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Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ’s Student Initiated Major (SIM) offers highly motivated and academically successful students the opportunity to design a personalized interdisciplinary degree program. Drawing from two or more academic disciplines, this unique option allows students to explore specialized interests, integrate diverse fields of study, and prepare for graduate work or careers that require a broad, customized knowledge base. Students collaborate closely with a faculty advisory committee to develop and execute a rigorous academic plan tailored to their professional and intellectual goals.

As a Student Initiated Major student at Bethel, you will:

• Collaborate with a faculty committee to design a personalized interdisciplinary curriculum, integrating coursework from at least two distinct academic disciplines.
  

• Engage in critical and integrative thinking to draw connections across subject areas, emphasizing the liberal arts foundation of research, reflection, and innovation.
  

• Gain experience in academic planning and proposal writing, as you develop and defend a rationale for your custom-designed program.
  

• Demonstrate depth in your field through an individual study capstone course, which synthesizes learning and research across disciplines.
  

• Explore diverse topics, ideas, and methods relevant to complex, real-world problems, guided by faculty from multiple academic areas.
  

• Prepare for graduate study or niche careers where flexibility, interdisciplinary knowledge, and problem-solving are key.

Management Analyst

Management analysts evaluate organizational processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and profitability. They work across industries, often blending knowledge of business, communication, and data analysis.

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Median Salary: $99,410 (May 2024)
• Job Outlook: 10% growth (much faster than average) through 2033

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists craft and maintain a positive public image for individuals, organizations, or causes. This role benefits from a blend of communication, media, and cultural studies—common components of student-designed majors.

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Median Salary: $68,290 (May 2024)
• Job Outlook: 6% growth (faster than average) through 2033

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study consumer behavior and market trends to help organizations make informed decisions. Interdisciplinary majors that combine psychology, statistics, and business are especially well-suited for this role.

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Median Salary: $78,880 (May 2024)
• Job Outlook: 13% growth (much faster than average) through 2033

Program or Project Manager

Program and project managers coordinate resources, timelines, and teams to achieve organizational goals. This role is ideal for SIM graduates who combine leadership, communication, and technical or policy knowledge.

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Median Salary: $102,450 (May 2024, aligned with general operations managers)
• Job Outlook: 5% growth (faster than average) through 2033