Updated 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog | 20245

Individualized Studies is a degree program developed by the student in consultation with an advisor from their concentrated area(s) of study.  The nature of this degree provides students with the flexibility to design a program of study, based on prior course work in a major and the selection of a sequence of elective courses.  Students can choose a program of study that is focused on their specific interests of study and professional goals.  

No more than 30 credits from the Individualized Studies degree program may be applied toward a double-major or second degree in the designated disciplines.

Individualized  Studies Program Requirements
Students eligible to declare Individualized Studies as their bachelor’s degree program of study must have completed a minimum of 72 semester credits.

The degree program requires completion of 44 semester credits in the student’s choice of courses from the following disciplines at the 3000-4000 level, and a one-credit capstone course from one of the following disciplines excluding Psychology and Social Work, with a 2.25 minimum GPA. Students may complete a 6-12 credit internship or applicable work experience as a part of the 45 credits required at the 3000-4000 level in the following disciplines excluding Psychology and Social Work.  

Accounting                    
Business Administration                        
Mass Communication    
Technology, Art, and Design        
Criminal Justice
Human Performance, Sport, and Health
Professional Education
Psychology    
Social Work

Admission to the Program
Upon successful completion of 72 semester credits, students may apply for the B.S. in Individualized Studies degree program.

Following the initial inquiry, students are required to contact the Advising Success Center at advising@bemidjistate.edu to set up an appointment to discuss the requirements and admission process for this degree program. 

Students who have successfully completed 72 semester credits and who have an interest in the Bachelor of Science in Individualized Studies degree program must submit an application through the Advising Success Center. The application must address the following points:

1.    A statement of understanding about the freedom of choice associated with this degree;
2.    A statement of future plans to use this degree for personal growth, further study, employment, or other purposes;
3.    An outline of a projected course of study and date of graduation.

The application is reviewed by the Individualized Studies program admission committee which is made up of the department chairs from the departments of  1) Criminal Justice, 2) Human Performance, Sport, and Health, 3) Professional Education, 4) Psychology, and 5) Social Work in the College of Health Sciences and Human Ecology, or the department chairs from 1) Accounting, 2) Business Administration, 3) Mass Communication, and 4) Technology, Art, and Design from the College of Business, Technology, and Communication.; dependent upon the college in which the majority of the courses of the proposed program are offered. When the application is approved, the student may declare the Individualized Studies degree program.

Individualized Studies Advising Worksheet
The credits for the Individualized Studies major may be distributed in various ways.  For example:
•    Broad distribution across the two colleges.
•    Concentration in various areas of interest, including minors.
•    Organization in a formal program of study of one or more major themes, such as critical thinking, career focus, science, and technology.