Organizing Theme
Major
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
The Organizing Theme Major completely changed my experience at Union. Having the chance to select courses in an abundance of different sectors is a true advantage, and being able to craft a major that is completely your own is truly a gift."
-Caitlin Buchanan '20
The organizing theme major is geared toward students with a strong intellectual interest in a topic that involves multiple disciplines and that cannot be accommodated by existing majors, double majors or interdepartmental majors at Union.
This self-designed major encourages you to explore thematically related connections across disciplines. You will submit a formal proposal that includes a description of your suggested major, the inspiration for the focus and summaries of courses planned. All proposals must have the approval of the chosen advisor or advisors and a faculty committee established by the dean of studies.
Curriculum
Students must incorporate courses from at least three different departments, with no more than four courses from any one department to count toward the major. They work in partnership with an advisor (or advisors) who is supportive of the topic and has a clear understanding of what it entails. Completion of a senior project or thesis is part of the requirement for the major.
Organizing theme majors developed by students:
- Marketing: Explored business principles through courses in economics, psychology, visual arts and sociology.
- Data Analytics: Combined offerings in computer science, economics and statistics.
- Diplomacy: Used courses in history, anthropology, and political science.
- Electronic Musical Instrument Design: Integrated mechanical engineering, music, and audiovisual courses.
- Film theory and technology: Drew from courses in English, film studies, modern languages and literatures, and sexuality, gender and women’s studies.
- Sustainable design: Studied in the fields of mechanical engineering, environmental sciences and visual arts.
- Asia-related political and economic studies: Involved economics, Chinese and political science courses.
After Union
- Creative designer, Alpha 1 Marketing
- Graphic designer, Fit and Fresh
- M.S. candidate in data science, University at Albany
- Museum theater coordinator, Plimoth Patuxet Museums
- Teacher, Vista College Prep
- Technical research assistant, Brigham and Women’s Hospital