If you wish to pursue a two-year program of study in a field other than those available through one of the other associate degree options, you may design your own program of study to meet particular goals through the Associate in Individualized Studies (AIS) degree program.
Application and Degree Design Process
Although there are no specific course or academic area requirements (other than Tier I freshman English composition and quantitative skills), your application must outline your intended course of study, and it must include a proposed area of concentration consisting of two or more subject areas.
You must consult with two AIS faculty reviewers (tenure-track or instructional faculty members) in the preparation of your program, one of whom must be from your area of concentration.
Admissions Information
First-Year Admission
To enter the Individualized Studies program, declare the pre-AIS major code with the University College office at 740.593.1935 or visit Chubb Hall 140. Students may update their program with University College, regional campus, or e-Learning advisors, who will also advise the student's self-designed AIS curriculum proposal. An academic advisor is assigned once the pre-AIS major code is declared.
To submit an application for direct admission to the AIS. program, a student must currently be registered as a pre-AIS student and submit a completed curriculum proposal.
External Transfer Admission
Students who transfer to Ohio University from another institution may apply to the Associate in Individualized Studies, following the procedure for application described above. Transfer students should be aware of the AIS residency requirement of 20 hours (hours completed as an AIS major) and the need for at least 50 percent of their major (area of concentration) to be satisfied with Ohio University course work, as well as the Ohio University residency requirement of 20 hours for an associates degree.
Change of Program Policy
To submit an application for admission to the program, you must currently be registered as a degree-seeking student. To graduate with an Associate in Individualized Studies degree, you must:
- Earn 60 hours
- Earn at least 20 hours after admission to the AIS program (degree residency requirement)
- Complete University Tier I freshman-level requirements in English composition and quantitative skills
- Complete an approved area of concentration, consisting of at least 20 hours, which has coherence and educational purpose equivalent to an established degree program. At least 50 percent of coursework for the AIS area of concentration must be completed at Ohio University.
- Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the area of concentration and overall to earn the degree.
Applications for the AIS are accepted by the tenth week of fall and spring semesters. You will receive a letter indicating the decision of the review committee, following review of your application, at the end of the semester in which it was submitted.
A maximum of 15 credits earned through the Experiential Learning Program may be applied to the AIS degree.
