The Bachelor of Specialized Studies program affords undergraduate students at Ohio University the opportunity to design an area of concentration, which stands as the equivalent of an established major. The program permits you to combine available curricula to create a unique field of study.

Typically, the Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor’s degree. In special circumstances, a person who has completed a prior bachelor’s degree may petition the Director of Degree Programs to seek permission to apply for and complete the BSS degree. The BSS program is not an appropriate choice as a second degree program (double major).

The Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree program reflects the recognition that degree programs, as varied as they are at Ohio University, can not satisfy the legitimate educational requirements of all students. Through specialized studies, you may construct an individualized degree.

To enter the specialized studies program, you must complete an application, available in the University College office, the University College Web site, or at a regional campus student services office, and have it reviewed by a University College advisor, Adult Learning Services Advisor, or regional campus student services staff member. You must consult with and gain approval from two faculty members in the preparation of your program, one of whom must be from your area of concentration. The faculty members must be Group 1 or 2. Final admission is granted only upon successful review of the application by the Bachelor of Specialized Studies review committee, which meets quarterly to consider applications. You will receive a letter indicating the decision of the review committee.

As a student in the Bachelor of Specialized Studies program, you may complete one or more academic minors if the courses taken to meet the minor requirements are not included in the Bachelor of Specialized Studies area of concentration plan. You need to indicate your intention to complete a minor at the time you submit your Bachelor of Specialized Studies application.

Up to 48 hours of credit earned through the Experiential Learning Program may be applied to the Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree program. A maximum of 44 quarter hours from the College of Business may be included in a Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree program.

Bachelor of Specialized Studies students may earn departmental honors through University College. Students must have an accumulated g.p.a. within the top 20 percent of B.S.S. students to be eligible to earn departmental honors. An honors thesis is required. Guidelines and an application are available from the college office or on the Web.

1. Be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student.
2. Have achieved sophomore or higher rank.
3. Have earned an accumulative g.p.a. of 2.0 or above.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree, you must:

1. Earn 192 credit hours, of which at least 80 must be courses with catalog numbers at the 300 level or above as shown in this catalog.
2. Complete no fewer than 45 credit hours of credit (the degree residency requirement) after being admitted to the specialized studies program. This total excludes any transfer, transient, Course Credit by Examination, Independent Study coursework, etc., for which the initial registration occurred prior to application to the specialized studies program.
3. Complete a minimum of 45 credit hours in the selfdesigned area of concentration approved by the Bachelor of Specialized Studies review committee. The area of concentration can include courses that are completed, current, and planned at the time of application. The courses included as current and planned in the concentration become requirements for graduation subject to change only by prior permission from a University College advisor and, in some cases, the Bachelor of Specialized Studies review committee. At least 50 percent (23 hours) of the minimum 45 hours required for the BSS Area of Concentration must be completed by using Ohio University coursework.
4. Complete the University General Education Requirements.
5. Complete the minimum of 48 credit hours of Ohio University coursework to satisfy the University residence requirement.

To have current credit hours included as part of the 45 hour B.S.S. residency requirement, applications must be submitted by the last day of classes in fall, winter, spring quarter, or the full-term summer session.

Programs and Courses

SPST 425: Senior Seminar
In a small, interactive class environment, B.S.S. seniors work with each other, Ohio University graduates, and University College faculty and staff to reflect on students’ academic experiences and prepare for life beyond Ohio University. Open to all B.S.S. seniors, the course is taught each winter and spring quarters on the Athens campus. This course is offered via correspondence through the Distance Learning Office.

SPST 490: Internship
This course is available to all B.S.S. students who develop work or volunteer experience related to their B.S.S. curriculum and who desire to earn up to 10 credit hours for their experience. An internship proposal and 2.5 accumulative gpa is required. Applications are available on the Web and in University College, 140 Chubb Hall.

The Richard Brackin Scholarship
A $750 scholarship awarded each spring to a non-traditional B.S.S. student. Applications are available from a B.S.S. advisor or on the Web.

Special Projects Fund
B.S.S. students may apply for funding for up to $500 to support a research project or experiential learning activity related to their programs of study. An application is required and may be obtained from an advisor or on the Web.