The Individualized Studies concentration option allows students to combine professional studies with the liberal arts and sciences into a cohesive course of study. The Individualized Studies concentration is not meant to serve merely as a convenient repository for a collection of assorted credits. It provides the opportunity to integrate a broad range of accumulated knowledge and new learning into an interdisciplinary program which will meet an individual’s career and/or personal needs. Students who anticipate pursuing graduate studies upon completion of the baccalaureate degree should incorporate the necessary prerequisites into the concentration. For example, a course in research methods is frequently such a prerequisite.

The key to receiving approval for this concentration is the student’s ability to explain the rationale underneath the proposed concentration and its relation to his or her career and/or personal goals.

The number of credits and distribution by level should consist of a minimum of 36 credits with a minimum of 18 at the upper level. The 18 upper level credits should represent a logical distribution from various disciplines in the concentration. The concentration needs to show breadth and depth in each subject area chosen.

Some sample individualized concentrations

• Psychology/Legal Studies
• Journalism/Literature
• Environmental Science/Biology
• Business/Political Science
• Political Science/Legal Studies
• Biotechnology/Business
• Business/Communications/RTV
• Nursing/Communications/Business

The Liberal Studies concentration is composed of traditional liberal arts disciplines found in the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences and mathematics. Again, you will be able to pursue this concentration only if you are able to clearly explain the rationale behind the proposed concentration and its relation to your career and/or personal goals.

Concentration Plan of Study Forms
The concentration plan of study (CPS) is the tool you will use to plan your degree completion program. The CPS form offers information on how subject requirements can be met. You may download the form below as a Microsoft Word document (form will open in a new window). To request a course subsitution in a CPS, use the Request for Substitution Form. Additional information on the concentration is also available in the Official Catalog.

• Individualized / Liberal Studies CPS Form
• Use this version if you matriculated prior to July 2009:
  • Individualized / Liberal Studies CPS Form

Please Note: for prospective students this form should simply serve as a guide. Once you have matriculated (enrolled), you will receive personalized degree planning advice from your Academic Counselor.