If you’re passionate, motivated, and know your interests and goals, you might choose to create your own major. Clark provides the flexibility to combine several disciplines into an integrated program of study that is personalized and rigorous, preparing you for success in the field of your choice.
Why Design your own major at Clark?
- Explore your own educational and career interests by creating a personalized, relevant, and rigorous course of study that meets Clark’s academic standards.
- Benefit from the strong interdisciplinary interests of our faculty, who can advise and collaborate with you on research projects.
- Graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to make your own way in the world — one that is both meaningful and rewarding to you.
- Apply
- Request Info
Are you ready to take the first step?
The student-designed major crosses divisions of study by integrating courses from several departments, allowing you to explore areas you’re most excited to learn about. Coursework creatively cuts across existing majors, drawing on our faculty’s wide range of expertise. The guidelines for the student-designed major are stringent and require that you conceptualize your major thoroughly. You will put together a committee of at least three faculty members, representing different areas, to determine your course of study.
Examples of student-designed majors:
- Social Praxis in Public Education
- Japanese Studies
- Music and Technology
- Psychology of Marketing
- Religious Studies
Nearly any course can count toward a student-designed major, as long as your committee approves it. Many committees approve study-abroad coursework as part of the curriculum. You also can take advantage of the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts, through which Clark sophomores, juniors, and seniors can enroll in one course each semester at any consortium school. Student-designed majors often take on a significant community-related project as part of their academic coursework.
At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.
Nearly any course can count toward a student-designed major, as long as your committee approves it. Many committees approve study-abroad coursework as part of the curriculum. You also can take advantage of the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts, through which Clark sophomores, juniors, and seniors can enroll in one course each semester at any consortium school. Student-designed majors often take on a significant community-related project as part of their academic coursework.
- Educational Administrator
- Attorney
- Film Director
- Investment Specialist
- Judge
- Nonprofit founder
The Clark Experience
The Clark Experience brings together the exceptional education you’ll receive in the classroom and so much more. Through focus and flexibility, it ensures you’ll leave Clark with the creativity, confidence, and resilience to succeed and lead a life of meaning and consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with my major?
At Clark you’ll get more than a great education; you’ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you’ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.
What skills will I learn?
- Collaboration through working with faculty and students from multiple departments
- Leadership skills, by taking ownership of your major and managing your committee
- Communication skills and self-reliance
- Critical thinking, through exploring your academic options
- Conceptualizing and executing a significant long-term project
Do they have an Honors Program?
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the student-designed major honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice.
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