Individually Created Programs (ICP)/Individualized Studies Major

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Students with clearly defined educational goals that do not correspond to existing programs at NMU can choose this bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree with the phrase “Individualized Studies” appearing in place of the major on the transcript. In consultation with their advisers, students develop a program of individualized concentration which is then submitted to the Committee for Undergraduate Programs (CUP). Students can select their own advisers or obtain advice in the Registrar’s Office about which advisers might be most suitable.

The form used to develop the individually created program is available in the Registrar’s Office. Once the program is drawn up and approved by the CUP, the approved outline is filed with the Registrar’s Office as an official contract. Any changes in the contract are submitted to the CUP and filed. The committee may withdraw approval on the recommendation of the adviser in cases where the student’s academic capacities clearly fall short of the stated goals.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs department page.

Total Credits Required 120 Credits

General Education 40 Credits

Students must complete a minimum of 40 credits in General Education for all degrees.

Students may “double count” courses between the Individualized Studies Major and the General Education Program.

Required Course 4 Credits

ICP 498 - Directed Study for Individually Created Program 4 Credits

Approved Program Courses 32 Credits

The following guidelines apply to the degree:

Students must complete 40 credits of program study, 24 of which must be completed after the program is approved.
The program may not include courses that would comprise more than 80% of any approved departmental major.
Students interested in an individually created program within the College of Business will coordinate with a College of Business adviser. If
it is determined that more than 25% of the individually created program is appropriate in business, the adviser will make certain that the
courses chosen meet the common body of knowledge requirements of The American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.
Students with a concentration outside of the College of Business may not take more than 25 percent of their program from courses
taught by the College of Business.
Admission into an ICP begins immediately upon approval by CUP.

Concentration 40 Credits

The program must include 20 credits at the upper-division (300-400) level, including at least 4 credits of 400-level directed study to serve
as a capstone.

Students must obtain a “C” (2.00) or better in all courses in the concentration.

General Electives 0-50 Credits

If needed to reach 120 credits required for degree.