Individualized Degree Plan (IDP) Breadth and Depth Requirement (36 Units)
The Individualized Degree Plan (IDP) should have a focus defined by topic, theme, educational or career pathway, and show a progression from less-advanced to more advanced/specialized coursework. The IDP requires approved coursework planned according to one of the following options.
All options require 36 units, with at least 15 units taken at the upper division level. At least 9 of those 15 upper division units must be courses numbered 310 or above (i.e., courses that are NOT designated as GE).
Option A: The 36 units are taken in two areas of emphasis, with at least 15 units taken in each area. Courses in each emphasis area may be drawn from an existing major, minor, or certificate of study.
Option B: The 36 units are taken in three areas of emphasis with at least 9 units in each area. Courses in each emphasis may be drawn from an existing major, minor, or certificate of study.
Option C: The 36 units are taken in at least two disciplines, plus a minor chosen from the catalog. Units taken in minor may be included in the IDP. See Minors in the catalog for options.
Individualized Degree Plan Proposal
Students create an individualized degree proposal in consultation with faculty representing each area of focus. It is recommended that students submit their individualized degree proposal at least three semesters before they plan to graduate. The proposal must be submitted at least one semester prior to graduation.
Individualized Degree Plans are considered on a case-by-case basis. Approval is determined on the basis of the academic merit of the proposed course of study, the proposal rationale, the applicant’s potential for successful completion of the program, and on the ability of the University to support the proposed program.
Personal Statement
Students are required to write a personal statement that identifies the IDP focus and areas of emphasis, with a description of their educational, career, and lifelong learning goals, and how their proposed plan advances towards these goals.
Required Approval
The IDP proposal must be approved by the department chair representing each area of study, the IDP program director and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. The IDP program director will submit the student’s approved IDP to the Office of the Registrar.
Student Records
The Office of the Registrar will formalize the approval and update the student’s degree audit per the terms of the IDP. Please note: Upon graduation the student will have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies, which will be listed on the student’s diploma. The student’s transcript will include a concentration of Individualized Degree Plan. Neither the diploma nor the transcript will include specific titles from the IDP.
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