Organizing Theme

The organizing theme major is designed for students with a strong interest in an interdisciplinary topic not covered by existing majors, double majors, or interdepartmental majors at Union.

This self-designed major lets you explore connections across disciplines. You'll submit a proposal describing your focus, course summaries, and inspiration for your theme. Approval is required from a chosen advisor and a faculty committee designated by the dean of studies.

The major requires courses from at least three departments, with a maximum of four courses from any single department. Students work with an advisor who supports the topic and understands its scope. A senior project or thesis is also required.

• Marketing: Explored business principles through courses in economics, psychology, visual arts and sociology.
• Data Analytics: Combined offerings in computer science, economics and statistics.
• Diplomacy: Used courses in history, anthropology, and political science.
• Electronic Musical Instrument Design: Integrated mechanical engineering, music, and audiovisual courses.
• Film theory and technology: Drew from courses in English, film studies, modern languages and literatures, and sexuality, gender and women’s studies.
• Sustainable design: Studied in the fields of mechanical engineering, environmental sciences and visual arts.
• Asia-related political and economic studies: Involved economics, Chinese and political science courses.