The Human Problems and Sustainable Solutions major is a self-designed major available for students to develop a program of study that combines multiple fields of interest from the disciplines of the liberal arts in close consultation with faculty. Students may develop a program tailored to their specific interests, academic goals, or unique career aspirations. Combining disciplines in a curated program provides opportunities for broadening intellectual and cultural awareness and developing multi-faceted assessment skills to address the complexities of contemporary issues.

The purpose of the Human Problems and Sustainable Solutions major is to provide students the flexibility to explore a wide range of subjects that contribute to the understanding of the human experience while tailoring their studies to career or educational goals. This individualized program can be more meaningful and practical to the individual with specific professional or intellectual interests. The major highlights interdisciplinarity as a hallmark of the liberal arts and offers students an opportunity to explore multiple fields of study to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex contemporary issues.

Students who have not yet earned 75 credits should discuss their planned course of study with their faculty mentor and gain approval from the relevant academic departments. It is recommended that students consider framing their proposal around a thematic area or issue that necessitates an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach and submit a well-developed proposal of their design only after consultation with relevant faculty. The proposal must include a developed rationale for pursuing the program of studies with the courses that constitute this major. Once the proposal has been approved by chairs of the relevant academic departments and by the Dean of CHESS, the Registrar will be informed of the student’s intent to pursue the major and will keep the signed and approved proposal on file.