provides a means of accommodating student needs and interests where no suitable program exists in Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences . It is also intended to accommodate student interests that may cross collegiate lines.

A request by a student for a student-designed area of concentration must be approved by the College Curriculum Committee. To be eligible to submit a proposal, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and must have completed between 30 and 75 credit hours of acceptable coursework. The student must complete at least 120 credit hours of coursework. It is mandatory that the student secure the assistance of one or more faculty members whose areas of competence are associated with the student’s interest. All policies governing the area of concentration are applicable to a student-designed area of concentration. No more than two independent study courses may be substituted in an approved area of concentration. If such substitutions are necessary, the program must be re-evaluated by the College Curriculum Committee.

A proposal requesting permission to pursue a student-designed area of concentration must include the following:

1. a statement of the aims the student seeks to realize through the program;
2. a statement demonstrating that the existing programs of the College do not offer opportunities to achieve these aims;
3. an itemized list of the courses with course sequencing the student will seek to include in the program, which includes at least
   1. 20 credit hours at the 3000 level or above and
   2. 30 hours taken from courses offered through OCHNS; and
4. an endorsement of the student’s plan from the faculty member or members who will serve as the student’s major advisor(s) in the program.

The Office of the Dean will provide guidance to any student regarding preparation of the proposal.