CAS Student Advisement
and Services

University at Buffalo
275 Park Hall
Buffalo NY, 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6883
Fax: (716) 645-2893
E-mail:
   cas-advisor@buffalo.edu

Hours: M - F, 8:30 - 5:00
Closed on University holidays
Open on other class holidays

Useful links:

Your Guide to the Special Major Program at UB

Designing your own major

Step by Step

Over 2000 students have graduated from UB with individually designed majors!

If your major interest cannot be fulfilled by way of existing departmental majors:

  1. Think of a major that will be personally fulfilling
    • One that is original, not a duplicate of an existing program

  2. Define your own major concentration
    • What is its academic purpose?
    • What curricular resources might best support your major?
    • What is the major's goal?
    • Write a draft of your Statement of Intent and Purpose.

  3. Find faculty sponsors
    • Every Special Major must be sponsored by two faculty sponsors/mentors.
    • If you need help finding sponsors, consult your academic advisor.

  4. Consult with your sponsors
    • Show them your Statement of Intent.
    • Identify coursework that will support your major.

  5. Structure the major curriculum, choosing from among:
    • the existing UB course schedule
    • transfer coursework
    • internships
    • Independent Study research projects with faculty members
    • Study Abroad

  6. Submit the proposal
    • Proposal forms are available from the CASSAS office, 275 Park Hall, or can be downloaded in MS Word or pdf format.
    • The proposal must be submitted to the Special Major chair at least two weeks prior to a committee meeting.

  7. Revise the proposal, if necessary, based on feedback from the commitee
    • Work with the Special Majors advisor and your faculty mentors.
    • Resubmit the revised proposal.

  8. Complete the courses and programs as outlined in your approved proposal
    • Continue to interact with the Special Majors advisor to plan your class schedule each term.
    • If required courses or programs are not available as you are completing your requirements, propose changes to your curriculum in consultation with the Special Majors advisor.

John Riszko is the Special Majors advisor. Make an appointment to speak with him if you are interested in designing your own major. Call 645-6883, or stop by 275 Park Hall.

For more information about the Special Majors program, download the Special Majors Manual in MS Word format.

 

This page last updated March 18, 2005