Butts, Steffen, Pauley
Department Mission Statement
The Independent Interdisciplinary Major (IIM) is available to students who wish to study a multidisciplinary field of concentration that is not provided by one of the current majors or multidisciplinary concentrations of the college. The student will design the IIM around a topic, theme, issue, or set of questions that cannot be adequately addressed within a single existing major. Students are recommended to look for interdisciplinary programs at other institutions as models or interdisciplinary study recommended by graduate of professional programs.
Students can submit a proposal for an IIM after the completion of the first year and before the second semester of the junior year. The student must complete two semesters of work at Simpson after approval of the IIM. The major will include 11 courses including a senior project. The course list should include options that allow for changes in course availability. The course list must include:
- No more than four 100-level courses
- At least four 300-level courses
- No more than two independent studies (INST 180 , INST 280 or INST 380 ), not including the senior project
- The courses must span at least two academic departments.
No more than 4 courses may be counted as part of the IIM and any other major or minor. Other requirements common to all majors (minimum GPA, etc.) also apply to the IIM.
A senior project is required as a capstone experience for the IIM. The student, in consultation with student-chosen advisory board, will design the senior project, which must be appropriate for the field of study. Possibilities include advanced readings in the field, undergraduate research, performance or internship.
To propose an IIM, students must have a strong academic record demonstrated by a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must also request two letters of recommendation from faculty or staff to demonstrate seriousness of purpose and an ability to work independently and in a dialogue with faculty advisors.
For more information on the application process, contact the program faculty.
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