A Synoptic Major is a course of study devised by an individual student in consultation with faculty advisors. Synoptic majors are typically interdisciplinary in nature. Students may elect to undertake a Minor course of study if they choose. Minor courses of study are offered by the departments of Anthropology, Art, Biology, Classics, Dance and Drama, Mathematics, Modern Languages and Literatures, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Religious Studies, and Sociology. A Concentration is very similar to a minor, except that it is interdisciplinary in nature.
Most interdisciplinary programs offer a concentration, while a few offer a major only.
While faculty members and administrators stand ready to counsel students about degree requirements, the final responsibility for meeting the requirements rests with each student. The student must successfully complete a major course of study, including the Senior Exercise. Of these, a minimum of 8 units must be earned at Kenyon on a letter-grade basis. Eight semesters of full-time undergraduate enrollment are required. A minimum of four of these semesters, including the senior year, must be completed at Kenyon College, on the Gambier campus.