Will Shortz

Will Shortz, BA'74

Major: Enigmatology

Will Shortz is the only person in the world to hold a degree in enigmatology, the study of puzzles, which he earned through the Individualized Major Program. Shortz is crossword editor of the New York Times and puzzlemaster of National Public Radio's Weekend Edition Sunday. He is the founder of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and the World Puzzle Championship and was featured in the 2006 documentary film Wordplay.

"Figure out what you like in life and go after it," he says. "Whatever it is that you want to do, whether it's something odd or something ordinary, go after it."

Photo by Donald Christensen

The Individualized Major Program gives you the freedom to create a multidisciplinary major that addresses issues and explores topics of your own choosing. The ability to select major courses from Indiana University's many schools and departments puts you in charge of your education in ways that conventional majors don't allow. As a student in the IMP you'll have the opportunity, rare in an institution of IU's size, to develop a close working relationship with one or more faculty sponsors who will guide you throughout your academic career. And, when you graduate, you'll have the distinction of having pursued a personalized course of study. Learn more about the IMP.


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