Individualized Degree Program

Customize Your Degree at Cortland

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. The IDP has an emphasis on student responsibility and motivation.

Students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree 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 Associate Dean in Arts and Sciences to discuss their interests and the procedures governing the application process. The IDP can be completed as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science Program. Degree requirements listed in the current catalog apply.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes are developed by the student and faculty mentor.

Individualized Degree Program Policies

1. Proposals are due to the Individualized Degree Program Committee before a student has completed junior level status (89.5 credit hours). Exceptions may be considered 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 credit hours of completed course work that may apply to a student’s area of concentration is 15.
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: 120

1. Required Courses: 24 credit hours minimum in concentration
2. Other: 15-24 credit hours in traditional minor
3. At least half of the area of concentration and minor taken in residence at SUNY Cortland
4. At least 45 credit hours at the 300-level or above
5. Six credit hours of WI courses required, at least three of which are in the concentration Individualized Degree Program Policies

For more information contact:

Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences
associatedean.artsandsciences@cortland.edu
Old Main, Room 125
607-753-4314