A student studies in Seymour Library with a book and laptop spread on the table.

Self-Designed Studies

At Knox, you can build a major as unique as your interests.

Major, Minor

Color outside the lines—in a major way.

Some questions are too big for a single academic program. A self‑designed major lets you build a course of study around those questions you’re curious about… a major that introduces you to the field and leads to advanced research or creative work.

With guidance from two or more faculty mentors, you’ll design a major that spans departments and supports your long‑term academic or career goals. You’ll also have a faculty liaison who works with you during the design stage, helping you shape a strong proposal and boosting your chances of success. Most students develop their proposal during their sophomore year and submit it to the Curriculum Committee—a faculty group that reviews and approves academic programs—for final approval.

Major or Minor in Self-Designed Studies

Career Outcomes

Examples of Student‑Designed Majors

These examples show what past students have created. Every student must design and apply for their own major—even if a similar one has been approved before.

Business Anthropology
Conservation Ecology
Dance Science
Entertainment Business
Graphic and Interactive Design in Art and Business
Holistic Health and Wellness
International Development
Management & Policy
Kinesiology
Religion and Culture
Sex Education
Sports Communication
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Visual Culture Theory