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Chart Your Own Course
The Individualized Studies, B.A., major helps you to develop your own plan of study under the guidance of advisers. You will take a core set of classes while examining complex issues that interest you in courses across the university.
This degree culminates in a self-designed project that positions you for entry into graduate school or the workplace.
Contact Information
Zackary Hill
Lead Departmental Advisor
Western Program
114 Peabody Hall
701 Western College Dr., Oxford, OH 45056
hillzd@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-3796
Curriculum and Courses
The major is designed for flexibility so you can develop your own course of study. In your first year, you will begin with an introductory writing-intensive course and another on interdisciplinary inquiry. You will also concentrate on the Miami Plan, a well-rounded course of study that provides you with an excellent liberal arts education. Through the Miami Plan, you will get a solid base in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts, and formal reasoning. You will be able to explore many of your academic interests, and begin to think about how you want to integrate them.
- WST 251 Individualized Studies Seminar
- WST 301 Interdisciplinary Problems
- WST 421 Proposal Workshop
My Individualized Studies major allows me to take an interdisciplinary perspective on all I do, giving me the ability to take in key concepts from a variety of disciplines and apply them to any situation.
Aiyana White ’23
The Western Center for Social Impact and Innovation
The Western Center builds upon the strengths of today’s Individualized Studies (Western) Program and honors the history of social engagement and activism throughout the 150 years of educational innovation on the Western Campus.
The Center operates as a gathering place for the Western community as well as a nexus for student and faculty engagement across Miami University, focusing on local, national, and global issues of social justice.
Careers in Individualized Studies
The Individualized Studies major is suited for students interested in careers in diverse fields. Career examples from recent graduates include:
- Brewer at Terrapin Beer Company
- Cyber Threat Technologist at Booz Allen Hamilton
- Spanish Literacy Promoter in the Peace Corps
- Teaching Fellow at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
- Reporter for The Washington Post
- Graduate student in programs in law school, nursing, social work, student affairs, and creative nonfiction
Senior Project Examples
Classes taught by Western Program faculty engage students in interdisciplinary thinking and form a foundation for individualized and integrated study that draws from the humanities, sciences, arts, social sciences, and professional programs.
Students have designed senior projects in such categories as:
- Global Fashion Design
- The Media and Body Image
- Sustainable Business Integration
- Diversity in Leadership
- Interactive Storytelling
- New Approaches in Counterterrorism
Scholarships
Western Program majors and minors are eligible for multiple scholarship opportunities, including need and merit-based support as well as study abroad.
Additional Opportunities
Western Center for Social Impact and Innovation
Additional Opportunity #1 Description: The Western Center for Social Impact and Innovation is Miami’s interdisciplinary hub for student engagement with issues of social justice within the context of global change. Programming through the Western Center encourages students and faculty from every subject area to explore complex questions.
Facts and Stats
Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.
First-to-second year retention
Miami University Data
Among Public Universities in the United States for Four-Year Graduation Rate
The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac
of 2018-2019 graduates who were employed or furthering their education by fall 2019
Miami University Data
This is Where Your Journey to Miami University Begins
Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.