This major is designed by the student to meet the personal needs and objectives of the student. Any student may petition for approval of a program not accommodated by any existing majors. Thus, a student with a Liberal Studies major may not have any other major. The student should consult with the Senior Vice Provost, who will, in consultation with appropriate members of the faculty, determine if the student’s objective can be met with available faculty and courses.

In consultation with the departmental personnel involved and appropriate faculty mentors, the student must prepare both a plan of study, a detailed statement concerning the purpose of the proposed special program, and an appropriate "senior comprehensive exam/project." The plan, statement, and senior comprehensive, accompanied by a supporting statement from each relevant department chair, is submitted by the Senior Vice Provost to the Curriculum Committee for approval. It is expected that all proposals for a Liberal Studies major will be submitted to the Senior Vice Provost in time to be approved by the Curriculum Committee before the end of the second semester of the student’s junior year. A student's failure to submit a proposal for a Liberal Studies major before the graduation application deadline may result in the student not being able to graduate in a timely manner.