Social Studies Degrees

The Independent Major

The College provides the Independent Major for those students whose academic interests do not match the course requirements of existing majors.

A student may design an independent major and submit a detailed written proposal to the Independent Study Committee. The proposal must be prepared with the aid of one or two advisors who write letters of support and agree to assume responsibility for the duration of the program. The program must include a balance of lower and upper level courses normally totaling one third or more of the total credit hours required for graduation. In many cases, independent majors take their courses from two or more departments. In this case, students are asked to have two advisors, from different departments.

Many independent major proposals include courses taken abroad or in other institutions. In such cases, the applicant should check with Off-Campus Studies to make sure that the proposed program will be approved before submitting the independent major proposal. Approval of the independent major does not imply approval of the off-campus study portion.

An independent major should be a coherent program of study with a specific focus, rather than simply a haphazard choice of courses. The driving principle of a major should be discussed in the written proposal. If the college offers a minor in the subject, the courses required for the minor should be taken as a starting point for a major. To ensure depth, the student is required to engage in a synthesizing research project during the senior year, normally in the form of an independent study.

Independent majors must be approved by the end of a student’s sixth semester at Colby. To streamline the decision process on independent majors, the Independent Study Committee has set the 30th day of each semester as the target date for independent major proposals. Proposals received after that date may have to wait until the next semester to be considered.

Students pursuing independent majors should keep in touch with the committee, which must be notified about any changes in their program; substantial changes, or a change of advisor, must be approved by the committee.

Independent majors may receive a distinction in their major upon graduating if they have an overall GPA of at least 3.5.
Inquiries about independent majors should be directed to Maria Colbert in the Spanish Department ( or x4682). Applications can be downloaded in electronic form.

The Colby experience is challenging and uplifting, enlightening and provocative, dynamic and focused.
It is relationships between professors and students that transform both. It fosters intellectual and personal growth, with graduates emerging as conscientious, committed leaders ready to make a profound impact on their world.
A Colby education is distinctly inspired.
Railroad Square Cinema offers a venue for screening alternative films that don’t show up in chain cinemas. Students count on Railroad’s selections to be eclectic, funky, and diverse. They also sell unconventional snacks (like gourmet chocolate) and have a rotating display of local art in the lobby.
Green Grad Vid

Commencement 2008 marked Colby’s first Green Graduation, complete with cups and utensils made from biodegradable materials and lots of other sustainability measures.

African-American Studies
Interdepartmental Programs

Three track options are available for students who wish to major in this interdisciplinary area: the History track, the Literature track, and the Sociology track. All majors must include among their chosen track offerings The African American in theUnited States I (AAM-367), The African American in the United States II (AAM-377), African Literature (AAM/ENG-166), African American Literature (AAM/ENG-267), and an Independent Study (AAM-8 5) in their senior year.

Students planning to major in this area should consider carefully what they expect to do following graduation. They should seek close advising in examining programs of study. Supportive courses outside the major should be chosen wisely.

Associate of General Studies (AGS) and Certificate of Completion (CC)

Professional/Technical programs at Clackamas Community College provide the skills and work experience you’ll need to qualify for a job upon graduation. Each program is planned with the help of local industry representatives to meet the needs of the current job market. Trained, experienced professionals provide instruction, and classes are conducted in an industry-like work setting with the latest equipment. Cooperative Work Experience is an important feature of all CCC professional/technical programs. This special arrangement between CCC and local employers provides you with the opportunity to get on-the-job experience in the field of your choice while earning credit toward your degree or certificate. CCC offers both one-year and two-year programs designed for employment in the field (many professional/technical programs offer both options).

Careers and Further Study

Careers in almost any field are open to geographers. Our graduates have been appointed to posts in administration, finance, management, the armed forces, computing, industry, international aid, development and environmental agencies, and education. Almost all of our graduates are in employment within a few months of graduating, or progress to postgraduate study. The typical level of employment at the census, six months after graduation, is 96%.
Selection

Conditional offers are made following UCAS applications. Those offered a place are invited to attend one of our Departmental Open Days. We welcome applications from mature students.

Students with qualifications other than A Levels seeking admission will be considered on an individual basis, and may be invited for interview.