About the Program
Special Student Programs
Keith Fulcher, Director
South Wing 310
(716) 878-5303
suny.buffalostate.edu/programs/individualized-studies
The individualized studies program provides students with a vehicle to design their own unique programs of study. The program allows students to investigate a theme, an issue, a problem, or a particular career interest and to formulate a specific curriculum accordingly. Individualized studies provides appreciable academic advisement so that students can integrate and synthesize several academic fields.
The program offers students a choice between two distinct options. Students may combine any two compatible minor programs (Track I) or develop their own programs of study by drawing upon the offerings of two to four different academic fields (Track II). Students in both tracks complete all collegewide degree expectations: the Intellectual Foundations requirements and unrestricted electives. Both tracks require a senior-level integrating research project as a culminating degree experience.
Since individualized studies is particularly attractive to working adult students, it recognizes and embraces college-level experiential learning generated outside the formal classroom.
Admission Requirements
Entering students must have a minimum 2.3 GPA and must expect to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours under individualized studies advisement once accepted into the major.
Program Requirements
General Education 23 Requirements
33 credit hours 33
Individualized Studies Major Requirements (39-45 credit hours)
Select one from the following tracks and complete the Culminating Project: 39-45
Track I: Two minors
or
Track II: Two to four academic fields, maximum of six courses per discipline
Culminating Project 495 3
All College Electives
9-42 credit hours 9-42
Total Credit Hours 120