BS Independent Major at University of Miami

Programme overview

The BA or BS degree in the Independent Major allows highly self-motivated students to explore either an existing field that is not an explicitly designated major in the College and at UM (e.g., linguistics) or one that is emerging (e.g., peace studies) under the supervision of a Faculty Guidance Committee. The Independent Major must consist of at least thirty (30) credit hours of coursework beyond those needed to fulfill General Education requirements.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Location: Coral Gables, FL, United States

What you will study

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Sufficient credits must be earned in electives to enable the student to complete this minimum of 120 credits.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level requirements, not specific to this major: Common Application with personal statement (650 words or fewer, no supplemental essay), list of extracurricular activities, letter(s) of recommendation, and standardized test scores (test scores optional for performance programmes in the Frost School of Music, BFA programmes, the School of Architecture and applicants from schools outside the United States); TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test for applicants whose native language is not English.

USD 66,312 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 (preliminary, subject to Board of Trustees approval in spring); full-time rate (12-20 credit hours per semester), same for on-campus, off-campus and with-family students; excludes mandatory fees ($2,030), housin Source

First-year entry is in the Fall term (Fall 2027 plans: Early Decision I, Early Action, Early Decision II, Regular Decision); a Spring first-year entry is also offered. Transfer students may enter in Fall or Spring. The Frost School of Music admits for Fall only.

Fall 2027 first-year deadlines: Early Decision I and Early Action, November 1; Early Decision II and Regular Decision, January 5 (Frost School of Music Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants must apply by December 1). Regular Decision notification is April 1. Spring first-year application deadline is November 1.

Transfer application deadlines: Fall term April 1; Spring term November 1; decisions are rolling.

Undergraduate applications are made through the Common Application with a $75 nonrefundable application fee. Standardized test scores are required, except for applicants to Frost School of Music performance programmes, College of Arts and Sciences BFA programmes, the School of Architecture, and students from high schools outside the United States, who may choose whether to submit scores.

Apply through the official page: https://www.commonapp.org/school/university-miami

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