Schools, Departments & Programs

Individualized Major Program

Individualized Minor

The Individualized Major Program now offers students the opportunity to create a 15 credit hour minor on topics not otherwise available at IU. The minor may be connected with the College's annual Themester or colloquia offered through IU's centers and institutes, or on any subject for which the student is able to make a compelling case. Minors are approved by a committee of faculty based on an application and an essay in which the applicant answers the following questions:

  • Does the minor resemble others that are regularly offered at IU Bloomington? If so, how is the proposed IMP minor different from others it may resemble?
  • What is the principle of coherence unifying courses for the minor?
  • What do you hope to learn from completing this minor?
  • How does the minor complement your major? Is there a close thematic connection? Does it address an interest not otherwise reflected in your degree?

Minors must include 9 credit hours of coursework at the 300-400 level and adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Individualized minors may include no more than two courses that are completed at the time the student applies.
  • No more than two courses from a single department or administrative unit can count in an individualized minor.
  • No more than three hours of internship and three hours of independent study courses may count in the minor.
  • Only one course from the individualized minor can count toward other degree objectives including majors, other minors, or certificates.
  • The individualized minor must include at least 9 credit hours of coursework inside the College.
  • In fulfilling the above requirements, students must also meet all other College requirements for minors.

Interested students should meet with the IMP assistant director to discuss the viability of their ideas. Applications are accepted once per semester. The application, instructions, and application deadlines are available on the IMP website.

Students pursuing a major in the Individualized Major Program are not eligible for the individualized minor. Students pursuing an individualized minor may later choose to apply for an individualized major in the same subject or a different subject. In either case, the minor will be dropped upon admission to the major.