Karina Wojnar (above), the most recently declared SDIM, created a program about Social Justice and Global Citizenship.
There are science majors, business majors, and liberal arts majors. But what if you don’t fit into any of them? Well, there’s a program at Siena for that! It’s the interdisciplinary major that is self-designed by the student and is more commonly known as “create-your-own” major. This path allows students to follow their passions in a custom tailored program. This rigorous program provides students with the opportunity to create a unique major that genuinely expresses their interests, all culminating in a thesis research paper. We interviewed two students who have declared a SDIM and the interim director of the program, Dr. Swan, to find out more about this great program.
What is the interdisciplinary major?
Dr. Swan: The Student Designed Interdisciplinary Major is a major that students design themselves consisting of an integrated set of courses they select from three or more departments.  It is a rigorous  program for highly motivated students who have a clear plan and the creativity and determination to chart their own course of study.  It is designed for students who have a specific interest other than ones covered by traditional majors. SDIMs allows students to tailor their academic curriculum to their particular passions.  It is particularly beneficial for students whose interests might be in a major that Siena does not have or that crosses several of the traditional disciplines but is only represented partially by any one of them.  It also can allow students who are particularly excited about a minor at the college to turn it into a major. Just some examples of SDIM Concentrations that students have graduated with, are currently pursuing, or are in the process of proposing include Global Gender Studies, Russian Studies, Sports Administration, Social Justice, Health Studies, and Broadcast Journalism. Other options could be things like Cognitive Neuroscience, Catholic Studies, Bioethics, Asian Studies, or International Law, but the possibilities are endless.
What type of student would you recommend this program to?
Dr. Swan: I would recommend the SDIM to students who are bright, self-driven, and have a clear vision of what they want to study. Â Students must have a minimum of a 3.3 GPA to enter the program and to remain in it. Â The students also must have the initiative to work with the SDIM Director, the faculty advisor they select, and a group of faculty that they recruit for the major.
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How can I be a part of the SDIM program?
If you are eager to start, contact Dr. Tom Swan at tswan@siena.edu . If you want to start the process in the upcoming fall contact Dr. Lois Daly at ldaly@siena.edu at the beginning of next semester. You must have at least sophomore status to officially apply for the major, but you can start the process and discussion at any time.
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What you need to apply:
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At least a 3.3 GPA
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Resume
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A one-page rationale for your plan of study
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11 possible courses (33 credits) and participation in the mandatory Research Colloquium and Capstone for a total of 39 credits
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Faculty willing to be a part of a mentoring group (1 main advisor and at least 2 other faculty members)
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4-6 specific learning outcomes you will achieve through your major grounded in the college learning outcomes
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A letter of recommendation from your chosen faculty advisor
After you’ve met with the Director of the program and potential advisors, start with all this paperwork!
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The Student Perspective
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What does this offer you that a traditional major does not? How does it challenge and engage you?
Eric Brower: As far as a traditional major, it gives more freedom. It allows me to take classes that are more pertinent to what I want to do. It’s the ability to select what I’m interested in and get the knowledge for what I’ll particularly need as opposed to taking things that don’t pertain that I would have to take, such as in the management major. It was a bunch of extra stuff that I wouldn’t have time to do. It gave me the flexibility of getting a roughly equivalent degree on my own terms that fit with the time I had left and my interests. Yes, it’s definitely been challenging in that I’ve taken classes that I never thought I would. I never thought of myself taking any marketing classes. It gave me a new way to look at things. I never really thought I’d be someone who was into marketing, but I like it now – it’s a very creative thing. It lets me do things that I wouldn’t have originally planned on doing. This encourages students to be creative and encourages them to come up with their own major and be able to use all the resources that Siena has and all the different realms of knowledge we have on campus. Put it together into something that is really useful and powerful and engaging for them. This experience also taught me how much Siena faculty wants you to succeed and work with you.
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Karina Wojnar: I’ve always considered myself a well-rounded person. Coming to college, I was worried that I wouldn’t find that one traditional subject I was good at. I’m not a traditional-minded person, so there was no way I could take the traditional path and be happy. This interdisciplinary approach helped me not only find my subject but also my passion. I work at the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center (we promote social justice, diversity, and equality on campus). Working there, I realized that I needed to know more if I wanted to do more. We are always told, “do what you love.” Why not study what you love as well? That way, when we get to the “real world” we will be ready to do what we love expertly. It’s the most incredible feeling in the world to be able to study, work and live my passion in every aspect of my life. Only the SDIM program could help me achieve this! Click here for her proposal
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Eric Brower is currently a junior who is doing a SDIM in Sports Administration, while also majoring in Political Science. Karina Wojnar is currently a sophomore who is doing a SDIM in Social Justice and Global Citizenship. She is also double minoring in Economics and Creative Arts.
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The SDIM program is not for everyone, but it offers a great choice for those who have an interest that isn’t represented in the traditional college-offered majors. The SDIM is a great way to explore and focus on a topic you’re really passionate about.