Online Study
Applied Arts and Science
Program Overview
The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies offers students the opportunity to tailor individualized undergraduate programs of technical and professional study through its applied arts and science program. Students will work with advisers and the program review committee to design a unique, multidisciplinary plan of study.
It’s a proven fact that the right education can pay off in career success. That’s what the applied arts and science degrees (AAS and BS), through the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, are all about. Through these programs, you will have the opportunity to essentially create your own undergraduate program of technical and professional study. You’ll work closely with advisers and the program review committee to co-design a unique, multidisciplinary plan of study combining several areas. CMS also works with employers to design programs that are specially suited to the needs of employees.This unique educational opportunity is ideal for individuals who have previous college-level learning as well as those who are interested in changing majors or who want to advance career skills and expertise in several areas of knowledge.
There's no education quite like yours
Your applied arts and science program will be unique—
completely customized to your needs—and unlike any other.
That’s because each program takes into account the student’s
previous learning and brings together a special combination
of courses that are right for his or her career and professional
development. Rather than one major field of study, you can
select up to four concentrations and use available courses in
the online format to complete the upper level requirements
or combine them with on-campus courses at RIT or other
colleges (with approval).
For example, one program might lead to a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in information technology, public relations, and management; while another could lead to a bachelor’s degree that combines technical communication and health systems administration. Today, career and professional plans are certain to evolve. When they do, and as the demands of technical and professional fields change students can update plans of study working in cooperation with their advisers.
Common features of applied arts and science degrees
Every applied arts and science degree has certain common traits:
1. A preliminary program of study developed with an academic adviser. The program review committee has final approval of all plans of study and authorizes your approved program.
2. General education courses in mathematics, computer literacy, science, and liberal arts (52 credits for the AAS, 90 for the BS).
3. One or more professional concentrations that provide each student with the opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary program tailored to specific career and personal objectives.
4. Students must achieve program and professional concentration GPAs of at least 2.0 in order to be certified.
Transfer your previously earned credit
Credit may be given for course work taken at regionally accredited
institutions of higher education, credit by exam, or credit
for experience. Your adviser will evaluate your transfer credit and
help you explore other possibilities for earning credit as part of
the admission process.
Academic advising
As your career plans evolve and the demands of your technical
or professional field change, you and your adviser may update
your plan of study. The program’s advisers are professionals in
planning educational programs that work for adults.
Flexible entry requirements
RIT’s innovative online learning program is designed for students
with some prior college experience including associate degrees.
To receive your AAS and/or BS degree, you are required to
complete at least 45 quarter hours of credit from RIT. You will
work closely with your adviser. Your proposed plan of study will
be submitted to the Applied Arts and Science Degree Program
Review Committee for final approval.
Curriculum Review
Diploma - 36 total credit hours; one area of concentration.