Bachelor of Individualized Studies
Have interests — or credits — that don't fit into a traditional major? Shawnee State's B.I.S. lets you design a degree around your own background and goals, combining two or more academic areas with the guidance of a faculty advisory committee, on campus or 100% online.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) at Shawnee State University empowers you to take ownership of your education by designing a degree that reflects your unique interests, experiences, and professional goals. Whether you’re a transfer student looking to maximize previous credits, a working adult aiming to complete a degree, or someone with interdisciplinary interests that don’t fit into a traditional program, the BIS offers the freedom and structure to make it happen.
This program is not tied to a single major or career path—it’s built around your goals. Working closely with a faculty advisor, you’ll design a personalized course of study that combines two or more academic areas. The BIS also encourages real-world relevance, making it ideal for students looking to advance their careers or broaden their intellectual horizons.
With flexible on-campus and online options, this program is designed to fit your life. You’ll build a solid academic foundation in general education, deepen your expertise in your chosen focus areas, and graduate with a degree that’s as unique as you are.
Jennifer Pauley, Ph.D.
Title: Associate Provost
Email: jpauley@shawnee.edu
Phone: (740) 351-3299
How to Apply
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Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Pauley to begin the process.
jpauley@shawnee.edu
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Submit online application and transcript.
We’ll request the transcript from your high school for you.
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision & aid
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Bachelor of Individualized Studies
Degree
B.I.S.
Format
On campus or 100% online
Length
4 years
Credits
120 minimum
Class Size
12:1
Location
Main Campus, Portsmouth, Ohio & Online
Start Date
6 entry points; next start date October 19
Why Study Bachelor of Individualized Studies at Shawnee University
Design your own degree. Draw from two or more disciplines and build a plan of study that reflects your unique interests, experience, and professional goals — it's not tied to a single major.
Get credit for what you've already done. Previously earned college credit, military training, and workforce experience can all count toward your degree, so transfer students and returning adults don't start over.
Work with real support. You'll collaborate with a faculty advisory committee to build and approve a personalized plan of study, not navigate it alone.
Finish on your terms. Flexible on-campus and online options make the BIS a strong fit for working students limited to evenings, off-campus, or distance learning.
Built for real-world relevance. The program encourages you to connect your coursework to your career, so what you study translates directly into professional advancement.
The BIS requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, including General Education requirements and a combined 75+ credit hours in elective and upper-division individualized or specialized areas of study. The curriculum is built around your interests and approved by a faculty advisory committee. Students must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete at least 30 of the required credit hours at Shawnee State. It's recommended that each student complete a significant course of study (15–18 credit hours) in at least two areas of emphasis (for example, Marketing and Communications).
View the full curriculum and sample schedule in the Academic CatalogThe BIS emphasizes independent learning and real-world application. Students can incorporate prior work and educational experience into their academic plan, often earning credit through transfer credit evaluation.
By the time you finish the program, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad academic understanding across multiple disciplines
- Integrate diverse fields of study into a cohesive understanding of complex issues
- Apply critical thinking and communication skills across academic and professional settings
- Design and execute an academic plan that reflects personal, professional, or intellectual interests
Shawnee State University offers the Bachelor of Individualized Studies in both on-campus and online formats, giving working students who are limited to evening, off-campus, or distance learning classes the flexibility to complete their degree in the format that works best for them.
Tuition and financial aid
Shawnee State's tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Bachelor of Individualized Studies Frequently Asked Questions
Students who are seeking a broad education, wish to combine disciplines, or want to complete a previously started degree.
Yes. The BIS program is highly transfer-friendly. However, no more than 9 upper-division hours in individualized areas may be transferred.
No. The BIS is available both on campus and through SSU Online.
Meet with the Associate Provost to form your advisory committee and create your plan of study.
Program handbook
For more information on the academic requirements of the Bachelor of Individualized Studies degree, view the Academic Catalog.
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Additional information about Shawnee State's accreditation status may be found at hlcommission.org.
