• Apply By
    Fall Priority: March 1; Final: Aug 1 | Spring Priority: Oct 1; Final: Dec 1
  • Admission GPA
    2.5+
  • Total Credits
    120 (including 30 for admission)
  • Cost
    Tuition | Fees
    Financial Aid

Design Your Own Degree

Are you interested in studying more than one discipline? Are you struggling to find the right major that fits your life goals? If so, the self-designed, individualized Inter-College Program (ICP) may be for you.

With the ICP major, you can earn a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. The program allows you to design a degree that will prepare you to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

Our experienced advisors will work closely with you to:

  • Explore your interests and the full range of options available at the University;
  • Choose coursework that meets your needs;
  • Offer ongoing support to ensure a rewarding academic experience.

 

What Is the Inter-College Program Major?

Read the video transcript.

Courses

You will build your unique Inter-College Program curriculum in close consultation with your advisor. ICP areas of study are defined by academic departments from around the University, such as Sustainability Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Youth Studies, Applied Business, Marketing, Carlson School of Management, Communications, etc.

BA degrees include course work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

  • The two-area degree option consists of 20 upper-division credits in each large area and 10 upper-division elective credits.
  • The three-area degree option consists of 20 upper-division credits in a large area, 12 upper-division credits in each of two smaller areas, and 6 upper-division elective credits.
  • The thematic degree option requires 40 upper-division credits chosen from at least three departments and two colleges, with 10 upper-division elective credits. Course work must have a consistent theme throughout.

Language Requirement

BA degrees also require completion of second language studies, which can be satisfied with the completion of one of two options: 1) four semesters of a single second language or 2) two semesters of a single second language and at least eight credits of coursework focused on the cultural, historical, or political aspects of any country/region associated with that language.

BS degrees pertain to the physical or biological sciences, have quantitative or investigative tools/methods expectations, or have a pronounced applied/professional component (e.g., public health, education, business, social work).

  • The two-area degree option requires 21 upper-division credits in each of two large areas and 8 upper-division supporting credits.
  • The three-area degree option consists of 20 upper-division credits in one large area and 15 upper-division credits in each of two small areas.
  • The thematic degree option requires 50 upper-division credits chosen from at least three departments and two colleges. Course work must have a consistent theme throughout.

You may have the opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree. Talk to your advisor for more information.

Career Outlook

Inter-College Program students find rewarding careers in areas such as finance, health care, business, and education, and many decide to go on to graduate school.

  • 89% Paid employment*
  • 4% Additional education*
  • 80%Job is very or somewhat related to area of study*
  •  

Our graduates have gone on to work for**:

  • National Park Service
  • Virgin Pulse
  • Mayo Clinic
  • NBA
  • General Mills
  • Cargill
  • IBM
  • Thomson Reuters
  • Hazelden Betty Ford
  • 3M

*Averages of graduates between 2019−20.
**Career and Internship Services

Alumni Job Titles

Here are just some of the positions recent ICP graduates were able to secure:

  • Athlete and Talent Coordinator
  • Cardiovascular Monitoring Technician
  • Case Manager
  • Corporate Sustainability and Social Responsibility Strategist
  • ER Tech
  • Financial Analyst
  • Human Resources Director
  • Mental Health Practitioner
  • On-Call Addiction Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Project Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Sales Reporting Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Supervisor of Production Scheduling
  • Technical Project Manager

Visit the Career and Internship Services website for more alumni data, job search and internship resources, and employment listings. 

Admissions Advising

Jeff Olsen Krengel enrollment advisor

Meet Jeff Olsen Krengel

I work with prospective students interested in our undergraduate applied science majors and those who want to design their own degree program. I’m available to answer your questions and help you find a program that meets your needs.

In my free time, I can be found reading, running with my son, or visiting a brewery. I am an avid sports fan cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota United FC, and Liverpool FC. 

Give me a call at 612-625-4340. Or you can send me a message or request an appointment below.

Apply

Fall Semester Application Deadline | Priority: March 1; Final: August 1
Spring Semester Application Deadline | Priority: October 1; Final: December 1

We will consider all applications received by the priority deadline for each term. Applications received between the priority deadline and the final deadline will be considered if space is available.

Application Steps

The Inter-College Program welcomes students who have completed at least 30 college credits, which will count toward your 120 credit total. You can apply if you don’t have 30 credits completed yet, but you should first talk to advisor Jeff Olsen Krengel.

  1. Make an appointment with Enrollment Advisor Jeff Olsen Krengel to discuss your goals and interests.
  2. Work with Jeff to apply for admission.

While developing your proposal, you can begin registering for courses.

What We Look For

  • Completion of 30 credits
  • GPA of 2.5+
  • Performance in relevant coursework
  • Demonstrated ability to meet expectations of individualized education

Student and Alumni Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Our inter-college degree lets you design an individualized program of study that spans two to three disciplines within one major, like business and design or public health and social justice. If you are having a hard time finding a degree that meets your educational interests, it may be the right option for you.

Your CCAPS advisor is your partner and educational navigator. Together, you'll examine your interests and career goals to build a personalized curriculum. Your relationship with your advisor will continue throughout your degree program, to support you in making the most of your university experience, as you progress toward graduation.

Because an inter-college degree is so personalized, the career possibilities are nearly endless. Eighty-nine percent of ICP alumni find paid employment within two years after graduation. While others decide to go to graduate or professional school to pursue an MBA, MPH, or medical degree.

Some job titles of ICP graduates include:

  • Athlete and Talent Coordinator
  • Case Manager
  • Corporate Sustainability and Social Responsibility Strategist
  • ER Tech
  • Financial Analyst
  • Human Resources Director
  • Mental Health Practitioner
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Project Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Software Engineer

Trying to choose a focus area in an interdisciplinary degree program can feel daunting. However, there are a few ways to narrow down your options and choose a focus area that's right for you. One way is to think about the courses that you've already taken. Which ones interested you the most? What did you enjoy studying? Is there a theme or pattern to the courses you're drawn to?

You’ll also want to consider your career goals. If you have a specific profession in mind, research the educational requirements for that field. Your advisor will be able to help you find the courses that meet those requirements. They can also help you identify which focus areas are compatible with your interests and goals.

Request Program Information

Do you want to receive:

  • snapshots of how other students put their education to work on the job?
  • ideas about how to fund your program?
  • career-boosting tips and inspiration?
  • stories about key faculty?
  • highlights on core courses?
  • generally interesting news about the program?

You can sign up for periodic updates here and we'll deliver these and more right to your inbox.

Important Links