BA (Independent Major) in Chestnut Hill United States | Boston College

The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences stands as the University's most established and expansive undergraduate school. Students can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree based on their chosen field, equipping them for diverse career paths or advanced studies in professional and academic areas. The curriculum combines mandatory Core classes, focused major coursework, and personalized electives tailored to individual passions.

While students typically follow structured departmental programs, those with unique academic goals may petition the Educational Policy Committee for an interdisciplinary Independent Major when standard options prove insufficient. Applicants generally need a minimum 3.5 GPA and must collaborate with a faculty advisor to design a 36-credit program (typically twelve courses), with at least 30 upper-level credits spanning no more than three related departments. This customized plan must demonstrate equivalent rigor and cohesion to traditional majors, featuring a culminating project that validates the program's intellectual unity and ongoing evaluation processes. Proposals require submission to the Dean's Office by March 1 of the sophomore year for committee review, with Independent Majors normally serving as a student's sole concentration.