Self-Designed Major

The Self-Designed Major at the American University in Bulgaria offers students a unique opportunity to craft a personalized academic program tailored to their individual interests, career goals, and intellectual passions. Recognizing that traditional majors may not encompass every student's specific aspirations, this program empowers motivated, innovative, and independent learners to design a curriculum that reflects their academic and professional ambitions. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop a coherent, rigorous course of study that integrates multiple disciplines and fosters critical thinking, interdisciplinary understanding, and intellectual creativity.

Participants in the Self-Designed Major are encouraged to explore a diverse range of subjects across the university's offerings, blending coursework from different departments to build a comprehensive and customized academic experience. This flexibility allows students to pursue niche fields, interdisciplinary themes, or emerging areas of study that are not available through standard majors. The program emphasizes not only academic breadth but also depth, ensuring students acquire specialized knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen careers or further scholarly pursuits.

Throughout their studies, students engage in various research projects, internships, and independent study initiatives, promoting practical application of their interdisciplinary learning. They receive personalized academic advising and mentorship from faculty members who guide them in integrating different disciplines and developing a cohesive educational plan. The program also encourages students to participate in internships, community projects, and study abroad opportunities to enrich their learning experience and connect theoretical knowledge with real-world practice.

Graduates of the Self-Designed Major emerge as well-rounded, adaptable, and innovative thinkers, equipped with a customized skill set aligned with their unique interests. They are prepared to pursue diverse career paths, engage in entrepreneurship, or continue their education at the graduate level. This program exemplifies the American University in Bulgaria's commitment to fostering individual academic excellence and supporting students' aspirations to create meaningful, personalized educational journeys within a dynamic, international academic environment.

Curriculum Requirements:

• develop critical thinking skills by locating, identifying, and utilizing the relationships between academic disciplines;
• synthesize theories, methodologies, and experiences gained from at least two disciplines;
• demonstrate mastery of interdisciplinary praxis - the ability to turn multiple theories and knowledge bases into fully realized, concrete demonstrations of new knowledge and applications; and,
• value the pursuit of academic knowledge utilizing creative and individualized objectives that result in intellectual growth.

Total: 36 credit hours

Required Courses (2 courses; 3 credit hours):

SDM 301: Junior Capstone Project (1 credit)
SDM 401: Senior Thesis (2 credits).

Elective Courses (33 credit hours):

18 credit hours completed at the 300- and/or 400-level
No more than 18 credit hours from any one discipline

With approval, students may transfer up to 16 credit hours from other accredited institutions and may take up to six (6) credits of independent study. Policies on double counting courses for majors and minors apply to this program, as do all General Education requirements.

A self-designed program requires well-developed thinking skills, a strong sense of academic motivation, a keen interest in exploring linkages in fields of study, and strong self-discipline. Working with a discipline-appropriate faculty member, the interested student must develop a proposal for a Self-Designed Major that is intellectually cohesive and does not duplicate other educational learning opportunities available through minors and other majors, singularly or in combination. The student will work with this faculty member to develop an academically sound and intellectually rigorous SDM proposal that will be reviewed by the Self-Designed Major Committee for approval as a major (secondary).

Proposal:

The proposal is written in conjunction with a faculty member who will serve as the Chair of the student's program. Proposal forms for the SDM are available at the Registrar's Office.

The proposal will be reviewed by the Self-Designed Major Committee composed of three faculty members (one from the humanities, one from the social sciences, and one from the sciences or math disciplines). The committee will examine the proposal for clarity and precision of focus, the intellectual and methodological skills to be acquired from the proposed plan of study, and the plan's divergence of content, intent, and ethos from currently offered programs.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding opportunities for the Self-Designed Major at the American University in Bulgaria include a range of financial aid options designed to support students throughout their studies. The university offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and various work-study programs to help students finance their education. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements, providing significant financial support to outstanding students. Need-based grants are available for students demonstrating financial need, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds can access the university’s programs. Additionally, the university participates in federal and state financial aid programs for eligible students, which can include loans and grants. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other applicable financial aid forms to qualify for these support options.

Moreover, the university provides information on external scholarship opportunities and grants offered by governmental agencies, foundations, and international organizations that can be combined with university aid. Students are advised to explore all available resources early in their academic planning to maximize their funding options. The university also offers payment plans which allow students to spread tuition payments over the semester or year, making financial management more accessible. For students opting for a Self-Designed Major, academic advisors are available to guide them in developing a comprehensive financial plan tailored to their educational goals. The university’s financial aid office provides personalized assistance and counseling to ensure students understand the full scope of funding opportunities and application procedures. Overall, the American University in Bulgaria is committed to making education accessible and affordable through its diverse array of financial support programs, aiming to reduce financial barriers and enable students to focus on achieving their academic and professional objectives.

The Self-Designed Major at the American University in Bulgaria offers students the unique opportunity to craft a personalized academic program tailored to their individual interests, goals, and career aspirations. This flexible program allows students to combine courses from various disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and fostering critical thinking skills. Students work closely with academic advisors and faculty mentors to develop a coherent curriculum that aligns with their academic and professional objectives. The program is ideal for motivated students who seek an unconventional educational path or have specific research, experiential, or career-focused goals not fully available within existing disciplines. Throughout their studies, self-designed majors engage in rigorous coursework, independent projects, and often participate in internships or community initiatives relevant to their field of interest. The program emphasizes academic innovation, encouraging students to bridge gaps between different knowledge areas and develop a comprehensive learning experience. While the program offers considerable freedom, students must meet the university's standards for academic performance and demonstrate the viability and coherence of their proposed curriculum. The university provides resources such as academic counseling, library services, and opportunities for research collaboration to support students in achieving their educational goals. Graduates of the Self-Designed Major program are well-equipped for diverse careers or further graduate studies, thanks to their interdisciplinary expertise, self-direction, and applied skills acquired during their studies. This program exemplifies the university’s commitment to personalized education, intellectual exploration, and preparing students for a dynamic global environment.