What is Individualized Study?

Students in the School of Individualized Study are unique. But they all share a common trait: Their interests don’t fit neatly into a traditional bachelor’s or master’s degree program. And, just like you, they have ideas about what they want to study, and where they want to go after they graduate. An individualized degree is the roadmap you need on how to structure a degree that gets you where you want to go.

RIT’s School of Individualized Study offers two individualized degrees: An individualized program bachelor’s degree and a professional studies master’s degree. In both programs, you have access to RIT’s rich academic portfolio that includes more than 80 undergraduate degrees and more than 100 graduate degrees. With thousands of courses to choose from, you can hand pick and blend a selection of course work to create a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree that accomplishes your professional aspirations. And you’ll do it all with a team of academic advisors who continuously provide hands-on guidance, career counseling, and personalized support.

Crafting your own degree program sounds complicated. In reality, it’s more about identifying your interests, selecting the courses that fit what you want to do, and putting the plan in motion.

Students find their way to the School of Individualized Study through a variety of paths.

• First Year and Transfer Students: Some of our students find their way to us as first-year students, enrolling in RIT right after they graduate from high school. Others spend time in undergraduate degree programs before realizing that the courses they’re taking aren’t exactly what they want, or they learn through their course work and faculty connections about related but alternative career paths and professional possibilities. 
• Graduate Students: Our graduate students often have a clear idea of what they want in an advanced degree and are seeking a way to tailor a master’s degree around specific career goals or to acquire a set of professional skills that will advance their career.

Whether you are pursuing your bachelor’s or your master’s degree in individualized study, the process is the same. You’ll start out by meeting with one of our academic advisors, who will spend time learning about you. They’ll talk to you about topics of study that you like and don’t like, and listen as you share your career goals and aspirations. Next, they’ll talk to you about course selection, and identify what classes you need to take to gain the skills you’re looking to acquire. Our advisors will connect you to faculty members so you can meet and learn about exciting career options. As you work together to map out each semester, your advisors will help you select courses and guide you on extracurricular activities–co-ops and internships, research opportunities, study abroad, and more–that will help round out your education. And, as your interests change, or expand into new areas, advisors will work with you to adjust your plan of study to accommodate your evolving goals.