Specialized Studies Major (B.I.S.)
Program Overview
The Specialized Studies (B.I.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 Specialized Studies 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.
The Specialized Studies program is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor's degree. In special circumstances, a person who has completed a prior bachelor's degree may petition the director of degree programs to seek permission to apply for and complete the B.I.S. degree. The Specialized Studies major cannot be completed as a second major program of study. Nor can a student declare a double major with the B.I.S. degree.
The Specialized Studies program is available on all Ohio University campuses and online.
*This program was previously BS1112 which awarded the Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BI1118 and will award the Bachelor of Integrative Studies degree effective the 2024-25 catalog year.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
New students may enter OHIO as a Pre-Specialized Studies (ND1112) major. Once attending, new pre-Specialized Studies first-year students are encouraged to become oriented to the Specialized Studies program and regularly meet with their advisor to develop their proposal throughout their first year.
Currently registered, degree seeking students may apply to the Specialized Studies program as early as the term in which they anticipate reaching sophomore rank (at least 30 semester hours earned) and will have attained a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
Change of Program Policy
Students may declare pre-Specialized Studies. as a major. Declaring a pre-Specialized Studies. major does not remove a student's current major. However, after the student officially applies to the Specialized Studies program with a proposed curriculum, the student's previous major will be removed once the individualized major program is approved.
To declare the pre-Specialized Studies major, students shall connect with a Specialized Studies academic advisor on their campus (OHIO online students remain with their academic advisor). Please call 740-593-1935 for assistance in identifying an appropriate advisor for a campus. Set up a meeting with the academic advisor to become oriented and begin collaborating on a Specialized Studies proposal. Students should expect to regularly meet with their Specialized Studies advisor 3-5 times once a rough draft of the proposed program is established to prepare the proposal for faculty partnership and formal review for admission to the program. Alternately, pre-Specialized Studies students may enroll in UC 2610 - General Studies Seminar to develop their proposal.
Students should formally submit their proposals to establish residency for that term no later than the deadline of one month and one day prior to the last day of the term. Proposals will be reviewed by the review committee each term on a rolling basis from weeks 1 through 11 during fall and spring. Approved students will begin their residency the semester in which the complete and authorized application proposal was submitted, so long as it was submitted by the stated application deadline.
External Transfer Admission
Students who have transferred from another institution may apply to the Specialized Studies major following the application procedure described above. The Specialized Studies program can be a very good option for transfer students, as transfer work accepted by Ohio University can be used to help meet requirements for the degree, including the Area of Concentration. Transfer students should be aware of the Residency Requirement (hours completed as a Specialized Studies major) of 30 hours, as well as the 39 hours required at the 3000-/4000-level. Also, transfer students are required to complete at least 32 semester hours through Ohio University to receive a bachelor's degree from Ohio University, and at least 50 percent of the major (Area of Concentration) must be completed through OHIO. Transfer students may begin working with their advisor prior to enrollment OR enroll in UC 2610 to develop their proposal.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
By its nature, the Specialized Studies program is unique to each individual, making a general statement regarding career preparation impractical. The application process, however, requires a statement of rationale for pursuing the major and for selection of courses in the Area of Concentration. This statement includes the student's educational and career goals and requires the student to thoroughly research pathways to their goals. Many students in the program design a major with a specific career goal or graduate program in mind. Additionally, the Specialized Studies major has internship and special projects options, which can provide upper-level course credit and further students' preparation for their particular career objectives. The Specialized Studies program works closely with a career coach to offer students career support.