Request Information
Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.
MSU Denver
The Individualized Degree Program (IDP) is a self-directed process you will undertake with the assistance of your IDP Advisor and a faculty advisor. In order to participate in an IDP, it is required that you contact an IDP advisor. Timely graduation is dependent upon your full engagement, follow-up, communication, and participation throughout the entire IDP process.
Students who complete and IDP must prepare a proposal, which includes a degree plan and an essay. The final proposal must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor, department chair, dean, and the Director of the Center for individualized Learning.
All students who are interested in the IDP must schedule a meeting with an IDP advisor to determine if the IDP is the right path for completing their degree:
IDP proposals should be submitted within 3 – 6 months of when you start developing your IDP, but at least one year prior to graduation. The earlier you develop your proposal, the better. Refer to the guidelines for other specific requirements for each program: IDP Major, IDP Extended Major, or IDP Minor.
2 semesters before graduation, to ensure you finish your degree on time:
May graduates – Submit final IDP proposal by September 30 (draft due 30 days earlier)
August graduates – Submit final IDP proposal by February 28 (draft due 30 days earlier)
December graduates – Submit final IDP proposal by May 31 (draft due 30 days earlier)
**Your IDP advisor May establish an earlier deadline based on your specific situation**
Possibilities for graduation on time diminish with each passing day after these deadlines. The deadlines above will ensure timely graduation. Students beginning or completing an IDP proposal outside these dates should consult with their IDP advisor and recognize that official graduation may be delayed by one or more semesters.
Please consult carefully with your IDP advisor to be sure that you submit your proposal in a timely fashion.
FINAL STEP: In addition to receipt of your signed IDP proposal in our office, candidates for graduation must apply to graduate online through the Student Hub. See the Registrar’s website or visit their office in JSSB for deadline dates (during the semester prior to when you plan to graduate). If your IDP proposal has not yet been received in our office, with signatures from your faculty advisor, department chair, and dean, you may not apply for graduation.
For more information or to set an appointment with your Center advisor, please call us at (303) 615-0525.
Please review the university IDP policies.
Please read the instructions before attempting to complete a degree plan. The worksheets and guide allow you to organize the courses that you would like to include in your individualized degree. You will need to know your catalog year in order to choose the correct worksheet. If you’re not sure of your catalog year, check with your advisor.
Please be prepared to enter
The worksheets include sections for General Studies, your major, a minor and general elective credits.
The forms are designed so you can save them to your computer, print them out and/or fill them out electronically. Each form is in spreadsheet format so it will automatically total your credits as you build your degree. However, UPPER DIVISION CREDITS WILL NOT BE TOTALED AUTOMATICALLY, so remember to check the total of upper division credits (3000 & 4000 level courses, or 9000 if transfer credit).
All degrees require a minimum of 40 upper division credits, and each major and minor will have specific upper division credit requirements. The form is not intended for use on a MAC and may not function properly if used on one.
Once you have completed a draft of the degree plan, please contact your IDP advisor to discuss steps for finalizing your degree.
A strong rationale is a main component of a successful Individualized Degree. The documents listed below contain suggestions to help you in your writing.
Choose either the IDP Major Essay Guide (for a regular or extended IDP), or the IDP Minor Essay Guide.
The Mandatory IDP Workshop is a 1.5-hour session that will provide an overview of the IDP process. During the first hour, students will learn how to complete their Degree Plan worksheet and Rationale essay and receive direction on how to select a faculty advisor for their IDP. The remaining 30 minutes will be used to address any individual questions students have.
Students are expected to access the live Teams meeting workshop on time. All the information presented is critical to your successful completion of the IDP proposal and your timely graduation.
To prepare, please review the IDP Requirements, the Degree Plan Guide, and the Rationale Essay Guide prior to the workshop. If possible, you should also prepare a draft of your degree plan prior to the workshop and bring it with you so that you can ask any questions you have.
Please use our contact form to request an advising appointment.
Please watch the video before your first appointment in order to learn more about the program.
We are located on the Auraria campus in the Administration Building, 1201 5th Street, Suite 360, across the street from the Auraria West Light Rail Station and above the Police Department. Feel free to phone us at 303-615-0525.
Contact UsPlease visit our Staff page,
for further assistance.