Associate in Individualized Studies Major (A.I.S.)

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Major code AI5508

University College
Chubb Hall 140
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1935
Fax: 740.593.0206
http://www.ohio.edu/univcollege

Tanya Barnett, Director of Degree Programs

Program Overview

If you wish to pursue a two-year program of study in a field other than those available through one of the other associate’s degree options, you may design your own program of study to meet particular goals through the Associate in Individualized Studies degree program.

To be admitted to the program, you must complete an application–available in the University College office, on the University College website (http://www.ohio.edu/univcollege/degree/AISAPPL.htm), or in a regional campus student services office–and schedule an interview with a University College, Adult Learning Services, or regional campus advisor. Admission to the program is granted only upon review of the application by the A.I.S. review committee.

Although there are no specific course or academic area requirements (other than Tier I freshman English composition and quantitative skills), the 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 faculty members in the preparation of your program, one of whom must be from your area of concentration. Both faculty members must be Group 1 or 2.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

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 A.I.S. 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 A.I.S. 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 A.I.S. degree.

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 A.I.S. residence requirement of 20 hours (hours completed as an A.I.S. 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.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Because the curriculum plan in the Associate in Individualized Studies is unique to each student, depending on the student’s educational and career goals, potential opportunities upon graduation vary with the student.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree Information

Second Associate’s Degree

You cannot earn the same associate’s degree twice. Furthermore, you are not permitted to earn both the A.A. and A.S. degrees. If you have already earned the A.I.S. degree, you are not permitted to earn either the A.A. or A.S. degree. Although it is possible to complete an A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree with a double major, you can earn the degree only once. If an A.A. or A.S. has been completed previously, you will not be permitted to complete the A.I.S.

Associate’s Degree After a Baccalaureate Degree

Typically, the Associate in Individualized Studies degree is not an appropriate degree program for someone who previously has 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 in University College to seek permission to complete the A.I.S. degree. The Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science degree will not be granted if you have already earned a baccalaureate degree.

Major Hours Requirements

The Associate in Individualized Studies program requires a minimum of 60 hours. To graduate with an Associate in Individualized Studies degree, you must:

Earn 60 semester credit hours;
Earn at least 20 hours after admission to the A.I.S. 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 A.I.S. area of concentration must be completed at Ohio University; and
Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the area of concentration and overall to earn the degree.