 |
|
"Cold Mountain" author Charles Frazier meets with Honors students in the Reynolds
Hall lobby. |
The Special Studies degree (B.A. or B.S.) allows students to combine elements of several
majors, or to customize the curriculum to create a major that is tailored to his or
her individual needs and goals. For example, one student combined courses in professional
writing, computer science, graphic arts, and computer information systems to create
a B.S. special studies degree in “Computer Communication.” The Special Studies option
works for many students, including pre-professional students; however, it is not applicable
to specially accredited programs such as education or nursing.
Requirements
- All Special Studies students must complete the Liberal Studies Program. For the B.A., students must complete the modern foreign language requirement for WCU B.A. programs.
- Read more about the Special Studies Program in Degree & Program Requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.
"Fast Track" Approval
Since 2004, Honors students have had the option to get “fast track” approval for Special
Studies degrees. Special Studies Honors students may complete Honors requirements
and graduate with The Honors College diploma.
To gain approval for a Special Studies degree, the Honors student must:
1. Begin the process by consulting with a primary advisor (check with Dean Railsback
to determine who this will be).
2. Work with the primary advisor to create a Special Studies degree proposal, which
will include the completed Special Studies Program Form for Honors Students (PDF)
with all required signatures; a list of all courses needed to reach 120-128 total
hours for the degree (including Liberal Studies); and a one-page statement from the
student that explains how the proposed Special Studies degree will meet that student’s
post-graduate professional plans (career or graduate school).
3. Once the Special Studies degree is approved, the student must follow the plan
and all courses required in order to graduate.
Download the Special Studies Program Form (PDF)