A novel academic framework – Extended Major

What are Extended Majors?

The world is changing fast; technology is evolving faster than ever and shaping the rules and future of our society. Companies and individuals that do not keep up with some of the major tech trends run the risk of being left behind. Understanding the key trends will allow people and businesses to prepare and grasp the opportunities. So, on top of highly specialized experts, the society needs talents with multidimensional visions and knowledge, who can apply innovative technological skills to solve real-world problems.

To promptly answer the need for this special breed of graduates in an effective way, EMIA proposes enriching existing Majors with extended study in “X”, which should be innovative in emerging area of significance recognized for the current need, and could be essential for the future scientific, engineering, business and social breakthrough. “X” can be quickly identified and launched.

The Extended Major framework (Major+X) offers an organic study pattern for students from different disciplines to learn solid knowledge from their own Majors PLUS innovative application of “X” in their Major areas. Students need not take a full degree of “X” to learn about emerging technologies. The “X” is guaranteed at the time of admission and starts in the first year of study. Students are allowed to opt out and withdraw from the “Major+X” program.

Educational Objectives

The Extended Major (Major+X) framework aims to achieve the following objectives, 

1. To expand the breadth of single disciplinary study to enable students to keep abreast of emerging technology and innovation that are shaping our society in multi-faceted ways.  

2. To allow quick launch of “X” to enable students to learn the best of “X” during its climax of development.

3. To train students to apply innovative technological knowledge and cross-disciplinary problem-solving skills to solve real business, scientific or socio-economic problems relevant to their Major areas.  

4. To provide practical experience to students through project-based learning, professional seminars, cross-disciplinary capstone projects. 

Intended Learning Outcomes

Our graduates will be able to achieve the intended learning outcomes of their Major (ref. ILOs of the corresponding major) PLUS the following ILOs of “Major+X” program. 

1. Identify emerging technology and innovations that will create opportunities and values for people, business and society.  
2. Integrate knowledge and mindset drawn from different disciplines. 
3. Apply innovative knowledge and practical problem-solving skills to tackle real business, scientific or socio-economic problems relevant to their Major areas.  

Curriculum Framework

Extended Major is not a standalone major. It is adhered to a certain relevant majors as expanded choices for admission of students. Students who wish to withdraw from the Extended Major should apply before the last day of the add/drop period in the first regular term of their final year of study.

The curriculum of an Extended Major should comprise 21-24 credits, with two compulsory courses in Cross-disciplinary Seminar and Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking. In addition, the capstone project of the students’ Major should include elements of “X”. 

Out of the 21-24 credits as required by the Extended Major, at least 12 credits should be single-counted towards the Extended Major. These 12 credits cannot be used to fulfill any other requirements for graduation except for the 120-credit degree requirement. For credit transfer, students can transfer a maximum total of 6 credits to the Extended Major program.

To graduate with an Extended Major, students must have enrolled in the Extended Major, complete a minimum of 21 credits and all of its requirements, as well as the requirements of the major program of study; and have attained an average grade point of at least 2.15 in courses taken within the Extended Major.