Cotton creates major in international sales and marketing

Rising junior Olivia Cotton knew she wanted to focus on business for her major, but she also wanted to incorporate her other passions–travel and learning about different cultures and religions.

So creating an individualized major at Cornell College was the perfect path for her.

“I feel so good about this opportunity because I wouldn’t be able to make up my own major and study with the block plan at any other school,” Cotton said. “It’s great that I can just focus on my own interests and not feel like I’m wasting any time or energy.” 

Cotton, who is also a wrestling and track and field athlete at Cornell, filed her paperwork with the Registrar’s Office during her sophomore year when it was time to declare a major. 

Her major: International Sales and Marketing.

Cornell students wishing to declare an individualized major choose three faculty members from at least two different departments to work with. The team then constructs a major consisting of at least nine courses, including a capstone experience. The student files a contract with the Registrar’s Office by the middle of their third year at Cornell (or earlier, like Cotton) and completes the general education requirements for a B.A. degree.

“At first, I wanted to major in business analytics but when wanting to travel abroad, I decided to make my own major in order to incorporate the topics that I’m more interested in,” Cotton said. “I was interested in religion, philosophy, and art classes so I take those along with a lot of business classes. I think the best part about this though, is traveling abroad next year. I am going to Indonesia next year for the fall semester, and I get to study my own topics there as well as thoroughly learn the Bahasa Indonesian language.” 

Cotton said she selected her classes and wrote an essay to declare her individualized major. She says the process is straightforward, but she advises others who are interested in an individualized major to stay organized.

“There’s a lot of meetings required and things to think about, so it’s important to stay organized and on top of all of it.”

Students who pursue an individualized major also have the option to seek a second major. And the flexibility of the One Course At A Time curriculum allows students to change direction mid-semester, so if they discover a new interest, they don’t have to wait to change gears.

Now Cotton is on her way to exploring new places during the rest of her college career and accomplishing her International Sales and Marketing major to prepare her for her dream job.

Read stories about seniors Caitlyne Mar and Luke Baldwin who also created individualized majors.