Create your path. Design your future.
At Presbyterian College, students with unique academic goals have the opportunity to chart their own course through the Student-Designed Interdepartmental Minor. This program empowers students to work closely with faculty advisors to create a customized minor that bridges disciplines and aligns with their passions and career aspirations. By integrating coursework from multiple departments, students gain a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education tailored specifically to their interests.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Pursue academic interests that span multiple fields and challenge traditional boundaries. - Broaden your knowledge.
Combine courses across disciplines such as business, science, the humanities, and the arts to create a dynamic academic experience. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities through a personalized and rigorous academic plan. - Become a critical thinker.
Learn to synthesize knowledge from different perspectives and build innovative solutions to complex challenges.
18 Hours
Required for Student-Designed Interdepartmental minor coursework
Interdisciplinary Approach
A truly liberal arts approach that spans two or more academic departments
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
What You’ll Study
Students propose a curriculum that blends coursework from multiple academic disciplines. Each student-designed minor must be built around a clear unifying theme or objective, with courses selected to provide both depth and breadth. Faculty advisors guide students in constructing a program that maintains academic rigor and relevance to their future plans.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for the liberal arts through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in A Student-Designed Field
The Student-Designed Interdepartmental Minor prepares students for careers requiring versatility, creativity, and interdisciplinary expertise. Graduates leverage their unique blend of skills to succeed in diverse fields such as consulting, entrepreneurship, public service, communications, nonprofit leadership, and technology. A custom minor also strengthens applications for graduate or professional schools where distinct academic preparation is valued.
Career Professions
Innovation Consultant
Policy Analyst
Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
Nonprofit Program Manager
Communications Specialist
Public Relations Officer
Data Analyst
Market Researcher
Social Impact Strategist
Community Development Officer
Cultural Program Director
Higher Education Administrator
Technical Writer
Digital Media Manager
Healthcare Administrator (with specialized coursework)
International Affairs Specialist
Legal Advocate (Pre-law track)
Creative Director
Research Associate
Sustainability Coordinator
Acquired Skills
Interdisciplinary problem-solving
Research and data analysis
Critical and creative thinking
Strategic planning and project management
Effective written and oral communication
Adaptability across professional fields
Innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
Cross-cultural competency
Leadership and team collaboration
Policy and trend analysis
Ethical reasoning and decision-making
Public speaking and presentation
Organizational development
Event planning and coordination
Advocacy and civic engagement
Analytical reasoning across disciplines
Self-directed learning and initiative
Design thinking and creative strategy
Conflict resolution
Professional networking and relationship-building
Quick Stats
$60,000
Average Median Salary
Salaries for student-designed degree holders vary widely depending on the focus area—ranging from $45,000 to over $80,000 in fields like entrepreneurship, tech, or interdisciplinary science. The ability to tailor a degree to emerging industries or niche roles can lead to strong earning potential when aligned with market demand.
6-10% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
Employment prospects are favorable, especially when the custom degree aligns with in-demand fields such as sustainability, digital media, data science, or social innovation. A student-designed program can provide a competitive edge by showcasing initiative and cross-disciplinary skills sought by employers.
Moderate Versatility
Career Diversity Index
This degree offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to combine disciplines like business, art, tech, or public health into a unique career path. Graduates pursue roles in startups, nonprofits, government, or custom careers that may not fit traditional categories—making this one of the most adaptable academic paths.
Source(s): NCES
