The Bachelor of Specialized Studies (B.S.S.) program allows students to create a faculty-approved, individualized, multidisciplinary degree program tailored to their individual academic interests and/or career needs. In conjunction with faculty and staff, students design an Area of Concentration that stands as the equivalent of pre-established major.
The B.S.S. program is appropriate if you would like to combine courses from different academic departments to create a unique major, or if you have interests and career goals not met by a current Ohio University major.
Specialized Studies Courses
The B.S.S. major has internship and special projects options, which can provide upper-level course credit and further students’ preparation for their particular career objectives. Up to 30 hours earned through the Prior Learning Assessment Program may be applied to the program and courses required to earn a certificate may be included in the Area of Concentration.
Sample Courses
B.S.S.-specific courses include:
InternshipsStudents who develop work or volunteer experience related to their B.S.S. curriculum can earn up to 15 credit hours for their experience.
Special ProjectsThis course option allows students to pursue a unique learning experience, such as independent study, research, international experience, or a conference presentation.
Senior SeminarIn this seminar, seniors work with faculty members and with classmates to reflect on academic experiences and prepare to launch into life beyond Ohio University.
Thesis
Students may choose to work on a research or creative project for their thesis. This optional course is intended for students who plan to graduate with B.S.S. departmental honors.
College Requirements:
Major Residency
At least 50% of the course work taken in the major must be completed at Ohio University.
Area of ConcentrationPropose 15 courses (approximately 30 - 50 hours) in your self-defined Area of Concentration. This should include courses that most accurately represent your intended major and career path.
39 Hour 3000-Level or Above RequirementComplete at least 39 hours from coursework at or above the 3000-level.
B.S.S. Residency RequirementThe residency requires no fewer than 30 hours at Ohio University.
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Potential Careers
The Specialized Studies degree is unique to each student. Graduates are entrepreneurs, business and non-profit leaders, educators, artists, and more.
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Tuition and Fees
The OHIO Guarantee takes the guesswork out of budgeting for college and provides a fixed rate table for tuition and most fees for four years (or 12 consecutive semesters).
Financial aid for undergraduate students (regardless of discipline) is available in the form of scholarships, grants and student loans. Visit our Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to learn more.
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West Virginia and Kentucky Residents
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Learning Environment
The B.S.S. major is available on all campuses and through OHIO Online. The B.S.S. program works closely with the Student Success at OHIO to offer students career and leadership development resources.
Program Admission Requirements
First-Year Students
Anyone who holds a high school diploma or has a GED certificate is eligible for admission to any Ohio University regional campus. Regional campuses have a rolling admissions policy which means that students may be admitted anytime during the year. Applicants will be accepted until class begins each semester. However, prospective students are advised to begin the application process as soon as possible so that they may be given important dates and deadlines in a timely manner. Freshmen applicants are encouraged to complete an online application for enrollment .
Transfer and Current OHIO Students
You are a transfer applicant if you have completed nine or more semester (12 quarter) hours at another institution after you graduated from high school. If you have completed fewer than nine semester hours, you will apply as a freshman applicant. To apply as a transfer student, applicants are encouraged to complete an online application for enrollment .
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* Includes scholarships, grants, loans, federal work student and CARES/HEERF funding.