Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Individualized Studies

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Individualized Studies with specialization in business, communication and applied technology is offered through the University’s Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies, which features programs for adults and working professionals. The degree is aimed at students who are interested in combining business theory with technological skills that are vital in today’s workplace. Students find that their course work has an intense practical orientation.  They are able to apply the skills they learn immediately in their day-to-day working lives.

The program’s goal is to increase the student’s understanding of communication, management, applied technology and business in the world economy. Students in the program develop expertise that has proved invaluable in a wide range of settings, including local, national and international corporations. Expertise gained from the program is also invaluable in the public sector and the not-for-profit world.

The BAIS degree is ideally suited to employed adult learners who have already earned some college credit. FDU will accept up to 90 credits, of the 120 required for the degree, from other sources. (See Accelerating Your Degree.) Students who receive the full 90 credits may complete the degree in as little as 18 months.

The program is designed as a timely and cost efficient vehicle to enable adult learners to complete their undergraduate degrees. Classes are organized in 12 week trimesters, beginning in September, January and April. In addition, classes will be available in a shorter summer session beginning in July.

Studies focus on developing professional skill in such areas as:

• Oral, written and technological communication
• Effective use of technology
• Strategic planning
• Problem-solving techniques
• Leadership styles
• Team-building
• Cross-cultural communication
• Customer service theory

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for the baccalaureate degree are as follows:

• Completion of a minimum of 120 credits;
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00;
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in the upper level courses completed at Fairleigh Dickinson University;
• At least 9 Fairleigh Dickinson University credits in the Specialized Study Area at the 2000 level or above; and
• A minimum of 30 credits (normally the last 30) at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Students completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies degree are required to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas.

I.  Communication, Mathematics and Computer Skills
Requirement: 18 credits (6 courses)

The ability to use the English language orally and in writing, the ability to understand and use basic mathematical symbols and the mastery of basic computer skills are required of all students in the program.

Writing
Requirement: 9 credits (3 courses)
Any combination of freshman writing and advanced-level writing courses or their equivalent at other institutions. At least one advanced-level writing course must be taken at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Oral Communication
Requirement: 3 credits (1 course)
Public speaking

Mathematics
Requirement: 3 credits (1 course)
At least one college-level math course.

Computer Skills
Requirement: 3 credits (1 course)
Fundamentals of computer use.

II. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Requirement: 24 credits (8 courses)

Students are exposed to social, scientific, aesthetic, moral and religious ideas.

Humanities
Requirement: 9 credits (3 courses)
At least two of the following areas must be represented:

• Art History/Appreciation
• Literature
• Music History/Appreciation
• Theater History
• Foreign Language
• History
• Philosophy

Social Sciences
Requirement: 9 credits (3 courses)
At least two of the following areas must be represented:

• Anthropology
• Economics
• Geography
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

Natural Sciences
Requirement: 6 credits (2 courses)
Six credits selected from the following areas:

• Life Sciences
• Chemistry
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
• Physics

At least one course must be a laboratory science course. A first year science course for majors may be substituted for any of the recommended courses listed.

III. University Core
Requirement: 12 credits (4 courses)

Fairleigh Dickinson University requires all students to complete this common University Core curriculum consisting of the following four integrated courses that have a strong emphasis on liberal arts:

CORE 1006 The Global Challenge
CORE 2007 Perspectives on the Individual
CORE 2008 Cross-cultural Perspectives
CORE 3009 The American Experience: The Quest for Freedom

Students who receive 30-59 transfer credits are exempt from Core 3009. Students who receive 60 or more transfer credits are exempt from both Core 3009 and 2008.

IV.  International Perspective
Requirement: 3 credits (1 course)

This requirement may be met through one of a variety of designated courses from anthropology, business, economics, literature, fine arts, history, music, philosophy, political science or sociology. Course must emphasize an international perspective.

V.  Specialized Studies:
Communication, Business & Applied Technology
Requirement: 18 -24 credits

The coursework in the Specialized Studies Area is designed to provide broad intellectual exposure to business, communication, and applied technology. The structure of these specializations allows students to develop the skill sets that will enable them to operate more effectively in today’s business environment.

Of the 18-24 credits required in the Specialized Studies Area, a minimum of 9 credits must be completed at FDU in 2000 or higher level courses. Students may select from the following list of courses, which is intended to be representative.

Business:

Liberal Arts:

Public Service Administration:

VI.  Free Electives
Requirement: 39-45 credits

Courses in this area are selected to complement the area of specialized studies chosen by the student.