IDP Proposal Process: Instructions
Submit IDP proposal within three months from first IDP appointment.
Final approval takes 4-8 weeks after proposal is submitted to CIL.
1. Create Degree Plan and Title
⧠COURSES.Make a listof relevant past, present, and future courses to create a draft of your Individualized Degree Plan.
⧠ FACULTY ADVISOR.In addition to an IDP advisor, you must work with a faculty member who will help you shape your IDP and approve your title. Identify this person and have a discussion about your ideas.
⧠DEGREE PLAN.
Fill out the Degree Plan worksheet. Sharethe first draft of your Degree Plan withboth yourIDP advisor and selected faculty advisor forfeedback. Revise as needed.(Do not get signatures yet).
⧠TITLE.
Determine a final title for your program, in consultation with your faculty advisor. Note that at least one Department Chair will need to approve your title.
2. Create Rationale Essay
⧠ESSAY.
Using the guideline, “How to Write the Rationale Essay,” createa firstdraft and then sharewith your IDP advisor; reviseas needed. (link to essay instructions)
3. Refine the IDP Proposal
⧠DEGREE REQUIREMENTS.
Ensure you have met the requirements for the IDP and the MSU degree as described on the reverse side of this page.
⧠ADDITIONAL HELP.
If desired, meet with IDP Peer Mentor to review your entire proposal for additional feedback and editing.
4. Submit IDP Proposal for Approval
⧠APPROVAL FORM.
Meet with your IDP advisor to obtain and sign the approval form and assemble the IDP proposal packet. At this point, complete the culminating reflectionprovided by your advisor.
⧠SIGNATURES.
Take the IDP packet to your faculty advisor and the corresponding department Chair for signatures. If either asks you to make additional revisions, do so. Return signed packet to IDP office.
⧠BE PATIENT.
Wait to hear if Dean and Director of the CIL approve your proposal.
5. Complete the Post-Approval Steps
⧠GRADUATION.
Make an appointment with your IDP advisor to review your Degree Progress Report or CAPP Report so that you can be sure to graduate.At the beginning of your last semester, go to the Student Hub and apply online to graduate. NOTE THE DEADLINE.
Individualized Degree Program (IDP)
MISSION:
The Individualized Degree Program (IDP) at MSU Denver (within the Center for Individualized Learning) offers students the opportunity to propose a major or minor specifically designed to meet their educational goals, if those goals cannot be met by formal curricula described in our catalog. The IDP also serves as an incubator for new academic programs at the University, allowing the University to respond quickly to changing needs in the community and workplace.
GOALS:
The Center for Individualized Learning promotes:
- Academic Integrity
The IDP program offers students the opportunity to propose an interdisciplinary major or minor specifically designed to meet their educational goals if those goals cannot be met by formal curricula described in the MSU Denver catalog.
- Critical Thinking
The IDP program supports students to be well-educated, critically-thinking community members who contribute and participate to society in meaningful ways.
- Transformative Learning
The IDP program provides students with the opportunity to develop a unique, individualized program of study (major or minor) that encourages students to become agents of their own learning today and in the future.
REQUIREMENTS:
Students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA to submit an IDP proposal. The requirements for IDPs depend on the program of study: IDP majors require 40 hours of coursework, IDP extended majors require 60, and minors require 20. Students may be required to choose a catalog minor or major to accompany their IDP program.
All students must also meet the MSU degree requirements (including General Studies, 40 hours of upper-division course work, a Multicultural course, and a Senior Experience). Complete your Math and English requirements for General Studies as soon as possible.