University Major, B.A

Students with well-defined goals and interests which cut across several disciplines are encouraged to consider a university major. This major allows students to individualize a program of study that provides an exploration of diverse fields of study, the challenge of independent work, and possible off-campus experiences. The major may lead to a bachelor of arts (BA) degree.

Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements

All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed under Academic Policies and Regulations  in the undergraduate introductory section in this catalog. These requirements include a graduation requirement of at least one course in religion or theology.

General Education Requirements

The 42 credit hours of general education requirements (GER) are presented in the General Education  section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement for the major or a course requirement in another discipline.

Requirements for the University Major

A university major must have a clearly defined unifying principle. This principle must be either a special career goal (e.g., consumer affairs) not provided in an existing major or a special interest that crosses disciplinary lines (e.g., American studies).

The student pursuing a university major must complete no fewer than 60 credit hours and no more than 80 credit hours in the chosen disciplines. A minimum of 50 percent of the credit hours in the university major must be taken at Fontbonne. A minimum of 24 credit hours must be completed at the upper division level and must represent more than one discipline.

At the time of the submission of a proposal for a university major, the student must have a Fontbonne minimum cumulative grade point (GPA) average of 2.5 and must maintain this GPA through degree completion.

Procedures for Applying for a University Major

A student interested in pursuing a university major must:

1. Present a proposal of study to the Provost who, after review and discussion with the student, will submit the proposal to the chair of the undergraduate academic committee. The proposal must include the name of the major, goals and objectives, specific courses (those completed and those to be completed) for the major, a timeline for completion, and a recommendation for a primary and a secondary advisor. One advisor must represent one of the disciplines included in the university major. The chair of the department of interdisciplinary studies, if not identified as the primary advisor, will serve as one of these advisors.
2. Submit the proposal of study prior to the completion of 64 credit hours (this total may represent Fontbonne coursework, transfer coursework, or a combination of both).
3. Receive approval from the undergraduate academic committee for the university major and for the primary and secondary advisors for the major.
4. File the approved program of study with the primary and secondary advisors and with the registrar’s office.

The student will be awarded a degree upon the successful completion of the university major and all degree and graduation requirements.