Co-Discipline Options

What are Co-Discipline Options?

Co-Discipline Options are Options within a Multiple Options Program that involve only one other discipline.  

·    It is primarily a second degree program.  Rather than earning a double major, students can earn a second B.A./B.S. degree that will cost them less than a double major.  Also, earning a second B.A./B.S degree will help students in the market more than would a Minor degree. 

*    It can also serve as a Major Degree program and can resemble a traditional tracks degree.

·    It is a highly diversified and dynamic or fluid program that can create degrees “on demand"  and, hence, is a type of “custom-made” degree program   

·    It offers faculty a way to create curricula that align with their interests and expertise

·    It is an addition to Major and Minor programs that offers the college or university new ways to generate revenue

Here’s a “how to” guideline for creating a Co-Discipline  Program at your college or university:

·    Take the current number of credits for your Major degree and divide it in half: this is the number of credits in the core for all Co-Discipline degrees (usually already done)

·    Select courses from your Major curriculum to fill out the core (usually already done) 

·    Select those courses from the remainder of the Major curriculum that are relevant to the Co-Discipline.  Use this as a list of Major discipline electives.  The number of electives selected by students from the list should be 20% of the total number of credits for all Co-Discipline degrees

·    Study the course offerings from the Co-Discipline discipline and select those courses that are relevant to your Major discipline.   Use this as a list of Co-Discipline  electives.  The number of electives selected by students from the list should be 30% of the total number of credits for all Co-Discipline degrees

*This basic pattern can be adapted to the needs of the department

*This basic pattern can be adjusted proportionately to fit whatever amount of credits a Major might require
*This basic pattern can be adapted to Masters and Doctoral level degrees
*This basic pattern can be adapted to government requirements in your state

Use a 50%-20%-30% method:  a solid combination for Co-Major Options:
50% Core Courses
20% Discipline Elective Courses Relevant to the Option (Co-Discipline)  
30% Option Elective Courses Relevant to the Discipline and the Option 

Create a multi-faceted program that will multiply your degree offerings exponentially, tailoring them to students’ needs, and offering them “on demand,” if preferred (i.e. as students apply for the program)

·    Without adding or subtracting courses from the Major curriculum (unless you want to)

·    Without adding or subtracting faculty (unless you want to add some faculty because you are attracting a lot of students to your programs)

·    By adding as many Co-Discipline  degrees as there are Major programs at your college or university depending upon curriculum versatility

·    Without any cost to your college or university

CLICK ON CO-DISCIPLINE PROGRAM SAMPLES TO THE LEFT