M.F.A. in Studio Art
California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), stands as a vibrant hub for artistic ex...
Special Major (Undergraduate)
Sacramento, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Special Major (Undergraduate) at California State University - Sacramento is a flexible and individualized program designed for students whose academic interests and career goals do not fit into existing majors. This program allows students to create a customized course of study tailored to their unique interests and professional aspirations. Students work closely with faculty advisors to design their curriculum, integrating courses from various disciplines to achieve their academic and career objectives. The Special Major offers an opportunity for students to explore interdisciplinary approaches and gain a well-rounded education aligned with their personal and professional goals.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Special Major (Undergraduate) is highly personalized and developed in collaboration with academic advisors. Students begin by outlining their educational and career goals and identifying the courses and academic experiences needed to achieve them. The program typically includes core courses from multiple disciplines, allowing students to build a broad knowledge base while focusing on their specific areas of interest. Students may also engage in independent studies, internships, and projects that support their individualized academic plan. This tailored approach ensures that students receive an education that is both relevant and comprehensive, meeting their unique needs and aspirations.
Research Focus: Research within the Special Major program is guided by the individual interests of the students and their chosen areas of study. Students have the flexibility to pursue research projects that align with their specific academic and career goals. This might include interdisciplinary research that spans multiple fields or specialized studies within a particular discipline. Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty advisors to develop and conduct research projects that contribute to their field of interest. This focus on personalized research enables students to explore innovative ideas and make meaningful contributions to their chosen areas of study.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the Special Major program, as students are encouraged to gain practical experience relevant to their personalized academic plans. This may involve internships, fieldwork, and collaborative projects with industry professionals. Students have the opportunity to connect with professionals in their chosen fields, gaining valuable insights and hands-on experience that enhances their educational journey. Industry engagement helps students build a professional network, develop practical skills, and apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
Global Perspective: The Special Major (Undergraduate) program emphasizes a global perspective by encouraging students to incorporate international and cross-cultural elements into their personalized studies. Students may choose to include courses with global or comparative perspectives, engage in study abroad programs, or participate in international research projects. This global outlook ensures that students are aware of and prepared for the diverse and interconnected nature of today’s world. By integrating global perspectives into their academic plans, students gain a broader understanding of international issues and are better equipped to work in a globalized environment.
Location
Sacramento, California
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 16872
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: US$ 70
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 64 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 105.
California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse achievements, making education more accessible to deserving students from around the world.
International Student Scholarship: CSUS offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and provide partial tuition waivers. Eligibility criteria vary, but they typically consider academic achievements and potential contributions to the campus community.
American English and Culture Program (AECP) Scholarships: CSUS's AECP offers scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional English language proficiency and academic potential. These scholarships can cover a portion of the program's tuition costs.
Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within CSUS offer scholarships to students based on their field of study. International students may be eligible for department-specific scholarships that recognize achievements and contributions within a particular academic area.
Private Scholarships: CSUS encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from foundations, organizations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be awarded based on factors such as nationality, academic performance, and community involvement.
Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: CSUS values diversity and offers scholarships that celebrate students from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. International students who contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment may be eligible for these scholarships.
Global Education Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically designed for international students to help cover educational expenses. They recognize students' commitment to their education and their potential to make a positive impact on the global community.
Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUS provides opportunities for international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in different countries and gain diverse academic experiences.
It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.
Graduates with a Special Major (Undergraduate) from California State University - Sacramento benefit from a highly personalized and flexible education that equips them for a diverse range of career opportunities. The Special Major allows students to design an academic program that aligns with their specific career goals and interests, leading to a variety of potential career paths.
Interdisciplinary Consultant: With a custom-tailored education, graduates can serve as consultants in fields that require expertise from multiple disciplines, offering insights and solutions that address complex issues in areas such as business, technology, and education.
Project Manager: The ability to integrate knowledge from various fields makes graduates well-suited for project management roles, where they can oversee and coordinate projects across different sectors, ensuring successful outcomes and efficient processes.
Entrepreneur: Graduates with a Special Major often have the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses or ventures, leveraging their unique educational background to identify opportunities and create innovative solutions in their chosen industries.
Research Analyst: The interdisciplinary approach of the Special Major prepares graduates for roles as research analysts, where they can conduct in-depth studies and analyze data across various fields, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Policy Advisor: With a broad educational foundation, graduates can work as policy advisors, using their expertise to develop, analyze, and advocate for policies in government, non-profit organizations, or private sector entities.
Education Specialist: Graduates may pursue careers in education, where their diverse academic background enables them to teach or develop educational programs that integrate multiple disciplines and address various learning needs.
Non-Profit Manager: The flexibility of the Special Major equips graduates to manage and lead non-profit organizations, where they can apply their knowledge to address social issues and support community initiatives.
Communications Specialist: Graduates can work in communications roles, where their ability to understand and convey complex information across different subjects is valuable for creating effective messaging and engaging diverse audiences.
Healthcare Administrator: With a customized focus on healthcare or related fields, graduates can pursue administrative roles in healthcare settings, managing operations and contributing to the efficient delivery of healthcare services.
Creative Director: For those with a creative emphasis in their Special Major, career options include roles as creative directors in industries such as media, advertising, and entertainment, where they can lead projects and drive creative strategies.
