Interdisciplinary Studies (Self-Design)

The Self-Design program offers students the opportunity to work with departmental faculty to create their own program guides in ways that help meet their specific educational objectives and career goals.

Several factors to consider:

• A description or program guide of your intended major from another college or university
• Knowledge of the competencies you need for achieving your goals and for advancing in your chosen major or career.

  To successfully complete the Self-Designed Major, the following coursework is required:

  • 40 credits of CORE Curriculum courses
  • 48-51 credits from a minimum of two academic disciplines (24 credits in one discipline, 21 credits in the second discipline and a 3-6 credit capstone course); or a maximum of three academic disciplines (15 credits in each discipline and a 3-6 credit capstone course). To maintain an appropriate level of vigor within the major, the program plan must contain coursework at the 3000-4000 level, as determined by the Program Development Committee.
  • 29-32 credits of General Electives (depending on whether the capstone is 3 or 6 credits)
  • A minimum of 120 credits are required for degree, the last 30 of which must be earned at La Roche University.

    In the event that core courses are waived in accordance with La Roche University policy, general electives will be increased to meet the required 120.

Summary of Requirements

CORE Requirements: 40 credits

• ENGL1011

  ACADEMIC READING AND WRITING

  ENGL1011
  ACADEMIC READING AND WRITING

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course engages students in reading, writing and research practices essential to academic life, including developing a project for a research paper, searching for authoritative materials to use in that project, and presenting it in an edited paper that follows academic conventions of documentation and citation.

  PREREQUISITES:

• ENGL1012

  ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH

  ENGL1012
  ACADEMIC WRITING AND RESEARCH

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course engages students in reading, writing and research practices essential to academic life, including developing a project for a research paper, searching for authoritative materials to use in that project, and presenting it in an edited paper that follows academic conventions of documentation and citation.

  PREREQUISITES:

  ENGL1011

• ISTC1010

  DIGITAL LITERACY

  ISTC1010
  DIGITAL LITERACY

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  This course addresses information and technological literacy in the digital age. Students will develop cognitive and technological competencies in both the discovery and evaluation of information, as well as the creation and dissemination of content, all within a digital context. Students will be introduced to a set of basic digital tools, but the focus will be placed on developing the ability to adapt to new and changing technologies in the future.

  PREREQUISITES:

• LRUX1001

  LRX: FOUNDATIONS AND MISSION

  LRUX1001
  LRX: FOUNDATIONS AND MISSION

  Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

  This course will introduce new students to the Mission and History of La Roche University and the academic experience of a four-year college. Academically, the course will help prepare students for collegiate level course work, for career development, and for service through their respective disciplines. It will introduce students to the history and heritage of the entire University community that they have now joined and map out their journey through the La Roche experience.

  PREREQUISITES:

• LRUX2500

  INVESTIGATING SOCIAL PROBLEMS

  LRUX2500
  INVESTIGATING SOCIAL PROBLEMS

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  Through the lens of the University mission, this three-credit experiential course requires students to collaborate to plan and execute a service project. Students will engage with the community to develop critical thinking & problem-solving skills while fostering civic and community responsibility. Students will link opportunities to address community issues with sound educational experiences.

  PREREQUISITES:

• MATH1010

  COLLEGE ALGEBRA

  MATH1010
  COLLEGE ALGEBRA

  Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

  A traditional study of pre-calculus mathematics with emphasis on functions and relations. Includes a review of linear and quadratic equations, rational expressions, exponents, radicals and logarithms. Polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions are presented together with the conic sections, systems of equations, determinants, the binomial theorem and mathematical induction.

  PREREQUISITES:

  MATH0015 or Exam M015