Students and employers who have specific career objectives that existing degree programs cannot meet, may find the Individualized Career Studies degree a perfect program to meet their educational and professional needs. Together with an advisor, the student develops an individualized curriculum that matches his/her specific purposes. Some students may wish to tailor their learning program to reflect their current occupational goals, while others may seek to build on previously acquired training.

The degree’s 21 semester hour requirement in General Education provides students with a broad background in humanities, social sciences, science, mathematics, and computers.

In addition, the Individualized Career Studies (AAS) includes 30 semester hours of courses within the technical areas selected by the individual student. To complete credits for this component, students may choose a unique combination of courses from the current catalog. They may also include credits from West Virginia’s Tech Prep seamless curriculum, previous vocational training programs (articulated partnerships and individual evaluations), military credits, professional certifications, transfer credits, or credit awarded for experiential (life-long) learning.

Admission into the program requires students to participate in an advising and planning session, which includes:

• Assignment of program advisor who will validate the academic integrity of designed program of study
• Development of a plan outlining career objectives
• Development of an educational plan in keeping with career objectives

The educational plan will include a definition of the area of concentration, statement of educational goals, outcomes to be accomplished through the proposed program and a listing of courses included in the curriculum.

Students may satisfy the free elective category with almost any college credits; however, they should select such credits with the aim of enhancing the attainment of educational and career goals as presented in their program proposal.