The major concentration
The major may be fulfilled in a variety of ways. Most Wheaton students elect a traditional academic major by the end of the sophomore year from among more than 36 available choices. The requirements for each of these established major programs are outlined under individual departmental headings in the “Courses of Instruction” section of this catalog. Students should meet with major advisors to discuss their plans and outline their major programs before formally declaring their major to the Office of the Registrar.
Wheaton offers a number of interdepartmental majors, such as international relations, psychobiology, women’s studies, environmental studies, American civilization, mathematics and economics, and religion and philosophy, guidelines for which have been determined by the departments concerned and approved by the faculty. Information about these majors is available under appropriate headings in the sections which follow and, in greater detail, from major advisors.
A student may propose his or her own independent major, which allows the student to determine and define the focus of study. Such majors are normally designed with the guidance of faculty advisors and combine courses from two or more departments. These majors require the approval of the provost, and must be declared by the end of the fifth semester. Students interested in an independent major should talk with the dean of advising;petition forms are available in the advising center.