Programs of Emphasis (POE)

Individually Designed Areas of Academic Concentration

Alma College’s POE concentration has nothing to do with celebrated poet Edgar Allan Poe. It has everything to do with preparing students for success in their chosen careers.

POE is an Alma acronym for Program of Emphasis, an academic option for students who desire an interdisciplinary focus that builds beyond traditional majors. With the assistance of a faculty advisor, students may design their own area of concentration to meet specific educational or career goals, constructing a rationale for their course choices, a unifying structure and senior capstone project.

Students find POEs appealing because they combine disciplines that are not typically combined. No two POEs are alike as each one is tailored to the specific needs of the individual student.

In recent years, students have graduated with POEs in such fields as environmental policy, foreign service, international relations, music technology and digital media, anthropology and museum studies, personnel administration and pre-gerontology.

Students pursuing POEs often develop independent relationships with multiple faculty members. Many also receive recognition or interest outside of Alma College because of the focused commitment that is inherent in obtaining a POE. Alma faculty are enthusiastic about POEs because they highlight independent learning and real intellectual curiosity.

Who do I contact to find out more about pursuing a Program of Emphasis?

Talk first to faculty members who know your work and who might serve as likely mentors. Program of Emphasis applications (PDF, 85Kb) are available from the Provost’s Office Website. Submit completed applications to the Registrar’s Office for review by a POE committee.

How many credits must I take to fulfill the requirements for a Program of Emphasis?

With the assistance of a faculty advisor, students design a concentration comprising 56 to 68 credits in academic courses—and often independent study, internships and practica—to meet specific educational or career goals. All POEs also include a senior capstone activity.

Dr. Peggy Thelen wanted to be a teacher since she was a young girl, but she did not take a direct route to the classroom. As an undergraduate, the assistant professor of education earned a degree in business administration. After working in the business field for many years, she went back to college, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Thelen also earned a Master of Arts degree in elementary administration. After substitute teaching in elementary and middle school classrooms, and teaching preschool for many years, Thelen earned a doctorate from Michigan State University in family and child ecology.